15-DAY MADAGASCAR BIRDING AND WILDLIFE TOUR

Embark on a 15-day od

Madagascar is a truly unique destination, being the world’s fourth-largest island and boasting an array of distinctive wildlife. This massive island is home to four endemic bird families and five mammal families, including the iconic lemurs. Half of the world’s chameleons can be found here, along with fascinating endemic plant families and a wealth of other wildlife species. With an astonishing 120 endemic bird species, including exotic groups like vangas, ground rollers, Cuckoo Roller, couas, asities, and mesites, Madagascar offers a birding experience like no other.

Lemurs are also a highlight, ranging from the tiny mouse lemurs to the majestic sifakas and the impressive Indri with its resonating calls that echo through the forest. Our tour takes you through diverse habitats, from grasslands and dry deciduous woodlands to the unique spiny forest with its peculiar octopus trees (Didiera madagascariensis) and elephant’s foot trees (Pachypodium rosulatum), lush eastern rainforests, and coastal lagoons and mudflats.

We'll search for iconic bird species such as the Long-tailed Ground Roller, Pitta-like Ground Roller, Scaly Ground Roller, Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite, Giant Coua, Velvet Asity, and Madagascar Ibis, among many others. This tour promises an unforgettable experience on an extraordinary island. Join us for a special journey to discover the wonders of Madagascar!

yssey through Madagascar, beginning with a warm welcome in Antananarivo. The journey unfolds with diverse experiences, from exploring the Baobab Forest Reserve in Ifaty and the coastal charm of Anakao to birding expeditions in Tsimanapetsotsa and Zombitse-Vohibasia National Parks. Discover the dramatic landscapes of Isalo, delve into remote villages in Tsaranoro Valley, and explore the rich biodiversity of Ranomafana National Park.

The itinerary seamlessly combines wildlife encounters with cultural insights, featuring stops in Antsirabe, Andasibe National Park, and the enchanting Vakona Lemurs Island. Conclude the adventure with a scenic exploration of Maromizaha Forest before returning to Antananarivo for a final city tour. Depart Madagascar with lasting memories of a 15-day expedition that encompasses the island's natural wonders, cultural diversity, and unique wildlife.

ITINERARY (15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ANTANANARIVO

On the first day, we will arrive in Antananarivo. Stay at San Cristobal hotel

DAY 2: DRIVE TO ANDASIBE, AFTERNOON BIRDING AT ANALAMAZOATRA SPECIAL RESERVE

Today, we will begin our journey with a 3-4 drive to Andasibe, a renowned rainforest destination in Madagascar. In the afternoon, we will explore the Analamazoatra section of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where we can easily encounter the majestic Indri lemur and other fascinating species such as the Eastern Woolly Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur. The birding opportunities here are exceptional, with a chance to spot Madagascar Wood Rail, Madagascar Flufftail, Nuthatch Vanga, Ward’s Flycatcher, Velvet Asity, various ground rollers, and nocturnal species like the Collared Nightjar during its daytime roost. Additionally, we may encounter Madagascar Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, and various nocturnal lemurs and chameleons during a night walk in the area. Overnight stay: Mantadia Lodge

DAYS 3 – 4: ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK

For the next two days, we will be exploring the diverse habitats of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. On Day 2, we will focus on birding in the Mantadia National Park section throughout the day, with a return to the Analamazoatra section in the afternoon of Day 3. Expect to see species like Velvet Asity, Common Sunbird-Asity, Forest Rock Thrush, Madagascar Flufftail, various vangas including Madagascar Blue and Nuthatch Vangas, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Madagascar Cuckooshrike, endemic warblers like Rand’s Warbler, and more. We will also search for rare birds such as Madagascar Grebe, Meller’s Duck, and Madagascar Rail, while keeping an eye out for Red-fronted Coua among other non-avian wildlife like Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Giraffe Weevil, Madagascar Tree Boa, and chameleons.

During our time in Andasibe, we may also explore Maromizaha Forest, embarking on a long hike to spot additional bird species including Pollen’s Vanga, Madagascar Blue Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Nuthatch Vanga, Dark Newtonia, and Rufous-headed Ground Roller. Overnight stay: Mantadia Lodge, Andasibe

DAY 5: ANDASIBE TO ANTANANARIVO (TANA)

 In the morning, we'll explore the Maromizaha forest before embarking on an afternoon drive back to Antananarivo (Tana). Stay at San Cristobal hotel

DAY 6: ANTANANARIVO (TANA) TO AMBOSITRA

 Our journey continues with a picturesque road trip towards Ranomafana National Park in the southeast of Madagascar. Along the way, we'll search for species like the Hamerkop and Madagascar Snipe. We'll make a stop in Ambositra, known as Madagascar's woodcarving capital, where we'll spend the night at the Artisan hotel.

DAY 7: TRANSFER TO RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

 As we transfer to Ranomafana National Park, we'll have opportunities to spot common endemic species such as the Malagasy Kingfisher, Mascarene Martin, Malagasy Kestrel, Malagasy Bulbul, and more. In the evening, a night walk may reveal sightings of Rufous Mouse Lemur and various chameleon species.

Overnight stay: Thermal hotel, Ranomafana

DAYS 8 – 9: EXPLORING RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

Our time in Ranomafana National Park promises exceptional birding experiences, with a chance to encounter species like the Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Cryptic Warbler, Madagascar Yellowbrow, Greycrowned Tetraka, Pollen’s Vanga, and many others. We'll also explore wetlands and rice paddies to spot Madagascar Snipe and Grey Emutail. Additionally, we'll keep an eye out for lemurs such as Milne-Edward’s Sifaka and various reptiles including the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko.

Overnight stay: Thermal hotel, Ranomafana

DAY 10: TRANSFER TO ISALO NATIONAL PARK

After some final birding in Ranomafana, we'll embark on a scenic road trip to Isalo National Park. Along the way, we may stop at Anja Community Reserve to see Ring-tailed Lemurs, Madagascar Buttonquails, and Grey-headed Lovebirds. In Isalo National Park, we'll search for unique bird species like Madagascar Lark and Namaqua Dove, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Overnight stay: Isalo Rocklodge, Isalo

DAY 11: TRANSFER TO IFATY VIA ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK

 Our journey takes us to the spiny forests of the southwest, passing through Zombitse National Park along the way. Here, we'll look for species like Appert’s Tetraka, Coquerel’s Coua, Giant Coua, and the impressive Cuckoo-Roller. Our drive southwest will also include stops to search for the Madagascar Sandgrouse. Finally, we'll reach our beachside accommodation in Ifaty, where we can enjoy sightings of Greater Vasa Parrots and Subdesert Brush Warblers.

Overnight stay: Vovotelo, Ifaty

DAY 12: EXPLORING SPINY FORESTS NEAR IFATY

Today, we delve into the unique spiny forests near Ifaty, characterized by baobabs and octopus trees, offering a distinct habitat for Madagascar's endemic species. Look forward to sightings of Long-tailed Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite, Sickle-billed Vanga, Lafresnaye’s Vanga, Archbold’s Newtonia, Banded Kestrel, Thamnornis, Red-capped Coua, Running Couas, and more. We'll also visit a coastal site to observe Madagascar Plover and Palearctic shorebirds such as Ruddy Turnstone, Eurasian Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, and Little Stint.

Overnight stay: Vovotelo hotel, Ifaty

DAY 13 : NOSY VE BOAT TRIP AND TRANSFER TO LA TABLE NEAR TOLIARA

Embark on an exciting boat trip to Nosy Ve Island to witness the Red-tailed Tropicbird breeding colony and possibly spot Crab-plovers. In Anakao village, we'll search for Littoral Rock Thrush. Overnight stay: LALANDAKA RESORT, Anakao

DAY 14: FLIGHT TO ANTANANARIVO (TANA) AND BIRDING IN THE CITY

Early morning boat ride back to Toliara where we will take the flight back to Antananarivo. In the city, we'll visit Lake Alorobia for Meller’s Duck, Humblot’s Heron, Malagasy Pond Heron, Whitethroated Rail, and other water birds. Keep an eye out for Sooty Falcons near the airport area. Overnight stay: San Cristobal hotel, Antananarivo

DAY 15: DEPARTURE

Conclude our journey with final birding activities around the city before departure for international flights.

• All accommodation
• All meals (Breakfast ,lunch, dinner)
• All parks entrance fees
• All local guides’ services
• A good 4X4 car with an experienced driver
• An English speaking tour leader
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel and vice versa
• Boat to and back from Anakao (Toliara-Anakao-Toliara)
• Domestic flight (TANA-TOLIARA, valued at €160 per person)
• A 1.5L bottled water per day
• Tour Tax
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• Drinks and tips, personal expenses, international flight