Words from Tolo, National Guide at Détours Madagascar
Tanindrazana maro harena sarobidy – Ancestral lands with exceptional heritage
21 Jul. 2016
Tanindrazana maro harena sarobidy – Ancestral lands with exceptional heritage
What I cherish most in my work as a guide is the chance to meet travelers and exchange knowledge with them. I love sensing their passion and curiosity as I unveil the natural wealth of my country, the multiplicity of our cultures that form the Malagasy mosaic.
I feel equally at home guiding a classic journey as I do leading an ambitious exploration trek. Fascinated by mechanics and driving, I know the trails from the far south to Madagascar's northern regions—my curiosity compels me to explore every corner of my country. I strive to stay informed, to quench my thirst for knowledge. My participation in scientific missions has deepened my understanding of the botany, ethnology, and geology of the Red Island.
My relationships with the people of the bush are first complex, then fascinating. In my early journeys to the Makay, the approach proved challenging. But by respecting the taboos, the fady, and local customs, I earned the trust of the inhabitants. Once we created a genuine relationship, we could address the importance of nature and its protection. The conversations became passionate and unfolded with mutual respect. A true awareness then takes root—to preserve both the natural and human environment, for today we are preparing what we will leave to our children.
Everyone knows Madagascar for its lemurs, its zebu cattle, and its whales. But the people who make this beautiful land so special remain largely unknown—yet they are eager to learn and be trained to improve the services that enable authentic and ecological tourism development. To achieve this, we continue to share our expertise and know-how: greater awareness, dialogue, and resources to better protect the nature surrounding them.
At Détours Madagascar, we conduct our tourism activity in the most thoughtful and respectful manner toward the economic, social, and natural environment. It is a great source of pride and a collective project, as we are a united team driven by a common goal: sharing and showcasing our island. I believe we all share the same vision—to make Détours Madagascar a responsible enterprise while preserving its human scale.
We see ourselves as simple intermediaries between travelers and local communities. The way we conduct our activity and our encounters fills me with optimism: now it is those we meet through our journeys, especially young people, who are taking their destiny into their own hands. They are the first defenders of their environment, the first to spread this message of nature protection. They educate their communities and lay the first stones of a future we hope will be better. I would like responsible tourism to bring genuine, controlled, and respectful development. Especially for the most vulnerable—the farmers and their descendants—and for it to unfold with respect for all.
Tolo ANDRIANANDRIANINA is a National Guide at Détours Madagascar, passionate about nature and exploration. Thoughtful and attentive, he is an ambassador of the Great Island's diverse cultures.
NewsPeople and EthnicitiesTravelCharlène NomadaysContent manager and head of communications at Nomadays, Charlène has been with the adventure from day one with passion and dedication. As one of the pioneering SEO writers, she has since evolved into her current role. After spending seven years living across Asia—from China to Thailand, Mongolia, and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. Each article is for her a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.
