ESCAPE TRAVEL

Created by a former naval engineer who speaks fluent French, this experienced agency is a safe bet. It advocates slow tourism, respectful of its environment and giving tourists time to observe birds and nature. Daniel, the founder, prefers places away from the circuits that concentrate the masses. Several options are available: short day or half-day excursions, or two- to four-day stays with meals and overnight stays with local people. Speedboat trips are also available.