About Voky Be Tours
Experience
Madagascar
Differently.
We are more than tour operators. We are hosts who believe in the transformative power of travel and immersing in different cultures.
Why Voky Be?
Malagasy-owned. Licensed. Passionate.
As a Malagasy-owned and operated, licensed tour operator, Voky Be Tours specializes in curated tour experiences with a passion for adventure and hassle-free holidays. Our trilingual company — English, Malagasy & French — boasts over 25 years of combined experience in travel and hospitality.
“Yves grew up on the same property where we now host guests. Welcoming tourists to Madagascar is his passion.”
Our Story
A retired Special Forces soldier, an international NGO professional, and a deep love for Madagascar.
Yves is a licensed tour operator, entrepreneur, and retired French Special Forces soldier with experience across more than 50 countries. He personally plans and leads every tour, and brings that same operational rigor to everything he runs.
Beyond Voky Be Tours, Yves runs a construction company and a security consultancy (VK Security Consulting). He served for two years as the voluntary PCA (board chair) of the Office Régional du Tourisme Anôsy (ORTA) — the regional tourism authority for Fort Dauphin — contributing to the development of the Anôsy region as a destination.
Alison, originally from Boulder, Colorado, is an Executive Coach (PCC, ICF), coach trainer, and the founder of Sekoly Kintana — a Montessori school in Fort Dauphin — and Kintana Institute. She runs her coaching and education work independently and is not involved in the day-to-day operations of Voky Be.
Together, they built something real in Fort Dauphin — each in their own domain.
A note on pricing: If you find a tour, guide, or rental that seems unusually cheap — they are most likely not licensed, insured, don’t pay taxes, and their employees are not working under contract.
About Madagascar
The world’s fourth-largest island. One of its most extraordinary.
Madagascar sits in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa — a place unlike anywhere else on earth, with wildlife, landscapes, and cultures found nowhere else.
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season, April to November — sunny, warm, clear skies, low humidity, and ideal for wildlife viewing. That said, Madagascar is beautiful year-round. Aim for at least two to three weeks to experience the full range of landscapes and climate.
Wildlife & National Parks
Madagascar has dozens of national parks, reserves, and protected areas showcasing incredible biodiversity. From lemurs and chameleons to iridescent frogs and rare bird species — many national parks offer encounters found nowhere else on earth. Ranomafana, Andasibe-Mantadia, Berenty, and Tsingy are among the most spectacular.
The Big South
While Antananarivo is worth a brief visit for its history and culture, the real Madagascar is found outside the capital. Tôlagnaro (Fort-Dauphin) in the far south offers remote beaches, rainforests, river villages, and wildlife encounters far beyond the tourist trail — and that is exactly where Voky Be is based.
Cuisine & Culture
Madagascar’s cuisine blends African, Asian, and European influences. Ravitoto, vary sosoa, and mokary are staples — and the island’s vanilla, cloves, and pepper are exported around the world. Yves will cook local dishes for you on camping trips and knows where to eat well in Fort Dauphin.
Our Team
Meet the people behind Voky Be.
A family-run business with loyal dogs, dedicated housekeepers, and a team passionate about sharing Madagascar with the world.
Owner & Guide — Voky Be Tours
Yves Rakotonirina
Licensed tour operator, entrepreneur, and retired French Special Forces soldier. Yves personally plans and guides every expedition. He also runs VK Security Consulting and a construction company, and served as voluntary PCA of the Office Régional du Tourisme Anôsy.
Executive Coach · School Founder · Coach Trainer
Alison Rakotonirina
PCC (ICF), founder of Sekoly Kintana Montessori school and Kintana Institute. Alison runs her coaching and education work independently — she is not involved in Voky Be operations. Visit alisonrakoto.com for her work.
Business Manager
José
José counts the beans, keeps the lights on, and manages bookings when Yves is in the field. He’s your first point of contact for tours and lodging availability.
Housekeepers
Adeline & Hante
Adeline and Hante keep the dust bunnies at bay, serve breakfast, and make sure your towels are fluffy and your sheets crisp.
Site Engineers
Govenor, Xena & Gotty
Govenor is the grandfather — loyal and not to be trifled with. Gotty is the secret weapon: friendly but trained. You may not see Xena, but she’s watching.
Mindset Staff
The Munchkins
A & C enjoy answering questions and sharing their enthusiasm for life and Madagascar.
Guardians of Voky Be
Claude & Donation
These guys keep the grass green and the doors open — or closed. If you stay out late, they’ll let you in and get you to the right person.