Humpback whales in Mozambique Channel – Buckelwale in der Straße von Mosambik

Humpback whales in Mozambique Channel – Buckelwale in der Straße von Mosambik

Besides sharks, huge rays and African skates as well as Orcas there are many Humpback whales in surrounding seas of Madagascar. In southern winter they move from the Antarctic sea into the warmer water of subtropics to give birth to their calves. They need the warmer water to prevent a shock of hypothermia that could kill the newborn. Especially the bays in the north – like Baie d´Antongil, northeastern Madagascar – are perfect birthplaces because of shallow murky water and a lot of reefs, all of which help keeping the calves safe from predators like bull sharks.

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The Manakara Suicide Bridge

The Manakara Suicide Bridge

Manakara is a drowsy postcolonial town on the southeastern coast of Madagascar, sleeping a ruinous sleep after once having been an important port and trading centre since it had been connected to central highland city of Fianarantsoa by railway tracks in 1936. Nowadays Manakara is suffering from Toamasina (Tamatave) being the major port on the eastcoast because of it´s proximity to the capital Antananarivo and the island of Nosy Boraha (pronounced noosh boor; also: Ste. Marie) which is a major tourist hotspot. There is still a lot of business going on with Fianarantsoa because twice a week the train reaches Manakara after an eleven to 36 hours tour through the rainforest and bleak, treeless hillscapes bringing goods and some tourists, who will have an overnight stay before leaving town again.