Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
elling this country, I assert it is impossible to proceed in the bad.' With this in mind you'd
be better avoiding the wettest months of February and March, and remembering that June
to August can be very damp as well. The driest months are September to November, with
December and January worth the risk. April and May are fairly safe apart from the pos-
sibility of cyclones. The east coast has other problems: sharks and dangerous currents. So
although there are beautiful beaches, swimming is safe only in protected areas.
Despite - or perhaps because of - these drawbacks, the northeast may be Madagascar's
most rewarding region for independent travellers. It is not yet on the itinerary for many
groups, yet has a few beautifully situated upmarket hotels for that once-in-a-lifetime hol-
iday, and wonderful exploratory possibilities for the intrepid backpacker. Much of Mada-
gascar's unique flora and fauna is concentrated in the eastern rainforests and any serious
naturalist will want to pay a visit. Other attractions are the rugged mountain scenery with
rivers tumbling down to the Indian Ocean, the friendly people, abundant fruit and seafood,
andaccesstothelovelyislandofIleSainteMarie.Thechiefproductsoftheeastarecoffee,
vanilla, bananas, coconuts, cloves and lychees.
HISTORY
This region has an interesting history dominated by European pirates and slave traders.
While powerful kingdoms were being forged in other parts of the country, the east coast
remained divided among numerous small clans. It was not until the 18th century that one
ruler, Ratsimilaho, unified the region. The half-caste son of Thomas White, an English pir-
ate, and briefly educated in Britain, Ratsimilaho did so in response to the attempt by Chief
Ramanano to take over all the east coast ports. His successful revolt was furthered by his
judiciouslymarryinganimportantprincess;byhisdeathin1754heruledanareastretching
from the Masoala Peninsula to Mananjary.
The result of this liaison of various tribes was the Betsimisaraka, now the second-largest
ethnic group in Madagascar. Some (in the area of Maroantsetra) practise second burial, al-
though with less ritual than the Merina and Betsileo.
DISTANCES IN KILOMETRES
Toamasina-Mahambo 90km
Toamasina-Soanierana-Ivongo 163km
Toamasina-Mahavelona
61km
Iharana-Sambava
153km
