Osborne and Clegg Finish First Leg of Madagascar Circumnavigation
Canoe & Kayak Paddling News
2/1/2008
On the 9th of November 2007 Simon Osborne and Philip Clegg set off to attempt to circumnavigate Madagascar by Sea Kayak. Due to visa restraints and work commitments they split the challenge into two parts. On the 10th of Jan 2008 the first part was successfully completed.
From their blog
With mixed forecasts, talk of the train derailing and the road in poor condition from Manakara we decided to finish our first half of the expedition in Manajary. We are just under half way around Madagascar and will be returing to finish our circumnavigation next year. Our journey back to the capital with the kayaks has gone smoothly so far. The kayaks were carefully tied to the roof of a taxi we arranged to get us to Madagascars second city, Fianarantsoa. The 5 hour journey took us past pristine rain forest and raging rivers. We hope to leave the kayaks at the hotel and take time to explore the interior of the country before we fly back on the 10th. The last week of paddling along the beach went smoothly. The surf was always there but was not too big to land and launch through. The winds stayed on our tail and we spent around 9 hours a day covering good distance. We only landed at the end of the day to limit the number of times we had to tackle the surf. On the whole the expedition has gone amazingly well and we have seen so many spectacular places and met so many friendly people.
Read more at kayakmadagascar.blogspot.com.
Their expedition started in Majunga on the north west coast. From there they paddled on calm seas island hopping all of the way to the most northerly point. When they rounded the top corner the seas and the environment changed. The Indian Ocean swell mixing with the coral reefs and sandy beaches. Throughout the expedition the locals gave them a warm and inquisitive welcome.
The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar holds a profound fascination for all lovers of nature’s variety. Madagascar broke away from continental Africa 65 million years ago, isolating its flora and fauna, so that now its wildlife is predominantly unique. All the island’s mammals, 225 of its 257 reptile species and almost 80 per cent of its plants are endemic; that is, to be found nowhere else on Earth.
Read the trip details at Kayak Madagascar.
|
Add Comment