15-Day Madagascar Birding & Wildlife Tour
You'll explore Madagascar's unique wildlife: lemurs, chameleons, and over 120 bird species. From lush rainforests to coastal areas, you will discover iconic birds like the Ground Rollers, Couas, and Mesites. Join us for an unforgettable adventure to explore diverse habitats and discover unique wildlife wonders!
Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo
Upon arrival in Antananarivo, the vibrant capital of Madagascar, our friendly guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Nestled in the heart of this bustling city, your accommodation offers a blend of modern comforts and local charm, providing you with a cozy retreat after your journey. Take the evening to unwind and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Antananarivo, savoring the anticipation of the adventures ahead.
- Accommodation: Sakamanga Hotel (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Dinner included (Breakfast & lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 2: Drive to Andasibe – Afternoon Birding at Analamazoatra Special Reserve
Begin your journey with a 3-4 hour drive to Andasibe, a renowned rainforest destination. In the afternoon, explore the Analamazoatra section of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the majestic Indri lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur. Birding highlights include Madagascar Wood Rail, Madagascar Flufftail, Nuthatch Vanga, Ward’s Flycatcher, Velvet Asity, and ground rollers. A night walk may reveal Madagascar Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, and nocturnal lemurs and chameleons.
- Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 3: Birding at Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Spend the day exploring the Mantadia section of the park, searching for Velvet Asity, Common Sunbird-Asity, Forest Rock Thrush, Madagascar Flufftail, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Madagascar Cuckooshrike, Rand’s Warbler, Madagascar Grebe, Meller’s Duck, and Madagascar Rail. Keep an eye out for Red-fronted Coua, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs, Giraffe Weevil, Madagascar Tree Boa, and chameleons.
- Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 4: Birding in Maromizaha Reserve
Explore Maromizaha Forest, embarking on a long hike to spot additional bird species such as Pollen’s Vanga, Madagascar Blue Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Nuthatch Vanga, Dark Newtonia, and Rufous-headed Ground Roller.
- Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 5: Drive Back to Antananarivo – Visit Tsarasaotra Lake
After a morning exploration in Andasibe, return to Antananarivo. Visit the Ramsar site of Tsarasaotra Lake, a haven for Madagascar Whistling Ducks, Purple Herons, and various water birds.
- Accommodation: Sakamanga Hotel (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 6: Drive to Ambositra
Journey towards Ranomafana National Park with a stop in Ambositra, the woodcarving capital of Madagascar. En route, look for Hamerkop and Madagascar Snipe.
- Accommodation: Hotel Artisan (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 7: Journey to Ranomafana National Park
En route to Ranomafana, search for Malagasy Kingfisher, Mascarene Martin, Malagasy Kestrel, and Malagasy Bulbul. A night walk may reveal Rufous Mouse Lemur and various chameleons.
- Accommodation: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Days 8 & 9: Birding in Ranomafana National Park
Enjoy two full days of birding in Ranomafana, targeting species like Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Cryptic Warbler, Madagascar Yellowbrow, Grey-crowned Tetraka, Pollen’s Vanga, and more. Look for Madagascar Snipe and Grey Emutail in wetland areas. Expect to see lemurs such as Milne-Edwards Sifaka and fascinating reptiles like the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko.
- Accommodation: Hotel Thermal Ranomafana (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 10: Journey to Isalo National Park via Anja Community Reserve
Drive to Isalo National Park with a stop at Anja Community Reserve, home to Ring-tailed Lemurs, Madagascar Buttonquails, and Grey-headed Lovebirds. In Isalo, search for Madagascar Lark and Namaqua Dove.
- Accommodation: Isalo Rock Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 11: Transfer to Ifaty via Zombitse Reserve
Drive southwest through Zombitse National Park, searching for Appert’s Tetraka, Coquerel’s Coua, Giant Coua, and Cuckoo-Roller. Continue to Ifaty, where you may spot Greater Vasa Parrots and Subdesert Brush Warblers.
- Accommodation: Vovotelo Lodge
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included; Drinks not included)
Day 12: Explore the Ifaty Spiny Forest
Today, you will explore the unique spiny forests near Ifaty, a surreal landscape dotted with baobabs and octopus trees—a habitat unlike any other in Madagascar. This area is home to some of the country’s most sought-after endemic bird species, including Long-tailed Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite, Sickle-billed Vanga, Lafresnaye’s Vanga, Archbold’s Newtonia, Banded Kestrel, Thamnornis, Red-capped Coua, and Running Couas.
Later, you'll visit a coastal site to observe the elusive Madagascar Plover, along with migratory shorebirds such as Ruddy Turnstone, Eurasian Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, and Little Stint.
Accommodation: Vovo Telo Lodge (Mid-range lodge in Ifaty)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included, drinks not included)
Day 13: Ifaty – Spiny Forest & Beach Relaxation
Start your day with another immersive walk through the Ifaty Spiny Forest, a biodiversity hotspot where towering baobabs and spiny plants form a dramatic backdrop. As you explore, keep an eye out for rare bird species, fascinating reptiles, and even lemurs hidden among the foliage.
In the afternoon, unwind on the pristine beaches of Ifaty. Whether you choose to swim in the turquoise waters, lounge under the shade of palm trees, or take a peaceful stroll along the shore, this moment of relaxation provides a perfect balance to your wildlife adventures.
Accommodation: Vovo Telo Lodge (Mid-range lodge in Ifaty)
Meals & Drinks: Meals at own expense (Drinks not included)
Day 14: Return to Antananarivo
After breakfast, you will drive back to Toliara, passing through Madagascar’s scenic landscapes. Along the way, soak in the sights of coastal villages, rolling hills, and the ever-changing terrain that makes this island so unique.
From Toliara, you’ll board a domestic flight back to Antananarivo (Tana). Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and cultural experiences that have shaped your journey.
Accommodation: Sakamanga Hotel (Mid-range hotel in Antananarivo)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner included (Lunch not included, drinks not included)
Day 15: Departure – Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight. As you bid farewell to Madagascar, take with you the cherished memories of its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Your Madagascar Birding & Wildlife Tour concludes, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable island and its unparalleled biodiversity.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included (Lunch & dinner not included, drinks not included)
- ✔ Park Fees (for non-residents)
✔ All Activities (unless specified as optional)
✔ Accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
✔ Professional Driver/Guide
✔ All Transportation (unless specified as optional)
✔ Domestic Flights (during the tour)
✔ All Taxes and VAT
✔ Roundtrip Airport Transfers
✔ Meals (as specified in the itinerary)
- ❌ International flights (to/from your home country)
❌ Additional accommodation before and after the tour
❌ Tips (recommended: $10 per person per day)
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
❌ Some meals (as specified in the itinerary)
❌ Beverages
For an overview of your tour route, click on this link to view the map :