Jan 8, 2025
Meet nature and respect it - with a good guide - We do not really want to repeat the words, thoughts, and opinions of the previous comments.
In short we have to thank Manitra for the perfect organisation of our holiday trip which turned out to be a fantastic and unforgettable event. We do not like to use expressions like "good value for your money" and excellent service but these are also true.
We would like to confirm the previous comments quoting some words and expressions only:
- friendly,
- excellent organisation,
- competent,
- humorous guides and drivers
- unforgettable experience,
- flexibility,
- helpful, etc.
We immediately wrote a detailed comment after our first adventure in Isalo, so we would not like to delete that, but we are not going to repeat our very similar experiences about the other tours (Morondava, Mantadia NP, Panganal Canal, Ile St. Marie).
Our trip started at Isalo National Park which is an unique place and we were lucky to have a very professional guide we think that he is an educated biologist. He knew everything about the flora and the fauna. The job of the guide is not easy: always have to look down where to step and always have to look around for what to see, and he performed an excellent job, not mentioning his great talent to make photos. We were lucky to see lemurs in the morning and in the afternoon also, that was and unforgettable trip.
Manitra organised our trip with great professionalism and patience. The planning lasted almost 8 months and from time to time we have asked modifications as part of our family could not come, other member of the family would stay shorter, etc. But at last we started the journey and the adventure. From the arrival of the airport everything was going smooth and very well organised.
We were lucky to have Fano and Hiri as drivers and Orelien as our guide during our travel in the mainland. We are really greatful to all of them and to Manitra of course who was always available.
Even the roads of Madagascar could not spoil this wonderful vacation.
We would highly recommend with our full heart to contact Manitra if you want to feel the real Madagascar.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 1, 2025
2 weeks in Madagascar with Lemurs and Chameleons - We did a 2-week tour of Madagascar with our guide, Manitra, and driver, Fano. Both were very professional, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them as they tried to show us as much as possible in the 2 weeks we were with them. Madagascar is not an easy country to visit due to the infrastructure but they came up with a good plan and executed it well. They were available to us whenever we needed something and were always ready to help. The trip would not have have been as good without these two being with us. Their sense of humor helped as well. If you are looking to go to Madagascar then you should definitely try to get Manitra as your guide. He is the best!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 29, 2024
Lemurs, Zebus and Baobabs -OH MY! - We had the best time and got to experience so much. Manitra and his brother, Fanu, tag teamed driving us across the country. Their knowledge of the history and current situations really added greatly to our experience. They were a wonderful conduit between us and the people we met along the way. They also picked some super relaxing hotels, some with infinitely pools looking over the forests. I highly recommend them. When we had to say goodbye at the airport it was like saying goodbye to old friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 15, 2024
Incredible tour of southern and eastern Madagascar - The tour with Manitra was one of the coolest experiences of my life! He is an outstanding guide, and every place we went was beautiful, interesting, and well-organized. I can’t recommend him highly enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aug 2, 2023
Best Madagascar guide, especially for solo female travellers - Manitra is the only tour guide for any trip in Madagascar!!!
Manitra is amazing. He has a solid understanding and knowledge of his country, local history, nature and wildlife. I had no idea of where to visit in Madagascar and Manitra designed a trip catered to my wishes, timescale and comfort level.
He is so mindful of what would make a guest happy and ensures the guest has the best experience. He tailored the trip to my specific requests, but also took the time to gauge my interests.
As a solo female traveller, (despite being well travelled and undertook numerous solo trips in South America, Asia and Europe) this was my first solo trip in Africa.
I felt completely safe and looked after. Manitra is so dedicated and passionate about his country and his craft. I cannot recommend him enough.
I usually do not take guides but understood quickly that you need a driver, car and guide to get around Madagascar safely. I spoke to a number of people and Manitra was the easiest and most patient in terms of organising, booking, and paying for the trip. His English is great, but he can also do tours in Italian, French, German, and I think the list goes on! I also organised my tour with 5 days notice and he accommodated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jun 18, 2022
Manitra Randriambololona: a terrific guide and fantastic driver - Manitra Randriambololona was a terrific guide and a fantastic driver. I was lucky to have him as both.
As a guide: He was super knowledgeable. It was a big plus that he’s the board director and chair of the National Guide Federation. Because he teaches courses on tourism at the Institut National du Tourisme et de L’Hôtellerie, he seemed to know everybody and to have trained most of the guides we met along the way. So all the regional guides he arranged for me were first-rate. Manitra had a good sense of humor too and that’s always a plus.
Madagascar is a country with a lot of bounce (literally) and we covered a lot of ground during my road trip. But note: When you’re told the roads are bad, take what you imagine “bad” to be and multiply it by at least 2X. Sometimes you wonder if they’re really roads at all. Given that the word “road” was often euphemistic, Manitra’s driving was even more impressive and commendable, sometimes on the cusp of miraculous.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 12, 2019
Manitra is one of the best knowledgable tour guide that bring you the magic experience! - I travel with Manitra whom as my private tour guide for 2 weeks to the east and southern Madagascar.
He speaks good English and native language. I remember he also speak French? He is really knowledgable about the natural environment, local culture, animals, plants etc. He did well explain to me everything that all I want to know.
He is also a good driver, caution with the road and weather. He can always be patient and responsible for adust my travel plan according to my personal need.
It was one of the most memorable travels experience for me.
Such a great great journey!!! We became friends after this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor