Mark's Travel Blog: Anakao, Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, lemurs and Chocolaterie Robert, Madagascar

The journey from Isalo National Park to Toliara went through sapphire mining country. The most dangerous town in Madagascar, Ilakaka, is to be avoided at all costs. Full of criminals, dodgy gem dealers and guns, progress through the town took place at speed with windows closed. Photography unwise.

The area boomed after the discovery of a sapphire the size of a football. To learn about the area and the Madagascan blue sapphire, click here.

Anakao is a small fishing village one hour speedboat ride from Toliara. Here we relaxed in a resort run by Cathy, a highly capable and resourceful Frenchwoman.

Rooms were basic with cold water bucket showers and a personal beach front to relax and watch the sunset prior to food and wine with the others.

Next day some went snorkelling whereas others visited a nearby island to view nesting red tailed tropic birds and their chicks.

Local fishermen prepare to set sail from Anako.

On the outskirts of the capital 'Tana' is the Royal Palace. The monarchy was established by King Andrianampoinamerina following a process of uniting the various Medina tribes.

The main gate to the palace complex.

The Queen's palace shows elaborate paintwork and detailing.

The Kings palace is the rather austere brown building to the left. No way comparable with the grandeur of other 'monarchies'.

The royal tombs of the kings and queens. Constructed as 'houses' to suggest an ongoing presence after death, the crossed fascias at the top represent the horns of zebu cattle.

An opportunity to see up close more lemurs, some not seen before.

A sleepy brown lemur peers boringly at his observers.

A female coquerel's sifaka and her youngster. Hilarious to watch this youngster negotiate the tree branches in its first days away from clinging to mum's back. These sifakas have chestnut coloured arms and thigh with piercing yellow eyes.

The first time the youngster sees me.

The rare mongoose lemur. Scent plays an important role in marking out territory with this species.

The black and white ruffled lemurs prefer a diet of fruit so are very much affected by habitat disturbance. A larger size and more luxuriant fur mean they are more attractive to hunters. Therefore becoming rare. Usually produce twins or triplets which is unusual for the species. Young do not cling to the mother while she forages but placed in nests to wait her return.

The beautifully marked Jewelled chameleon.

The best Madagascan chocolate is Robert's Chocolat. All the other brands fail to compare and are imports. Click here to learn more about Chocolaterie Roberts.