The train to travel through Madagascar
Travelling by car is good, but why not sometimes take the time to discover a country at the pace of the train? Travel by train to Madagascar , it is to discover another facet of the country, between the landscape parade on an old train, to be surprised by very remote places and to meet the locals... in short, it is travel differently .
From Fianarantsoa to Manakara by train
Nearly 163 km of track will take you from the Highlands to the East Coast. You will cross not only the landscapes of rice fields but also plunge into the immense greenery of the rainforest of the Malagasy East with its pretty waterfalls, rivers, steep cliffs, its hills populated with banana trees or ravinala the emblem of the country!
By leaving Fianarantsoa, capital of wine in Madagascar, the train you will travel between rice fields and valleys to lush vegetation before unveiling the famous plantation tea of Sahambavy . A little further is the village of Ranomena, located on the cliff side, which marks the beginning of a descent of several kilometers.
Afterwards the landscape begins gradually to turn, the vast expanses of cultures leaving room for more mountainous decors, much more suitable for banana plantations. A route dotted with several tunnels during which the train also passes through bridges, such as that which is close to the sumptuous Mandriampotsy Falls .
You'll then get to Manampatrana , region living at the rate of products. The forest has left its place in the ravinala to the hills and the train continues its path along the low rivers... One last descent will lead you to Sahasinaka . Note that it is possible to descend about 4km from the station to discover the Faraony waterfall one of the most beautiful in Madagascar. By continuing your train trip, the mountains are becoming less and less present to make a new place for rice fields at a loss of sight. You are now near the sea, welcome to Manakara !
Note : The many stops of the old train throughout the journey will allow you to go to meet the inhabitants of the isolated villages. The opportunity to exchange with a population in the joyous mood, despite their poverty!
If you are interested in the trip, you can find many ideas of circuits in Madagascar. This country awaits you with all the smiles and beauties!
Main photo: http://marylahulote.blogspot.fr/
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