u/fractaljoan

Hey, I'm Spanish and I always wanted to visit Madagascar. I'll travel for work to South Africa in September and could be the only time that would be closer to take a flight to there. Some people are reluctant to my idea and I don't know the language nor French. I don't want to pay a travel agency for me to take me to the main places as it is very expensive. It's worthwhile to plan a trip on my own? Would be risky? Would I be able to communicate with people in some sort of English or very basic dummy French? Do you know a group of Spanish speaking people that may provide help or guided tours there? Any suggestions will be really appreciated Thank you in advance :)