Malagasy Tours

Formerly Malagasy Tours (renamed in 2021) was created by Olivier Toboul in 1995. But before landing in Madagascar, Olivier traveled and guided for ten years in Eastern and Southern Africa for French companies. It was in 1992 that he set foot for the first time in Madagascar and it was love at first sight ! At the time, tourism on the Island was very much in its infancy: very few international flights, a rare few tourists and tourist facilities were almost non-existent. Olivier returned in 1993 and decided to stay regardless. He then met Danz, a taxi driver in Tana with his antique Renault 4 and led him into what is still today a life of travels that created a solid friendship. Together, they roamed all over Madagascar, they learned, they discovered, they prospected, they sought and found countless incredible spots that are well known today. They wandered the whole island, creating varieties of itinerary together. We welcomed our first customers in 1994. Gradually, as tourism developed in the country, so did our company. While Olivier’s direct address book ran out, outside agencies and mainly French at first, took over and featured the destination in their brochures. Travelers are starting to arrive in numbers, the itineraries created are of interest, few trips became popular. Danz called his buddies, his buddies called their buddies, and just like that, the team was born. Olivier trained these buddies of buddies to be a guide and to embrace their new profession. The natural kindness of the Malagasy, their voluntary commitment and hard-working side transformed them into competent guides and wonderful travel partners. But at some point when the team kept on growing, it naturally needed some support, to harness its energies. Although the bond is strong, an equally strong personality needed to be called to coordinate and bring additional rigor. Vero was the chosen one to manage all the guides and all necessary logistics. One year later in 1995, another love at first sight when Olivier met Nathalie, love of his life and became his wife. Together they created Le Grill du Rova, their restaurant in the Tana uplands, steps away from the Queen’s Palace. It became our company’s headquarters for the first decades. Le Grill du Rova has a terrace offering a splendid view of the city and is still serving popular specialities today.