Madagascar

The Feeling Madagscar brings is something that can’t easily be captured by words. It’s best to experience it and there are few better ways to experience it then the Madagascar Barefoot Luxury Southern Explorer. However, Robyn Portious wanted to prove to us that she can get fairly close to the experience through words. Read her blog below and see what you think?

Day 1
We land in the capital city of the island, Antananarivo, and are greeted by our guide, a warm English-speaking man who tells us about the various things we see from behind the windows of our vehicle transfer to our hotel, The Pavillion de l’Emyrne. The hotel is situated in the heart of the old town of Antananarivo and used to be a private residence in the 1930s. Today it plays its role of a comfortable guest house, retaining all of its old world charm. We’re able to settle in and I find myself still somewhat disbelieving of the adventure I’ve begun – an adventure to Madagascar.

Read moreExperience Madagascar’s Barefoot Luxury Southern Explorer

If you were asked to describe an island paradise, we’re pretty sure that all of the words you chose to use could likewise be used to explain Madagascar. The Indian Ocean’s island home to lemurs, baobabs, tropical rainforest, stretches of beach, desert and more, Madagascar is a dream destination for lovers of nature and the outdoors alike. And half of the fun of any trip to the island, is in the actual journeys from one incredible attraction to the next.

Read moreMeet Madagascar – Where getting around is Half the Fun

The Malagasy culture is highly influenced by a fusion of Indonesian, Arabic, Islamic and African elements making it a very diverse culture. The rural population of Madagascar makes up a large part of the people of Madagascar which is characterized by a very unique and traditional lifestyle.

Read moreThe rural people of Madagascar

They say a picture says a thousand words, but sometimes, when the picture is Photoshopped then that thousand words can say a little bit more than what it really should. This however is not the case with Tsara Komba lodge, for as the boat transfer brings you and your luggage into view of the amazing resort, you begin to wonder if any Photoshop technique could do it justice.

Situated on the Island of Nosy Komba (Part of the Madagascan Islands, and famously known as ‘Lemur Island’ for its unbelievable Lemur population), this little piece of heaven is a relaxation paradise. As you lie on the deck and close your eyes, all you can hear is the waves crashing against the sand, and the sound of the fisherman making their way to and from the village.

Read moreStaying at the Exotic Tsara Komba Lodge in Madagascar

I’ve come to realize that there are few things that can bring a romantic getaway to life as perfectly as the combination of a tropical island covered with pristine white sandy beaches. Imagine an island surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and sunsets that will take your breath away. If you are looking for a destination and romantic getaway that provides all the above and much more then you’d have to look no further than Madagascar. What better way to sweep your loved one away on Valentine’s Day than a trip to this amazing island…

Read moreThe Perfect Valentine’s Romantic Getaway

My wife Carol and I have just returned from our 3 week adventure in Madagascar, and we wanted to express our appreciation for the excellent service we received from Jenman. The support, from organizing the itinerary through its many iterations to the logistics and on the ground service was excellent. The only glitches that occurred were beyond anyone’s control – changes to the 2 Air Madagascar flights. Even for these issues, we were quickly informed and adjustments made as required. Everyone was very willing to accommodate our suggestions for on the fly changes or additions to the plans (for example, money changing requests, purchasing water and adding a visit to the Croc Farm in Tana when our flight arrived earlier than originally scheduled).

Read moreMadagascar Feedback – Clark & Carol share their experience with us!

I was really looking forward to heading back to “my one and only”, my beautiful island of Madagascar… I went there for business and for my brother’s wedding… it was lovely to see my family again after 10 months away! My brother and I had lots to catch up on and I was thrilled to meet my sister in law for the first time: she is so lovely and sweet… I know that she is the perfect match for my brother!

Read moreKayaking and a wedding… Haja in Madagascar!

The journey to Mandrare River Camp began with an approximately 100km 3-4 hour off road adventure drive (charter flights also available) from Fort Dauphin. The road is not the smoothest but as an avid 4×4 driver and off road adventurer I enjoyed some of the driving.

Read moreA Tale of a Barefoot Luxury Camping in the Untamed South of Madagascar…

Ruth Erasmus one of our knowledgeable Senior Travel Consultants recently accompanied a group of nine travel agents from Australia on a familiarisation trip to Madagascar last month. On her return, she shares with us her wonderful experience in Madagascar, the friendships and connections she made with the travelling agents and the reasons why embarking on a “Madagascar Familiarisation Trip” is a great idea.

Read moreMadagascar – The Perfect Destination for a Familiarization Trip!

Two of our clients, Johnny and Peter, recently travelled to Madagascar and did a combined tour organized by our consultant Ruth! Their tailor-made combined adventures included the popular 1000 Views of Madagascar tour, the Southern Flamingo Package and Madagascar East Package. They shared some of their highlights as they journeyed across Madagascar with Jenman Madagascar Safaris…

Read moreAn amazing journey; Our clients share their excitement of a 1000 views!

Tycoon Richard Branson founded the Virgin Group when he was 20, and Virgin Atlantic in 1984. In 2007, he joined Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu in forming The Elders, a group of independent leaders who seek sustainable solutions to global humanitarian issues.

Read moreLiving the high life – Richard Branson is an enthusiastic traveler and says his journey to faraway places enrich his life

Jenman Madagascar Safaris, in partnership with Madagascar Classic Camping recently launched the MADAGASCAR BAREFOOT LUXURY KAYAK ADVENTURE, in the beautiful and untouched areas around the St Luce Reserve, in South eastern Madagascar. Our adventure was shared in my previous two blog’s, and here is the conclusion of our wonderful experience…

Read moreOur Mad Kayak Adventure Continued… (part 3 – the final chapter)

Jenman Madgascar Safaris, in partnership with Madagascar Classic Camping recently launched the MADAGASCAR BAREFOOT LUXURY KAYAK ADVENTURE, in the beautiful and untouched areas around the St Luce Reserve, in South eastern Madagascar.

Our adventure began with my previous blog, and is now continued…

Read moreOur Mad Kayak Adventure Continued… (part 2)

Jenman Madagascar Safaris, in partnership with Madagascar Classic Camping has recently launched the MADAGASCAR BAREFOOT LUXURY KAYAK ADVENTURE, in the beautiful and untouched areas around the St Luce Reserve, in South eastern Madagascar, and I was extremely fortunate to be able to experience this incredible trip with some of Cape Town’ s well-known journalists.

Read moreOur Mad Kayak Adventure Begins (part 1)

I would like to thank the whole Jenman team for voting me as the “Guide of the Year” in 2012! The prize for this was an amazing round trip for two from South Africa to Madagascar. I took the opportunity to use it as a honeymoon trip as I recently got married towards the end of 2012!

Read moreThomas and his wife discover the beauty of Madagascar on a honeymoon & “guide of the year” award holiday…