The day started with a stop at the market in Ambositra. This time, we weren’t shopping for ourselves: we were buying school supplies – paper, pens and other essentials – to donate to a school during our visit the following day. A practical start to the day, before heading south towards Ranomafana.

Our next stop was a viewpoint over the highlands, followed by a visit to the Wednesday market in Vohiposa. First, we passed through the cattle market on the outskirts of town, before continuing to the main market in the center. This was clearly not a place geared towards tourists. Curiosity was mutual, and we certainly attracted our share of attention. The market provided a lively glimpse into the local life, from the trading of livestock to the colorful stalls in the town centre. And one important rule: look, admire, but don’t feed the zebus!

In the afternoon, we continued towards Ranomafana. As we approached the national park, we made two stops to see two waterfalls (the second prominently featured on the 5000 Ariary note) – a first taste of the greener, wetter landscapes ahead. After the dry west and the highlands, we were clearly entering a different part of Madagascar.