Tuesday 20 June

First the good news … David is better and ate a hearty breakfast.

At 8.20, Zo brought to meet us our guide for the day: Merrick. Our first trip was to take a dug out canoe up the river Manambolo to explore 2 limestone caves (we brought our head torches) and to see a traditional ancestral tomb (18th century). Merrick explained to us some of the local traditions and beliefs.

We saw some Pachypodium trees – amongst other things! You can just see them at the top of the rock in the middle of the next photo.

After the river trip we then went on a walk to explore the Small Tsingy; a national park comprising remarkable rock formations amongst which there is a labyrinth of exciting trails.

We had lunch in a local restaurant ( which turned out to be the local mayors!) before then enjoying a relaxing afternoon back at the hotel (including a quick dip in the pool).

Eating the traditional pork and greens which I have forgotten the name!