28th - Return to Tana

We had a flight back to Tana at 1650 from Toliara airport which meant we left the resort around 1330. Before that we had had lunch but otherwise nothing was set, which meant that we had a couple of last hours to go for a swim and relax.

We were picked up by 4 4x4s (as the bus had left us at the resort and driven back to Tana, ready to pick us up at the airport upon return) which kept a slightly… more fresh speed than the bus was capable of. And they had A/C. Score! On the way to the airport we passed by a minibus that was completely stuffed full with people and they were even seated on the roof – surrounding a large crate. And a big cross erected in the front of the roof. We later confirmed that it was a burial procession and yes; the crate on the roof was actually the casket. Unfortunately, due to the speed of us passing by the vehicle, I didn’t get to get a photo of it. It was a fascinating sight, to be honest.

Air Madagascar is apparently notoriously unreliable, almost half of all departures are delayed and quite a few cancelled due to non-existing reasons. Luckily our flight was only app. ½ an hour late so everything was fine. The flight itself was unremarkable though I got to experience for the first time to be on a flight with free seating. It wasn’t even a small plane but a full 3+3.

Arriving in Tana we were picked up by the bus and went straight for the restaurant in walking distance from the hotel. Dinner was had and on completion we walked to the hotel where the guide and driver/assistant had checked us in while we had been ordering dinner. Afterwards 5 of us went out to have a few drinks. The last 3 of us returned to the hotel at around 0300, a bit later than I had expected but we had fun so who cares?