Dicing with death: Madagascar

Madagascar situated off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean is the 4th largest island in the world. As a result of it’s isloation from other continents there is a vast array of plants and animals in Madagascar that are only found here. It looks like paradise thanks to the beautiful weather and stunning scenery but life here can be very tough.

Travelling across the island is an arduous task. The roads are dangerous dirt tracks interspered with fast flowing rivers that can only be crossed using bridges that could collapse at any moment. Only 4x4s have any chance of passing but even they often end up stuck underwater. We follow the trials and tribulations of one determined driver as he tries to get his passengers to their destination.

Many here put their lives at risk every day just to make enough to survive. Out of work gameskeepers are turning to poaching to support their families. The almost extinct rosewood trees that grow deep in the forests are highly valued by the Chinese and the sale of one trunk can keep a group of men and their families going for 6 months. So the men risk arrest, injury and even death to find and transport the trees through the forest and over the rapids in missions that can last weeks at a time. Also hoping to get lucky are those mining for sapphires. The myth of easy money has brought people from all over the island, they cram into falling down shacks at night and spend their days 30 metres underground in 40 degree heat with barely any oxygen or chance of finding what they are digging for. It seems living in paradise may not be all it’s cracked up to be.