Solidarity tour in Madagascar

Accommodations are essentially “as close to the locals as possible.” This means that most nights you will stay with Malagasy families or in small lodges run by local communities. For example, you might sleep in family bungalows on the island of Nosy Be or in traditional wooden houses during mountain stays. These nights with host families encourage cultural exchange and help fund the local economy. Some nights in eco-friendly camps (tents) are also planned, but always in places managed by NGOs or villages (national parks, community reserves, etc.).

This trip offers varied activities (hiking, boat rides, cycling, etc.) but remains accessible. You do not need to be a high-level athlete; just in good general condition. For example, the trek in the Makay Massif involves walking about 4 to 6 hours per day (on challenging terrain: canyons, crossing rivers). As described in reviews, you will “explore the wonders of the Makay by swimming, crawling, jumping, paddling, climbing.” This represents a real effort, but the stages are proposed at a pace guided by experienced guides. In other regions (rainforests, villages, coasts), the walks are generally shorter and accompanied by many opportunities for interaction.

Each stage of the tour is designed to benefit the local economy. Your expenses (accommodation, meals, excursions) are entirely paid to Malagasy providers and families. For example, by staying with a host family, you pay directly the family that welcomes you; by buying souvenirs in a village, you support local artisans. Mada Tours Guide works in partnership with Malagasy associations and cooperatives: a percentage of the profits can be reinvested in community projects (school support, clinic, creation of tree nurseries, etc.).

The recommended period for a solidarity tour in Madagascar is at the end of the dry season, between July and October. This is the high tourist season when rainfall is rare in most regions and wildlife (including humpback whales around Sainte-Marie) is particularly active. September – October is preferred to enjoy pleasant weather without the strong trade winds of the early dry season. During these months, roads are generally passable and the visited regions offer good conditions (dry forests, calm seas).

By contrast, it is not recommended to travel during the austral summer (November – March), which is the period of heavy rains and cyclones in the Indian Ocean. During this season, some roads and trails may be impassable, and villages in tropical zones risk being isolated by bad weather. If you have flexibility, the shoulder season (April – June) is also a good option: fewer visitors, still mild climate, for calm encounters.

All tours by Mada Tours Guide are accompanied by English-speaking Malagasy guides. You travel in a small group (or privately) with a local guide who speaks English and knows the region perfectly. This guide handles both translation and explanation of the traditions or environmental issues at each stage. Malagasy drivers and accompanying staff are also experienced and ensure your comfort (logistical organization, small attentions). Finally, during encounters with communities (fishing villages, craft workshops, rural schools), the inhabitants usually have a good basic understanding of English or translations are provided by your guide. This facilitates exchanges and makes the immersion richer. You will not venture into the unknown alone: the local team is present from the beginning to the end of the tour to assist the group, organize on-site activities, and ensure that each visit benefits the residents.

Absolutely, Mada Tours Guide designs its trips as tailor-made. You can modify the duration, the stops, or the pace of the tour according to your profile (family, group, solo, budget). The agency is renowned for its flexibility: a detailed quote is provided within 48 hours and your wishes are taken into account. For example, you can add extra days in a village that captivates you, plan additional nights with a host family, or include extensions (visit to a rare reserve, additional trek).