Quick answer
To book a private tour with MadagascarPrivateTours.com you begin by sending an enquiry (via email or the contact form) with preferred dates, party size and interests. We reply with a draft itinerary. After your agreement on the draft itinerary, we send the quote. Once you confirm, we will request a deposit to hold your dates and then finalise logistics (accommodation, driver/guide, domestic flights if needed). The remaining balance and practical documents are completed before travel. Your booking confirmation contains payment terms, cancellation conditions and contact details for your guide and local support.
Key points
- Start with an enquiry listing dates, group size and key interests.
- We send a tailored itinerary; you approve or request changes.
- We send the quote, that shows what is included and excluded, with the term of payment.
- A deposit secures dates; final payment is due before travel—terms are on your quote.
- We handle local logistics (4×4/minibus, guides, domestic flights) but not international flights.
- Booking confirmation includes vouchers, local emergency contacts and practical arrival instructions.
Step-by-step booking process
1. Enquiry — Contact us with travel dates (or a date range), number of travellers, preferred comfort level, mobility or dietary needs, and the main interests you want to include (wildlife, culture, beaches, photography). Attach any example itinerary you like.
2. Draft itinerary — We respond with a suggested route, daily outline, accommodation standards . This is the stage to request changes to pace, lodging or activities.
3. We issue the detailed quote and term of payment
4. Confirmation and deposit — When you approve the itinerary, we issue a booking confirmation and invoice. A deposit is required to reserve the dates; the exact amount and payment methods are stated on the invoice.
5. Logistics and permits — After deposit we confirm internal logistics: driver and vehicle assignment, local guides for parks, domestic flight reservations where needed and any required park permits or special bookings.
6. Final payment and documents — The balance is due before travel according to the invoice schedule. Shortly before departure you receive a full travel pack: final itinerary, vouchers, guide and driver contact details, meeting instructions for airport pickup and practical advice.
Practical details and what to expect
Payment methods and terms are listed on your invoice; we typically accept international bank transfers and secure card payments (details provided on the quote). Cancellation and change terms are also shown on the booking confirmation—please read these before paying and consider travel insurance.
MadagascarPrivateTours.com arranges all internal transport (4×4 vehicles or minibuses depending on group size) and contracts specialist local guides in national parks where required. We do not arrange international flights; you should book those separately.
For domestic flights inside Madagascar we can manage reservations on your behalf and advise on baggage limits and timing, but domestic schedules can change—we build realistic buffers into itineraries and will communicate any status updates.
To help us tailor the trip please provide passport details, any medical or mobility concerns, and dietary requirements after you confirm. This allows us to choose appropriate accommodation and adjust walking or driving times.
Timing and lead time
For general planning we recommend enquiring as early as possible. For travel in popular months it is sensible to contact us 3–6 months ahead to secure preferred accommodation and domestic flights; for specialised requests or larger groups allow more lead time. If you have limited time before travel, contact us anyway—we will indicate current availability and any alternatives.
If you want season-specific advice before booking, see our best time to visit Madagascar page.
Who you deal with and trust signals
Bookings and planning are managed locally by Finaritra Randrianasolomanana. Our tour guide Fidele Ramananandro is a licensed Malagasy guide and a member of the national guide association with guiding experience since 1986. The team has organised and guided over 250 private tours for couples, families, solo travellers and small groups. All tours are fully private and tailored to your needs.
Summary
The booking process is enquiry → tailored itinerary and quote → deposit to confirm → local logistics and permits arranged → final payment and travel pack issued. Contact Fidele or Finaritra with dates and priorities to begin. We handle internal transport, guides and domestic flights; you book international flights. Full payment terms and cancellation details appear on the booking confirmation.