Phil and Fiona, South Africa

Even to hardened African travellers, madagascar is a hard country to organise tours in. Many times the guide books are not updated (even the latest versions); the emails do not work ("address unknown") or the emails do not get any reply at all. Some replies arrive, but in french, of which my knowledge is limited. We found Come-Mada tours through one of the multiple internet searches we conducted when we were planning our trip last year, a one month trip though September into october 2006. His web site is informative, and the emails are always responded to very promptly, often in hours, and in good English. The tours offered are a good selection of those availible in Madagascar, now even hinting at Masoala. We ended up doing Three of out four tours with Come-mada East to perinet and onto Tamatave, (very recomended, west to morandava (Tsingy a must do, but maybe fly in), North east to Ampijora (excellent, but maybe drive there), and was very satisfied with all aspects. The drivers arrived timeously, could mostly speak english, and helped us wherever we were. The itineries were adapted to our specific requirements and the prices quite acceptable. Madegascar is a hard destination to plan. Benjamin offers you an accessible way to do it without going to the big tour companies that do not offer anything other than an doubling of the price. Well done Benjamin, a good operation, that deserves support. If you have specific questions send me a short email. phil

Ilka & Jens

Dear Benjamin, thank you very much for organizing our 3 weeks trip to Madagascar in September/October. Everything worked perfectly and we enjoyed our stay a lot. Also the combination with the Fischerhaus (www.fischerhaus.net) of Colin was perfect for us - having an "anchor" during our tours in Antananarivo. Warm regards from Germany, Ilka & Jens

Shirley Smith

Benjamin’s outfit is truly professional - our English speaking guide, Andry, and drivers Jean-Pierre and Christian were superb and we recommend them all. Our 9 night trip in May 2007, started in Tana with 1 night in Antsirabe, 1 in Miandrivazo, 3 along the River Tsiribihina, 3 in the Tsingy and 1 in Morondava. Andry’s enthusiasm and knowledge (especially ferns and birds) were endless, his cooking was great and his integrity was inspiring and refreshing. Thanks to Andry and Benjamin, our trip was really special. Our boatman Francois and his younger brother were fantastic too. The river journey is picturesque and relaxing, and camping on islands in the river is great fun. The waterfall shower on the 2nd day is a welcome break from the sun in the most spectacular setting you’ll ever find. The Tsingy is unmissable, exciting walks, some needing safety harnesses, in limestone beauty. On a Kirindy night walk we saw amorous sportive lemurs and a fosa. OK... it was trashing the garbage at the camp, but it was definitely a wild fosa and we saw it! We were escorted by Andry from start to finish - unlike other tour operators! We saw tourists (NOT with Vist Mada Tours) being left without a guide for the river trip and struggling on with a non-French speaking boatman - who was great and they became very close to him - but they’d paid for a guide who’d deserted them at Miandrivazo! No matter what trip you want in Madagascar, Benjamin can organise it for you and you’ll be in safe, friendly hands, so contact him and let him help you plan your dream holiday!! Also, I’ve spent 5 months on the island, so would be happy to answers any questions you may have - if I know the answer!

Jan Justesen

Hi Benjamin We have been safe and sound back in Denmark for almost a week now, and it must be on time to give you some feedback. The river trip was really fantastic. It was even better than we thought it would be. We talked about that we actually didn’t quite know, what we expected. It was good that you hadn’t booked anyone else. That we found out. But of course you know more about it, than we do. Andry is a very good guide. The first time we noticed that was on our way to Antsirabe. As you might have heard we bumped right into a famadihana. That was fantastic. What an experience. Andry was really patient with us and let us take all the time we wanted. He told a lot about it, and he got quite good help from one of the locals. We arrived quite late at Antsirabe, but that was OK with us, because we had that great experience. It was nice, that he just let take the time. His timing on the Tsiribihirina was excellent. We virtually avoided any other tourists, because we started early. My wife and I had a full hour on our own at the waterfall. It was first when we had lunch, that other tourists turned up. I think they were 10-15 persons up there at the same time. At that time we just enjoyed ourselves with a good meal. Having that meal we could see how the other guides and boatmen did, when they prepared the lunch. Andry’s standards of hygiene is way, way above theirs. That was nice to see, that we had a good guide and boatman. Both of them were really good at spotting wildlife, and though we’re not birdwatchers, it was great, that Andry is so good at birds. That was really interesting. We really hope that you appreciate the skills, that Andry has, and show your appreciation. I think, that it’ll be difficult to find a guide as good and serious as him. He always tries to improve his English. The conclusion is however, that we are really satisfied with what you arranged for us, and we will recommed your company to everyone we meet. Madagascar and it’s people are fantastic. I would really love to go there again and see the northern part and ofcourse will contact you again. Best wishes and thanks Jan Justesen and Birthe Frederiksen.

Rosy

I travelled with Benjamin’s company in January, 2008, for five days. My tour guide, Andri and driver, Charles were excellent. Andri knew so much and could share part of his country with me and I felt very safe with Charles’driving. My trip was the East 3 day Indri tour to Andisibe and an extra day in Antananrivo. I thoroughly enjoyed driving through the countryside and learning so much from Andri about the Malagasy way of life.Everything was well planned and I saw so much in a very short time. I was initially a little worried about booking a trip over the internet as I was a woman travelling alone but with my experiences I would recommend this company. The creatures special to Madagascar were amazing - from tiny frogs to enormous moths, snakes, chameleons and of course the lemur and indri. A night time walk and a five hour walk in the forest for one whole morning were highlights - actually, there were many highlights, too many to mention. The airline lost my pack so I had no luggage for my time there. Andri took charge at the airport and dealt with the form filling and next morning I was taken to a shopping centre to get essentials. Benjamin and Andri both contacted the airport later,( I don’t speak French) on my behalf, to try to find my pack. Thank you all so much for a wonderful holiday.

Erika Cseppento

I had a fascinating holiday in Madagascar and partly because Benjamin has arranged everything and partly he advised a very excellent accommodation in Tana <a href='http://www.fischerhaus.net' target=_blank>www.fischerhaus.net</a>. The Fischerhaus was like a home to return time by time. I’m sure that our holiday would have been less interesting without Benjamin’s help. He managed the car rental picking up at countryside, and was at the airport promptly each time when we returned to Tana. I’m sure that I definitely ask him to arrange my second visit in the future ;)) Benjaminnak koszonhetoen remekul ereztunk magunkat Madagaszkaron, reszint mert elrendezett szamunkra mindent, reszint pedig egy kituno szallast ajanlott Tanaban. A Fischerhaus olyan volt minden alkalommal amikor visszatertunk Tanaba mintha hazamennenk. Biztos vagyok benne, hogy Benjamin segitsege nelkul kevesbe lett volna ilyen jol szervezett az utazas. Megoldotta azt a problemat is, hogy videken tudjuk felvenni az autot es mindig pontosan vart minket a repteren amikor visszarepultunk Tanaba. Biztos vagyok benne, hogy a masodik utazasomat is o fogja megszervezni ;)