Brink Family - South Africa (December 2007)
"Mada, I thought gave one the essence of basic and simple travelling, whilst feeling almost exclusive and fortunate at the same time. One felt that comparing certain aspects of one highlight or place of interest in Mada to that of another in a more travelled or tourist-developed area or country, made one feel similar to that of a pioneer. That to me in itself was a highlight and a sense of being unrivalled anywhere else. Infrastructure was raw and rugged. The beauty was stark and underdeveloped in the most positive sense. I enjoyed the type of travelling that was as much active as interactive. The Malagashe folk are in general, honest, friendly and welcoming people, and should I be mistaken, as hosts, they certainly do not bestow the feeling of insecurity and scepticism toward their guests."

Monika Deter - Germany (December 2007)

"There was enough time for souvenir shopping on our last day in Tana - I needed to stop myself from buying too much; not surprising for a woman!
After returning back home, I have to say: Madagascar blew my mind; it's so different. It's not Europe, it's not Africa, it's not Asia; it's somehow a mix of everything but still one of the least-developed countries. I loved it but must say to every traveller who is planning to go: travel with an open mind and an open heart! People are poor but happy and they try to make us travellers feel as welcome and comfortable as possible, with everything they own. Whatever expectations you may have, whatever itinerary or programme you may have read, leave everything behind at home and experience Madagascar the way it is - pure and unspoilt!"

Mia Jones - South Africa (December 2007)

"Ile aux Nattes and St Marie were the closest vision of paradise I've ever seen. The beaches were long and quiet, and the local people were so friendly. La Libertalia (St Marie) was particularly relaxing, with hammocks between palm trees, and a long jetty with sun loungers at the end where you could snorkel and climb onto a rock. The beach chalets were quite simple but had everything we needed, and they were just two metres to the turquoise sea! I particularly enjoyed hiring a bike for the day and cycling through the village."

Meg and William - South Africa (November 2007)
It's been manic since we got back so sincerest apologies for not contacting you sooner.
William and I had the most fantastic holiday EVER!!! Honestly for both of us it was the most incredible holiday of our lives. Sainte Marie exceeded our expectations completely and it was some expecting when we met somebody at the airport who told us that "God made Sainte Marie first and that he took all of his time making that island." Libertalia was fantastic, a Madagascan Premier (from the ruling party) was staying there at the time so everybody was in a bit of a flap for the VIP but were so friendly and breakfasts were good although the rest of the food wasn't fantastic but that didn't really bother us since we were out everyday. I got woken by the sea lapping at the step of our beachfront cottage every morning and we hired a motorbike and went to Plage de Ampanihy and Piscine Naturelle, which were absolute highlights!! We did a lovely walk around the island and Pirogued around it too with William getting a lesson in pirogueing from the locals.
And then on our last morning which Okkie said you were due to arrive we went out at 5am with Okkie to go fishing and although the sea's were very rough at first the fishing was fantastic and I think we caught enough fish for Okkie for the rest of his summer.  I even caught one. Thank you so much for all your help and advise, you were an integral part of our holiday. We have to return to Mad though because we couldn't make the artisan market in tana and William's dream to catch a Sailfish and just generally we're island people thus William is telling everybody we're retiring there SOON... : ) I hope you had a fantastic time and have a lovely festive season.

Susan Pankhurst - England (November 2007)

"After travelling through dry landscape for a while, starting to feel the strain of travelling, we were ready for the beach. A few days later we arrived at a paradise-like beach in Ifaty, just north of Tulear. Our accommodation in Le Paradisier was better than ever expected! A blue pool, big restaurant, with a lounge area on the terrace and our bungalows, right at the beach. What a treat after long travelling!!"

Berenice & Tom Wright - South Africa (October 2007)
"There may not be any treasures left on St. Marie, but just being in Madagascar is a treasure itself. The thing that stood out most for me was the fact that it was still so “untouched”. After visiting many destinations around the world I found it totally exhilarating to be in a country where you are not hounded by the locals to come and take a look in their shops or eat in their restaurants. You can walk the streets without being tugged on or gawked at. The people are friendly and helpful but in a very “quiet” way. I found Antananarivo to be totally refreshing, not in terms of clean air but the hustle and bustle, noises, smells and energy of a third world city, with no traffic lights!! It was a break from our stark, sterile western cities, but also makes you appreciate the “organisation” we have back home. The highlight for me was Ile St. Marie, an absolute gem off the north-east coast of Madagascar. Untouched, pristine, everything I imagined a tropical island to be. I can’t get over how blue the water was, fringed by soft white sandy beaches and lush green vegetation. AMAZING!!! The  accommodation on the beach was outstanding and I’m already thinking of when I can go back there, next time to stay longer and explore St. Marie on a scooter."

Margare du Toit - South Africa (September 2007)

"Just to say thank you for all your information and arrangements re my  Madagascar trip - Isalo is wonderful, really great scenery! I had a lovely time; really enjoyed it all!"

Mabel Wilkins - South Africa (June 2007)
"We did the tour called the 1000 views of Madagascar - we just loved the contrasts - from the dry Bush to the dense & thick rain forests to the beautiful seaside...Madagascar has got so much to offer. I will definitely be going back soon, probably to see the whales at Ile St Marie. Thank you to Jenman Island Safaris for making my holiday such a memorable one."

Carol, Susan & Emily - South Africa (April 2007)
"We found the operator listened to the sort of holiday we wanted in Madagascar - and Jenman Safaris delivered what we wanted. We only had 10 days so the slice of Madagascar we saw on the east side - Tana, Andasibe (lemurs!), Hotel Pangalanes (water is a very good way to travel in Madagascar - up the lakes and canals behind the east coast), then Isle Aux Nattes just off Isle Sainte Marie at Hotel Maningory was heaven! Beach side cabins and superb service, sun and swimming. We were able to negotiate changes to the itinerary they prepared following our own research. The price was mid-range which we wanted, and all the transfers were taken care of - a great boon on Madagascar, given we had little time and our French is so lacking! Thanks - will recommend them to anyone."

Kevin & Nadia - USA (February 2007)
"Nadia and I had a wonderful time in Madagascar - everything went smoothly! Thanks for everything. My trip with Nadia was, overall, the best time I’ve had in many years and your organization played a major part in making it happen."

Catherine Nicolaides - South Africa (February 2007)
"The service from Jenman Safaris was first rate; from the original enquiry to the final booking, and then having to deal with later changes. Rebecca was absolutely fantastic. We were a large group with many questions and quite a few changes, yet she did not once falter in her professional response and went out of her way to accommodate us. In so far as Madagascar & Nosy Be is concerned: we spent a week on the island of Nosy Be and had many an adventure. From rowing in pirogues through quite a hectic storm, to driving madly round the island in an open top, snorkelling on Tanikely, New Year’s Eve with a Hindu family (extended of course), a stunning couple of days on Nosy Iranja. It is still a little piece of heaven on earth and I fell completely in love with the environment, the culture and the people. At the very last minute I decided to stay for an extra week whereupon I was able to enjoy a very local experience. Despite the language barrier I was treated to such wonderful hospitality from everyone I encountered; the whole experience humbled me beyond belief. The evening spent in Tana was also an adventure - more so that I was there alone - and I intend to return to the mainland on my next holiday, which will be quite soon. What else can I say? You need to be adventurous; you need to have an open mind. You can not visit expecting it to be like other Indian Ocean island e.g. Mauritius. You need to get out and appreciate the wonder and beauty of the people and the land; so, if you are one of those people who prefer resort-type holidays then this is probably not for you. Conversational French or Italian would be great but is not absolutely necessary. I made many friends and have very limited French and no Italian."