New discussions · Madagascar

Hi everyone, although I’m still in love with Madagascar, I feel I must report the unacceptable behavior of some guides in Antalaha. I know I’m responsible—I obviously shouldn’t have paid in advance for a service at this price. As someone who usually travels on a budget, I treated myself to a fully guided experience for once. I was charged 1,500,000 ariary for a 4-day trek between Antalaha and Maroantsetra. In reality, it was a total scam: terrible logistics, a motorbike taxi that abandoned us along the way (I’m not sure if the guide arranged this just to squeeze out a bit more money), basic Malagasy bush meals—which I expected since I know the country well—but the hotels were absolutely disgusting: mouse droppings in the bed, no way to get a blanket, cigarette butts on the floor, and of course, no water. I had warned them that at 73 years old, I needed a bit of comfort and some consideration—that’s why I paid this price. In the end, to arrive a day early and get home faster, on the second day we walked from 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM with just a long siesta break at 1 PM. The park visit was nonexistent—I would’ve liked to see a lemur! Anyway, be especially wary of Sylvano. He’s apparently the head of the guides in Antalaha and organized this "charming" trip for me. He canceled the day before and sent his replacement, Théophile. This poor guy kept complaining that tourists were scarce. I didn’t tell him everything I was thinking when we parted ways—it would’ve taken too long. So, remember these two names: Sylvano and Théophile. The official rate is 800,000 ariary, and even that is way too much given the quality of the accommodations and food. I’ve marked the guides’ office location on Google Maps to deal with them directly, but it seems the mafia is well-organized here…

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