Jean Be Tours
Jean Be Tours
5
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About
Private Tour Operator. Visit the best sights and attractions in Madagascar, and the Capital City Antananarivo with an experienced tour guide! Convenience and comfort; our excursions are carefully planned and carried out by experts. We are flexible and there is always room for personal preferences. My concern is to make your stay on “the Big Island” a pleasant one. I can tell you all you want to know about the nature, different cultures and legends of Madagascar. Meet local people, take photographs and collect many beautiful, unforgettable souvenirs and memories! Quality – Enjoy your holiday, visit the best sights and attractions with an experienced guide! All excursions are carefully planned and carried out by experts. Convenience and Comfort – Let us take care of all the details so you can fully explore, enjoy, take photos and above all… relax . Safety – All of our tours are conducted by carefully selected partners, which operate according to high security standards.
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
148 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Megan J
17 contributions
Jun 2022
What a great tour! I am currently living in Madagascar, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do and when, so I approached him with the basic itinerary and I booked hotels myself. Jean Be was very flexible and was able to give great recommendations based on our preferences.
We travelled to Tsingy and stayed there for 2 days/3 nights, then travelled back to Morondava for 1 day/2 nights and ended the trip at Andasibe for 1.5 days/2 nights! Tsingy was great and not too challenging (I did it on a sprained ankle). Morondava was a perfect break on the beach before travelling north to see the lemurs and hike in the rainforests.
Depending on your schedule, it will probably be a lot of early mornings (since there is a lot of driving), but we found fun ways to break them up and the views are always amazing! We did have some car troubles- but that made it more exciting! The drivers were super knowledgeable about their cars and able to fix them (or create a temporary solution) on a whim.
One thing to note- Lemur's Island through Vakona Lodge allows touching/feeding the lemurs, which we were personally not fans of. Just beware if that's not your vibe.
One suggestion- make sure you know how you are paying before anything is settled. Jean Be is actually very flexible (we paid both via Western Union and in cash in US dollars) but some of his communications left me very concerned the payment would not be possible on his timeline. However, it all worked out in the end!
After hearing a horror story of a friend who went through a different company, I am very grateful for Jean Be Tours and extremely happy with our adventure. Jean Be and his staff are very energetic, considerate, flexible and quite good with English. Our driver was excellent and kept us feeling very safe. Would recommend!
We travelled to Tsingy and stayed there for 2 days/3 nights, then travelled back to Morondava for 1 day/2 nights and ended the trip at Andasibe for 1.5 days/2 nights! Tsingy was great and not too challenging (I did it on a sprained ankle). Morondava was a perfect break on the beach before travelling north to see the lemurs and hike in the rainforests.
Depending on your schedule, it will probably be a lot of early mornings (since there is a lot of driving), but we found fun ways to break them up and the views are always amazing! We did have some car troubles- but that made it more exciting! The drivers were super knowledgeable about their cars and able to fix them (or create a temporary solution) on a whim.
One thing to note- Lemur's Island through Vakona Lodge allows touching/feeding the lemurs, which we were personally not fans of. Just beware if that's not your vibe.
One suggestion- make sure you know how you are paying before anything is settled. Jean Be is actually very flexible (we paid both via Western Union and in cash in US dollars) but some of his communications left me very concerned the payment would not be possible on his timeline. However, it all worked out in the end!
After hearing a horror story of a friend who went through a different company, I am very grateful for Jean Be Tours and extremely happy with our adventure. Jean Be and his staff are very energetic, considerate, flexible and quite good with English. Our driver was excellent and kept us feeling very safe. Would recommend!
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann T
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Solo
I did 2 day trips in Antananarivo with Jean Be, and it was a brilliant experience. I was a little worried about being a solo female traveler but Jean Be and the local guides were all very professional and put me at ease. I was picked up from my hotel each day and Jean Be told me some interesting things about Madagascar on the way, then in the location I went with local guides who were very knowledgeable. I did the Tana walking city tour which was very interesting and Francois was very helpful and gave me some safety tips for walking around. It was great to have such a personal experience and really experience the city on foot. Afterwards I was taken to a restaurant for lunch. While this wasn't mentioned in the itinerary and was obviously an extra cost (but only around around 5-10 euros for a proper meal and drink), the restaurant was very nice and had mostly western customers so while you didn't necessarily get an authentic Malagasy experience, the food was good and you felt safe to be on your own. The next day I did the Ambohimanga palace tour. A guide took me around the palace and explained its significance and history. He also took into account my specific interests and showed me the plants and wildlife around the palace. After another restaurant for lunch, I was able to wander round Digeu market by myself. This was not my favorite part of the trip as I am not used to overly-keen shopkeepers following me and having to haggle for souvenirs, but it was definitely an experience.
Throughout the organisation and the trip itself, Jean Be was very helpful and professional, even when I was mistaken in the address of my hotel. On the first morning he showed his registration documents with the tourism office and I signed a contract for the tours. I had to pay extra for a transfer to the city as my hotel was near Ivato airport, but I believe the cost for everything was justified for the level of service I received. I would highly recommend Jean Be to anyone wanting to see Madagascar and learn about its culture and history.
Throughout the organisation and the trip itself, Jean Be was very helpful and professional, even when I was mistaken in the address of my hotel. On the first morning he showed his registration documents with the tourism office and I signed a contract for the tours. I had to pay extra for a transfer to the city as my hotel was near Ivato airport, but I believe the cost for everything was justified for the level of service I received. I would highly recommend Jean Be to anyone wanting to see Madagascar and learn about its culture and history.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca M
2 contributions
Jun 2023
I have utilized the services of Jean Be Tours to plan three trips. Jean Be is a very kind and courteous guide. He was well organized and attentive to details to ensure travelers are provided with a great experience. We stayed at some amazing places that allowed us to enjoy beautiful local fauna and flora as well as meet local Malagasies.
This June (2023) we spent 13 days visiting the west (Tsingy and Tsiribihina river) and the eastern rainforests. While we appreciated the variety of two very different environments, it involved many hours of road travel. Compared to my 2015 trip in Madagascar the roads have deteriorated significantly requiring much longer travel days. Travelers may want to consider in planning to fly or limiting their itinerary to one part of the island. In spite of this limitations, Jean Be went the extra mile to ensure our safety and satisfaction. I highly recommend his services if you are looking for both relaxation and adventure at very reasonable cost.
This June (2023) we spent 13 days visiting the west (Tsingy and Tsiribihina river) and the eastern rainforests. While we appreciated the variety of two very different environments, it involved many hours of road travel. Compared to my 2015 trip in Madagascar the roads have deteriorated significantly requiring much longer travel days. Travelers may want to consider in planning to fly or limiting their itinerary to one part of the island. In spite of this limitations, Jean Be went the extra mile to ensure our safety and satisfaction. I highly recommend his services if you are looking for both relaxation and adventure at very reasonable cost.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Molly H
6 contributions
Jul 2022
We joined our parents on the trip so between the three of us we had little to no expectations of Madagascar or what the tour was going to include but the itinerary put together by Jean Be was amazing.
Jean Be made us feel comfortable and relaxed on the long journeys, answering any questions we had, no matter how random or strange! He was very welcoming, warm and was an easy person to get to know and talk to about the Malagasy culture as well as a great person to get to know personally. Benoit was a great and patient driver getting us to where we needed to be.
We really feel like we got a true insight into Malagasy culture, as well as seeing all the incredible national parks and scenery, something we wouldn’t have gained if it wasn’t for Jean Be. He recommended local foods, shared traditions and took us to small local restaurants which was great for us, combining quality and authenticity with great local knowledge. Jean Be was particularly good in local situations, helping us to understand the Malagasy culture without making us feel as though we were dependent on him to explore new places and speak to local people. This balance was perfect as it allowed us to have an easier time connecting with locals and avoid any uncomfortable situations.
For anyone looking to hike Peak Boby we would really recommended the addition of the motorbike ride - it was a highlight for us. It allowed us to see much of the landscape in a way that is so different to simply driving in a car. It was really spectacular.
Overall, it is clear that Jean Be’s experience has allowed him to establish a network of contacts around Madagascar that ensures no matter where you are he will be able to meet your requests. This became especially clear through the kind, warm reception we received by all of the guides and at all of the hotels that Jean Be arranged for us. I am sure that he will make any trip as personalised, varied and authentic as he made ours.
Jean Be made us feel comfortable and relaxed on the long journeys, answering any questions we had, no matter how random or strange! He was very welcoming, warm and was an easy person to get to know and talk to about the Malagasy culture as well as a great person to get to know personally. Benoit was a great and patient driver getting us to where we needed to be.
We really feel like we got a true insight into Malagasy culture, as well as seeing all the incredible national parks and scenery, something we wouldn’t have gained if it wasn’t for Jean Be. He recommended local foods, shared traditions and took us to small local restaurants which was great for us, combining quality and authenticity with great local knowledge. Jean Be was particularly good in local situations, helping us to understand the Malagasy culture without making us feel as though we were dependent on him to explore new places and speak to local people. This balance was perfect as it allowed us to have an easier time connecting with locals and avoid any uncomfortable situations.
For anyone looking to hike Peak Boby we would really recommended the addition of the motorbike ride - it was a highlight for us. It allowed us to see much of the landscape in a way that is so different to simply driving in a car. It was really spectacular.
Overall, it is clear that Jean Be’s experience has allowed him to establish a network of contacts around Madagascar that ensures no matter where you are he will be able to meet your requests. This became especially clear through the kind, warm reception we received by all of the guides and at all of the hotels that Jean Be arranged for us. I am sure that he will make any trip as personalised, varied and authentic as he made ours.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara J
11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We used Jean Be Tours for 12 days while in Madagascar and I cannot rate them highly enough. They were amazing!. The first 2 days we traveled close to Antananarivo to visit a craft market, Crocodile Park and Lemurs Park with just the driver and then we were joined by Jean Be for our trip to Tsingy, Morondavo, Ansiribe and Andasibe. Our driver was excellent at navigating the twists, bends and bumps en route. Never did we feel unsafe. Jean Be Tours organized all the local guides and tours, river crossings, 4 x 4 vehicles to Tsingy. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and wanted us to have an amazing experience.
We chose our own destinations and booked our hotels ourselves (not necessary but my daughter had some prior knowledge of the hotels) and Jean Be did the rest.
Although some of the drives were long (our choice) it was all part of the adventure and we drove through many little villages that were absolutely interesting and fascinating.
Bathrooms were hard to come by but we quickly adapted to using the local spots....trees bushes etc. Again, it was all part of the adventure.
We formed a bond with Jean Be and his staff and were sad to say goodbye at the end of the trip.
Jean Be provided us with a hassle free and safe way to visit the areas we had chosen for our adventure and I would highly recommend him for your adventure!
We chose our own destinations and booked our hotels ourselves (not necessary but my daughter had some prior knowledge of the hotels) and Jean Be did the rest.
Although some of the drives were long (our choice) it was all part of the adventure and we drove through many little villages that were absolutely interesting and fascinating.
Bathrooms were hard to come by but we quickly adapted to using the local spots....trees bushes etc. Again, it was all part of the adventure.
We formed a bond with Jean Be and his staff and were sad to say goodbye at the end of the trip.
Jean Be provided us with a hassle free and safe way to visit the areas we had chosen for our adventure and I would highly recommend him for your adventure!
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TB_Essex
Great Dunmow, UK1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
We would highly and wholeheartedly recommend Jeanbe. We are not seasoned travellers so it was so easy having everything planned and taken care of and having the holiday tailored to just us. We chose what we wanted and Jeanbe planned / adjusted the itinerary to meet our needs. We wanted to see plants and animals and although all the guides have a level of knowledge ours were really outstanding: we learnt so much and enjoyed the night walks too. Jeanbe was honest. He looked after us while giving us our own space.
Madagascar was amazing - we saw more animals especially lemur species and chameleons than I anticipated. Didn't really need our binoculars as everything came close. The people were lovely. We wanted to learn about the history and culture in the different regions and Jeanbe was very knowledgeable. There were long road journeys but the driver was calm and safe. Jeanbe has now arranged three different holidays for us and people we know, all of whom would recommend him - thank you!
Madagascar was amazing - we saw more animals especially lemur species and chameleons than I anticipated. Didn't really need our binoculars as everything came close. The people were lovely. We wanted to learn about the history and culture in the different regions and Jeanbe was very knowledgeable. There were long road journeys but the driver was calm and safe. Jeanbe has now arranged three different holidays for us and people we know, all of whom would recommend him - thank you!
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniela D
3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I was planning my trip to Madagascar and found the site of Jeanbetours. I remember being surprised by his description of the biography, it seemed to me with a lot of experience and most of all a lot of love regarding his native country and after spending a month with him I can confirm that it is absolutely true!
I was planning a long journey to discover Madagascar and I wanted to do several stop around the country and he organise to me a perfect itinerary! it is essential to rely on someone who knows the country really well like him. I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and care that Jean Be has used since the first day we spoke by phone! Ours trip has been really long but he has always thought about how to make us feel better in every situation! I’m glad I trusted JeanBe, our trip to Madagascar would not have been so beautiful and so true in that wonderful country. Maybe wi will see again Jean Be, good luck with everything! Thank you for all!
I was planning a long journey to discover Madagascar and I wanted to do several stop around the country and he organise to me a perfect itinerary! it is essential to rely on someone who knows the country really well like him. I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and care that Jean Be has used since the first day we spoke by phone! Ours trip has been really long but he has always thought about how to make us feel better in every situation! I’m glad I trusted JeanBe, our trip to Madagascar would not have been so beautiful and so true in that wonderful country. Maybe wi will see again Jean Be, good luck with everything! Thank you for all!
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy D
Maidstone, UK4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We are very happy to recommend JeanBe Tours. We spent 29days touring the West coast, Central Highlands and East coast of Madagascar and JeanBe was attending to our needs every step of the way. At the same time he gave us space to do our own thing.
As experienced independent travellers we did appreciate that getting around Madagascar even for a month would be challenging. JeanBe got us great accommodation, drivers and cars and guides (the quality of all varies).
JeanBe was very honest, highly knowledgeable and very professional. He passed up attending an important family celebration in his nearby hometown to stay with us and ensure we were looked after. He got our driver to screech to a halt when he glimpse a rare pygmy kingfisher from the corner of his eye. We had many interesting discussions on the local culture. Most of the guides and drivers we used he has been working with for years.
Importantly if you work with JeanBe directly you can be sure that all the money you are spending on your trip (excluding the airfare) is going into the Madagascan economy and not to any middlemen.
You will not be disappointed. Madagascar is no called the eighth continent for no reason. We encountered so many smiling faces irrespective of their owner's situation and learnt so much on our first substantial trip to Africa.
I wrote about our trip in 9 blog posts. You can find these under Jem-and-Jane on an independent site called travelblog. This will give you more details about our adventures.
As experienced independent travellers we did appreciate that getting around Madagascar even for a month would be challenging. JeanBe got us great accommodation, drivers and cars and guides (the quality of all varies).
JeanBe was very honest, highly knowledgeable and very professional. He passed up attending an important family celebration in his nearby hometown to stay with us and ensure we were looked after. He got our driver to screech to a halt when he glimpse a rare pygmy kingfisher from the corner of his eye. We had many interesting discussions on the local culture. Most of the guides and drivers we used he has been working with for years.
Importantly if you work with JeanBe directly you can be sure that all the money you are spending on your trip (excluding the airfare) is going into the Madagascan economy and not to any middlemen.
You will not be disappointed. Madagascar is no called the eighth continent for no reason. We encountered so many smiling faces irrespective of their owner's situation and learnt so much on our first substantial trip to Africa.
I wrote about our trip in 9 blog posts. You can find these under Jem-and-Jane on an independent site called travelblog. This will give you more details about our adventures.
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kasper F
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Our experience with Jean Be Tours was absolutely perfect. We spent 5 days with a driver through Madagascar, from Tana to Tulear (visiting Antsirabe, Ranomfana, and Isalo on the way). Jean Be was very helpful in planning our trip, suggesting lengths of each stop and connecting us with great local guides and restaurants along the way.
Our driver, Omega, was the best possible driver we could have gotten, and we urge you to request him for your trip!! Great english (+ French and Italian), solid behind the wheel, helfpul in explaining and discussing various things we saw by the road or in each stop and making fun conversations throughout the hours and hours of driving (yes, roads are not the best in Madagascar).
THANK YOU, Omega and Jean Be, for making our trip unforgettable!!! Cannot recommend them highly enough
Our driver, Omega, was the best possible driver we could have gotten, and we urge you to request him for your trip!! Great english (+ French and Italian), solid behind the wheel, helfpul in explaining and discussing various things we saw by the road or in each stop and making fun conversations throughout the hours and hours of driving (yes, roads are not the best in Madagascar).
THANK YOU, Omega and Jean Be, for making our trip unforgettable!!! Cannot recommend them highly enough
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick Hudson
4 contributions
Jul 2022
We had a wonderful tour with Jean Be. The 10 day programme he put together was varied and enabled us to get a real flavour of central Madagascar. Every day had its own special highlight. Jean Be is a genuine, trustworthy person who wants to guarantee his clients take away special memories of his country, and everything Madagascar has to offer. We travelled from Tana all the way to Isalo in a vehicle which was comfortable, for the five of us, and our driver, Benoir, was and excellent.
I would highly recommend Jean Be - he is a superb guide. His flexibility and local knowledge enabled us to get the most out of our visit
I would highly recommend Jean Be - he is a superb guide. His flexibility and local knowledge enabled us to get the most out of our visit
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana B
Moscow, Russia
Hello, I'm a girl. I travel all alone, I would like to go on a tour of Madagascar. Visit the most important island of lemurs, and the protected areas where they live. I want to visit a place where baobabs grow,
climb along Tsingi and villages with local people. I love to visit colorful places. I will not be able to find the second fellow traveler, since there are few people wishing to do this. I would like to go in early August. Ideally, travel around Madagascar 7-9 days. What program and price is possible for me? I'm going to fly to Madagascar in early August. To me the main thing is that they would take me everywhere, and the language does not matter, since I know English badly, but nevertheless I travel without it without problems. So the guide is optional. After all, the driver can take me everywhere and drive without a guide? I want a program that would be to see and communicate personally as possible with a large number of animals. I want to closely communicate with lemurs, go to Mondorava to baobabs and climb along the rocks of Tsingi. I'm not interested in museums and factories. Only nature and animals are interested. I want to see everything only the most interesting. Interesting colorful tribes. What route is possible by my request from 7 to 10 days? And what will be the price if I take only the driver?
Written June 11, 2018
Hello Diana, can you send me an e-mail so we can discuss details more easy? Please look for my website: Jean Be Tours and send me an email. Thank you!
Jean Be Tours
(I can not post any link or email address, for it is not allowed by TA)
Written June 12, 2018
avonvet
Hartford, Connecticut
Hello- My family is planning on visiting my son who is a Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar and doing a tour. The best time for us to travel is late Dec/ January but I have heard many do nort recommend that time due to the rainy season. I have just read some excellent reviews by people who have travelled then . Can someone give me more detail ? Thanks, FCF
Written May 12, 2017
Hello Avonvet, Rainy season is from November till April, with a chance of cyclones from Januari till March. December is a good month to visit because everything is still fresh and green. During rainy days some roads may be less accessible, but many parts of the island are still very interesting, dry and sunny. Which parts of the Island would you want to visit?
Written May 12, 2017
Kenner 84: wie oft waren sie in Madagaskar ? Ich habe gesehen, dass 2014 und 2017 Beiträge von Ihnen veröffentlicht wurden. Ich bin verunsichert weil Jean Be seit 2 Wochen auf meine Kontaktanfragen und E-Mails nicht antwortet.
Written May 11, 2017
Hallo Kenner84. Ich war in Madagaskar 1 mahl, 3 wochen mit Jean Be, going west: Tsiribihina river, going south: from Ifaty to Antananarivo, then to Saint Marie Island. It was really good.
Ich hab Jean ein email geschickt, aber leider nog keine antwort.
Maybe his email is down or he is on a tour right now. I will send hem a message on Facebook and another email adress that I have. I will keep you informed. Regards, Luc
Written May 12, 2017
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