What‘s Included

What To Expect

Reviews

• Pick-Up Confusion in Madagascar

  Larry,

  May 18, 2025

  - Viator

  2.00

  Booked this tour with Viator as an shore excursion on a cruise ship. I had received an initial email from the tour operator about the pick up which said someone would meet us when we got off the ship. We arrived at the correct time and place but could find no one waiting for us. I asked around the other tour operators that were there if they know if someone was Yemaya Tours was around but no one knew anything. We even tried calling the number given by the tour operator but that number was dead. Finally after about an hour, another tour operator approached us and said that they knew the Yemaya people and that they could not make it to the port but that they had made alternate arrangements for us and asked us to go with a free lance tour guide and operator. I asked this free lancer if he could let me talk with the Yemaya people. I then did talk to someone who said they were from Yemaya and they said to go with this tour guide, however, the person I talked to could not verify my name or booking number. At that point I thought I was being scammed. I insisted that we were not going to pay more money. After much discussion, we decide to take a chance and went with this free lancer, Don was his name. The tour actually ended up being very good. Don provided much information about the island and during the jungle walk we did see lemurs, a boa constrictor (very close up) and chameleons. Be warned the trek through the jungle was on narrow paths, steep sections and loose rock. It is at least a moderate hike and good supportive foot wear is recommend. We also had to row out to the jungle site for about 30 min but we did get towed back. Also be warned that you will get wet up to your knees in getting to the canoe. The meal after the jungle was the best part. It almost made up for the confusion at the port but throughout the trip I was expecting them to ask us for more money. Fortunately, that did not happen and we got back to the port OK. However, the stress and confusion at the port ruined what could have been a 5 star day.

• Simply Amazing Day!

  Michele G,

  May 16, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  We got off to a rocky start. Our tour guide didn’t show up, but they quickly found us a new guide who was amazing!! We stopped all along the route to see plants, trees and chameleons along the road. We headed out to the reserve and experienced so many lemurs in their natural surroundings. The boats were very cool and we got a bit of our workout in paddling across. Lunch was amazing and the children even gave us a tickle massage in exchange for some gum. 100% recommend!

• Excellent Tour with Knowledgable Guides

  Joe B,

  Mar 25, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  Our day started by meeting our lead guide, Appolino, at the pier. From there we walked a short distance to our waiting driver who drove us to Ambatozavavy. Along the way Appolino taught us basic facts about life, culture, history and wildlife of Madagascar. Once we arrived in Ambatozavavy, we met another naturalist guide, Roger, who joined us for a canoe ride to Ampasipohy where we began our hike into Lokobe Reserve. Between Roger and Appolino, they share an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and animals of Lokobe. They took turns narrating our hike where we would stop along the way to learn about yet one of their many endemic species using both common and scientific names. We were fortunate to see a menagerie of animals including, but not limited to black and mouse lemurs, Madagascar ground boa, brown mantella frog, brown leaf chameleon, leaf tailed chameleon and even the world’s smallest chameleon brookesia nana! Along the way we enjoyed a welcomed stop at a cascading waterfall where we were able to refresh and recharge. Then it was time to hike back to Ampasipohy to our waiting canoe and make our way back to Ambatozavavy. In Ambatozavavy we enjoyed a family style lunch with Appolino who explained what each dish was. We were lucky to enjoy today’s fresh catch of barracuda, shrimp, Madagascar mangrove crab and more. Following lunch we reconnected with our driver who drove us back to the pier with Appolino who shared more information about his country and Malagasy lifestyle. We were surprised to learn Appolino’s English language was self-taught. His command of English, knowledge and easy going professional style is an asset as a tour guide.

• A FANTASTIC day in Lokobe Reserve in Nosy Be!

  Bogdan C,

  Dec 28, 2024

  - Viator

  5.00

  We came by the NCL cruise boat to Hell Ville on Nosy Be, and Frank, our guide, was already waiting for us. I should mention that the communication with Yamaya's tour company before our visit to Madagascar was incredible. Immediately after booking via Viaotor, he contacted us and made sure about all details of our visit. Thus, we felt so informed and sure that all would go fine with our tour. Frank was just a fantastic, enthusiastic guide. He and our driver would even stop on the road when a chameleon or a particular flower was spotted. We came to the fishermen village which is the base for the boat trip to Lokobe reserve. Besides Frank, the local guys from the village helped us row their traditional wooden pirogue canoes to come to the reserve. The hike through the jungle was fantastic per se, as the terrain is so scenic, passing over several creeks. We saw numerous endemic plants and animals, besides the famous lemurs. After coming back to the village by boat (on a way back they used a motor boat in order to save the time), we had a delicious lunch of grilled fish, squid and meet. Also, a delicious fruits. Overall, it was just a fantastic experience with the most memorable rowing of my life! Thank to you, Frank, and your helpers!

• An wonderful and unique experience

  Adrian W,

  Dec 11, 2024

  - Viator

  5.00

  Superb. Wonderful. The best experience possible. The tuk tuk ride from the cruise terminal was fun. The canoe ride even better, but the jungle trek was inspirational - hot, sweaty but well worth the effort. Our guide was first class. The lunch provided was excellent. Thank you for a memorable and wonderful day.