led towards a decking area, which normally
houses a local cafe shack. Tonight, it has been
closed off and a private butler waits with a
bottle of champagne and canapés. Seated to
a superior view overlooking the lake and Allee
des Baobabs at sunset. It is a most moving
experience. Remaining here until dark, the
scene transforms as the star-spangled night
sky and moon illuminate the trees in haunting
light. Meanwhile, echoes of Malagasy music
and children’s laughter resound from the
surrounding villages, adding depth and richness to the moment. It's a birthday of a lifetime
to remain etched in my memory forever.
Sunset is a popular occasion, seeing a handful
of visitors. But the next morning at sunrise,
464
I return to enjoy the entire Unesco world
heritage site to myself. There’s a spiritual
energy at dawn, a sense of life, hope and
beauty. Sunlight streams through history and
heritage, awakening an inner connection with
the earth. It’s a deeply grounding time, which
only inspires further awe of nature.
Morondava, the rugged
West Coast
The dramatic Palissandre Cote Ouest beachfront lodge is my base in Morondava. Villas
are positioned on a gloriously wild and
barren white-sand beach on the Mozambique
Channel. Peppered with driftwood and shells,
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