The guide book author Hilary Bradt has been to Madagascar 27 times. Either it is an extraordinary place or she has a bad memory.

The Malgasy are the friendliest people I have ever met and the flora and fauna are also unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Instead of returning to Joburg after my ride south I'm now going to ride north and fly 'Le Heap' back to Tana again. There is no need for a crate, the bike is simply slid into the cargo hold on it's side.

I received an email yesterday saying a friend never wanted to leave Mad. I can feel it happening after only ten days.

I'm already planning my third loop west of Tana after the north.

Visit www.fowb.co.uk for more details on this and previous trips.