Interview with Arsène, Our Trek Specialist Guide

Dear traveler friends, 

We are honored to introduce Arsène, our trek specialist guide at Détours Madagascar. With a meaningful journey, a strong will, a unique approach to the environment and people, a historical love for mountains, shared values, incredible curiosity and sensitivity, and above all, the art of walking, here is Olive's interview with this unique personality.

Olive: You have perfectly embraced the essence of Détours Madagascar’s travels. Can you tell us about your professional background?

Arsène: First of all, it’s important for me to emphasize that my professional journey is above all the story of a life, a life choice. After earning a higher technical diploma in ecotourism in 2003, I didn’t immediately start working as a guide. Initially, I was a technical and administrative manager for an association organizing hiking tours in the villages around Antsirabe, particularly in Betafo and Ibity, as well as in the Central West of Madagascar. However, I quickly felt the need for a more practical approach, one that aligned with my passions and motivations, particularly nature and environmental activities: fieldwork. I then began guiding tourists within the same association. Despite certain challenges, my early experiences confirmed that I was on the right path and in harmony with myself. 

The tourism sector was heavily impacted by the political events of 2009. Along with three friends who also shared a passion for rural tourism and hiking, we created another association: Sentiers Authentiques Malagasy.

O: So you found a way to channel your passion. What were your beginnings like at Détours, and what are your impressions of the team?

A: The more I explored my region, the more I wanted to see how things worked elsewhere. After spending many years as a hiking guide and promoting village tourism in my region, I realized the need to expand my knowledge, broaden my activities, and take on a new challenge elsewhere. That’s when I had a decisive encounter—an experience I consider pivotal to my evolution as a guide. I met Détours, an agency with inspiring ambitions and projects, and a team composed mainly of dynamic, caring, and highly skilled individuals in their respective fields. 

The general manager, in particular, stands out to me as a reference in delivering quality services to travelers. I immediately felt motivated by their trust in me. I’m delighted to be part of this team, which fosters a fantastic spirit—not only welcoming me through my highs and lows but also allowing me to live my passion, fully express my potential, and uphold my values. Now, I have a job that perfectly suits my personality, giving me strength and optimism.

O: Valuing people and diversity—those are two qualities I’ve immediately noticed in this company, which is composed of different ethnicities and even nationalities. In which language do you feel most comfortable communicating ?

A: I speak Malagasy and French, and I also manage quite well in English.

O: You often mention living your passion. But if we dig deeper, what exactly drives you?

A: This job stems from passion. Covering many kilometers on foot each day, spending hours walking through water, constantly changing climates—sometimes harsh, sometimes mild—managing groups and logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly can be exhausting. Therefore, passion is essential to sustain this pace and these challenges. 

What I love most is meeting people, sharing, exchanging, and imparting knowledge—from the general to the specific. For me, being genuine in this profession requires not just passion and skills but also a desire and pleasure in communicating, exploring, and sharing. Seeing my clients amazed by what I show and teach them is a deeply satisfying experience—almost a state of ataraxia. One thing is certain: I’ve truly found my calling.

O: According to you, having a genuine sense of exchange with others is crucial in this profession. But you seem to have something extraordinary. What makes you unique?

A: Coming from a farming family, I spent my childhood in the mountains, playing with cousins and tending to zebu. These experiences instilled a lifelong love for the mountains. I believe this background prepared me physically without me even realizing it, while also fostering a natural ease in connecting with the rural communities we visit.  When I lead a group, my primary goal is to understand my clients and their expectations. It’s vital to anticipate and meet their needs. Since everyone has different sensitivities, a professional must sense this. I enjoy inventing ways to satisfy them. To adapt to various profiles and preferences, I often design my own circuits, apart from mainstream tourist routes, which I personally dislike. My skills have largely been shaped by prior experiences.

Chinese Portrait

If I were a region, I would be

Vakinankaratra—an area ideal for agriculture, livestock, industry, and human activities due to its soil, mild climate, and water resources. Beyond the human occupation lies an adventurous wilderness for those willing to explore.

If I were a village, I would be

Betafo, my hometown, nestled between mountains and rice fields—simply perfect.

If I were a landscape, I would be

Vavavato, with its massive rocks, stunning lakes, and unpredictable climate—both gentle and harsh.

If I were a plant, I would be

A Pachypodium—for its biological adaptations, drought resistance, and ability to conserve even the smallest drop of water.

If I were an endemic animal, I would be

The Madagascar Golden Orb Weaver—a spider that may alarm some but is gentle, fragile, intelligent, harmless, and even edible.

If I were a month, I would be

October—my birth month and the month heralding nature’s renewal, with one of my favorite animals (the striped tenrec) awakening.

If I were a mode of transport, I would be

Feet—accessible to almost everyone, usable in all circumstances, free, eco-friendly, and economical, while promoting physical and mental well-being.

If I were clothing or an accessory, I would be

Something that touches the most hidden part of the wearer. Mystery, mystery !

If I were a natural element, I would be

Fire—warm, bright, penetrating; it can heat or burn. It represents intelligence.

If I were a travel accessory, I would be

A Swiss Army knife—practical, versatile, reliable, precise, and indispensable in all situations.

If I were food, I would be

Rice—the staple food in Madagascar and an essential political and cultural element.

If I were a sound, I would be

A waterfall—soothing and capable of masking all unwanted noise.

If I were a language, I would be

Malagasy—rich, often metaphorical, and a unifying link among Malagasy tribes.

If I were a sport, I would be

Walking—gentle, effective, and universally accessible, with multiple physical and emotional benefits.

If I were a quality, I would be

Empathy—I love listening, understanding, and adapting to others.

If I were a flaw, I would be

Kindness—sometimes it’s taken advantage of. "Too nice, too naive," as they say.

If I were a Malagasy personality, I would be

Jean Ralaimongo—a great patriot who fought for equality throughout his life, embodying true values.

Next trips guided by Arsène:

 Confirmed departures:

. July 22–August 5, 2023

. August 5–13, 2023

Confirmed departures:

. July 2–8, 2023

© Détours Madagascar - June 19, 2023