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Lake Ravelobe

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'''Lake Ravelobe, also known as Lac Ravelobe, is a sacred lake located in the [[Ankarafantsika National Park]], 115 kilometres south of [[Mahajanga|Majunga]] in the west of Madagascar.'''
The lake is a true paradise for birdersbirdwatchers, as there are fantastic bird watching opportunities. Amongst the birds which can be observed seen are the [[Madagascar fish eagle]], [[Glossy ibis]], [[Humblot's heron]], [[African darter]], [[Purple Heron]], [[Madagascan jacana]], [[Madagascar paradise-flycatcher]] and [[White-faced whistling duck]].
The lake is sacred to the [[Sakalava]] people. Visitors have the chance to visit a ''doany'', a place where the Sakalava perform their sacred ritual called ''joro''ritual. The joro takes place once a year, usually in July. At During the ritual the Sakalava bless the ancestors and afterwards thereafter admire the sacred lake.<br>
=== Legends about Lake Ravelobe ===
Ravelobe was a Malagasy patriot who participated in World War II. Back home, he asked the French colonists to administrate the cantonment of Ambatoboeny, but his request was denied. He then formed a group of rebells rebels in the ''garafantsy'' ("hill of thorns" - Ankarafantsika area). From there onthereon, Ravelobe and his followers robbed travellers and bypassersin the area.<br><br>
The crocodiles (Nile crocodiles) of Lake Ravelobe are considered sacred. Every year zebus are sacrificed to these the crocodiles, which have a specific special name: ''mampisento'' - "that is sighing". The story of the mampisento crocodiles dates back to the days of [[King Andriamisondrotramasinarivo]] of the [[Marambitsy]] lineage (Sakalava ethnic group, originating from Mitsinjo), who out of pride, not wanting the annexation of the [[Merina]] to his territory during the reign of [[Radama I]] (1810-1828), threw his family and himself into the lake. A gatekeeper of the king declined to follow his master into suicide. Shortly after he died, a crocodile appeared at the shore of the lake and spoke strangely in the voice of the gatekeeper and its sigh was for all those who saw it.
Until today the lake is sacred and pork is not allowed in the area, as the Marambitsy were Muslims.<br><br>

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