Testimonial from Charles A trip with 7 friends July 2016 Guide: Adrien

“A delight from start to finish”

We are a group of 7 senior friends, and we spent 3 weeks traveling in Madagascar with Adrien and his team—it was a delight from start to finish! Adrien was waiting for us upon our arrival in Antananarivo with his minibus, his smile, and his good humor… A briefing at the hotel and the start of a dream vacation…

After a day in Antananarivo and the social and cultural shock that this megalopolis delivers, we took the legendary RN 7 to Antsirabe, reaching Miandrivazo on the third day. Every stop along this route through the highlands brought its share of surprises and encounters, each more delightful than the last. Markets, brick factories, vendors selling (delicious) pineapples, and even a colorful, musical Day of the Dead celebration…

Adrien and his driver were very attentive to our wishes, offering many suggestions but never imposing anything. And they provided us with an irreplaceable insight into their country and its customs…?! In short, the start of this trip exceeded our expectations and boded well for what was to come…

“Adrien and his driver were very attentive to our wishes, offering many suggestions but never imposing anything… ”

Miandrivazo marked the start of one of the highlights of our trip: the descent of the Tsiribihina River. There, waiting for us—in addition to Adrien and José (the driver)—was the wonderful crew of La Sirène, our boat for the next three days.

It’s hard to put into words the moments we spent on the water: the colors, the “zen” atmosphere, the crew’s laughter, the feeling of floating outside of time… But the best was yet to come: camping on a sandbar by the river; and the songs and dances offered, not as a performance, but as shared moments among friends… friends.

Unforgettable moments…?! We took our shower in the most magnificent bathroom no luxury hotel could offer; a waterfall and its lake of translucent water serving as a bathtub…?! Magical!

Upon arriving in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, we switched modes of transportation. Now 4x4s will take us to one of Madagascar’s gems: the Tsingy. It’s a mineral landscape that emerged thousands of years ago and forms a chaotic world unlike any other. Navigating the Great Tsingy is sometimes like rock climbing, yet remains accessible to most. Thrills guaranteed—the place is so majestic!!

Return by 4x4 to Belo, then back up to Morondava, partly along the river on ancient, makeshift barges that miraculously carried the vehicles…then via the dirt track (there are few paved roads in Madagascar outside of the RN7).

“A surprise awaited us there: Adrien had brought a birthday cake for Françoise all the way from Antananarivo (a 5-hour drive each way!)”

Last week, we hit the road again by minibus to Ranohira; and Isalo National Park (with its endemic lemurs), the Anja Reserve with its unique flora and fauna. And all along the road to the highlands, we had unforgettable encounters: a village of blacksmiths, another of carpenters, gold prospectors, artisanal paper makers, makers of miniatures from beer cans, and so many others…?!

We stopped in Ranomafana with its tropical climate and rich arboretum. A surprise awaited us there: Adrien had brought a birthday cake for Françoise all the way from Antananarivo (a 5-hour drive each way!). Just one of the many examples of the care he showed us throughout our stay.

Back to the capital for our final days in Madagascar……and a family dinner at Adrien’s for our final evening… We met him three weeks ago as a tour guide; today we’re leaving a friend…

We highly recommend him if you’re looking for a unique, relaxed trip off the beaten path—one that respects your pace and your desires, all with a smile, and often with bursts of laughter…?!