Beautiful country but very difficult travelling around, very high poverty and average accommodation
Trip Details
Traveled
In family
Travel dates
November 8, 2018
Trip type
Classic
Trip customized with a local travel agent in the destination
SussexSimon
November 24, 2018
Best parts:
Initial communication from Sariaka
First 5 days in rain forest
Worst parts:
Change of guide after 5 days - second guide no where need as good
The fact the second guide had a box of 12 dozen condoms on the passenger seat!
One of the hotels had had a major fire a week before but we were not told until we arrived that the restaurant and pool were out of use and were given not option to move even though we requested. Photos available.
We were only guests there for first night no electricity for 6 hours, took 20mins to be served a drink then asked if we had a bottle opener for it. Temporary restaurant only had two items available so my daughter who is vegetyhad to have plan pasta.
Not advised key information about certain parts of trip for example one section required us to be escorted by armed soldiers. Thought this may have been mentioned so we could decide whether we wanted to do.
One of the trips required climbing with ropes harnesses and caves, in description just said need good balance.
This was same place as fire damaged hotel so we ended up cutting it all short which wasted 4 days of trip.
By the time we got through all of this and with the unhelpful second guide we were so over it we booked return flights hone early. We abandoned our guide and got another driver which we paid for locally
Agency's response
Sariaka
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your comments! I take it into account.
To respond your remarks, I would inform you that:
- The second driver is responsible to sensitize driver guides to fight against AID...Dear Simon,
Thank you for your comments! I take it into account.
To respond your remarks, I would inform you that:
- The second driver is responsible to sensitize driver guides to fight against AIDS/HIV.
- Hotels which are on the same standing as Olympe of Bemaraha are already closed during your stay in this area (West circuit ends on the middle of November), so I cannot change your hotel.
- The booking form I sent you some days after getting your confirmation to make the trip should inform me that some of participants are on diet or have some allergies. I could tell the hotel in advance to prepare vegetarian menus for you.
- Armed soldiers ensure your safety to reach the tsingy and your way back. Really sorry if I do not let you know in advance. It is required when you are on the spot.
Thank you for having chosen Madagascar as your destination. I take your comments into account to improve our services.
I wish you all the bests.See more
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