Linda Brightwell review 25 Sep 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing a lemur defecate on my husband whilst he was standing under it to take a photo - he had been warned. Otherwise, just the whole experience. The leader was fantastic, an enthusiastic, knowledgeable man with great people skills. He had a love of his country that shone through. I have been on many holidays both with this operator and other companies. I am convinced - as is my husband, that Rivo is quite the best we have met by far. He is simply outstanding.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The first 3 days are chilly and wet in the rainforest so bring waterproofs and something warm. The rest of the holiday was hot. Bring walking stick or poles as very useful where some paths are a bit difficult. Be tolerant of those begging, but don't give to them. Contributing to the local economy by buying local goods, even if you later give them away - they are very, very cheap by our standards - helps far more.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The leader was very much in favour of education for local people and showed how tourisim, when not intrusive, was a very good way of getting across that there were other ways to make money than by cutting down the forest.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was educational and I enjoyed it very much. Whilst Rivo was the best leader we have ever had we did find local guides also excellent. The driver and his assistant were also friendly and very helpful. We had a different leader for 2 days towards the end of the holiday. He was also very good, though as we had bonded with Rivo we were very glad when he was able to rejoin us for the last day or so.
Gill Ash review 2 Dec 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the lemurs and all the other wildlife and swimming in the natural rock pool. The speedboat ride to Anakao. Having a rescued lemur jump on my shoulder and lick my nose-such beautiful gentle creatures and so many more. The Malagasy guide Claude and Fi Fi and Damar the drivers couldn't have been more friendly, knowledgeable and hard working.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take plenty of suncream and deet. Some of the terrain was bit tricky in the heat and some of the older members of the group struggled at times-perhaps the activity level should be moved up one star.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope so. Our tips kitty was a good idea as the tips were allocate by Claude, so the porters, local guides and hotel staff all received a reasonable amount. I believe the tour operator supports the local community where we had our homestay.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a great time. The guide and drivers were fantastic and the group great. The accommodation was superb, much better than I expected.
Toby Mailman review 5 Sep 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sighting lemurs.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do not go with this operator, and make sure the itinerary does not have too much "leisure" time. At least five days of this tour were a waste of time. Make sure you are really prepared to deal with rainy, and alternately chilly and warm rain forests with lots of mud, and steep climbs and steep descents. Don't expect to see much if you go on a night walk in the rain forest.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Minimum impact on the environment. However, on this tour, there were too many "optional" (additional cost) activities tied to hotels rather than offering the opportunity for local businesses to benefit from tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
On a scale of 10, I'd say 8.5. The tour leader and driver was good. It was exciting to see the lemurs and other animals in their actual habitat. However, way too much "leisure" time and "optional" activities, including the walk in a baobab forest, one of the highlights of Madagascar, as an "optional" activity that involved addition expensive beyond the original tour price.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your feedback regarding the above holiday. We were sorry to read that you felt there was too much leisure time on this trip. We always factor in some free time on all our holidays so that customers can have the chance to follow up their own particular interests – or just have a bit of time off just to relax. We also offer some optional activities, at extra cost, for activities which experience has shown us will be enjoyed by some but not necessarily all of our customers.
On this particular 14 day trip, we feel we have the balance about right: a free afternoon on Day 4 to visit a local village, at no cost for those who like cultural visits; a free afternoon on Day 6 to stroll round a local market at no cost: this does not need a guide, as everyone will have different choices of places to linger. On Day 10 there is an optional afternoon walk, as we have often had feedback requesting some rest time by that stage; Day 13 is free for beach optionals, and there is a cost for these, as there are quite a few on offer, and we do not want to make a selection for our customers when they might prefer other choices. The walk around Baobabs/Siny forest on the last day is optional, because it is not always possible – the flight schedules can change from time to time, and we do not want to add the cost to the holiday when we may not be able to offer the walk.
