Madagascar Birding Photography Tours.

Enjoy a 24-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Madagascar on our Birding Photography Tours. Your journey begins in Antananarivo, where you’ll be warmly welcomed before venturing into the heart of Madagascar’s unique ecosystems. Marvel at the diverse birdlife in the spiny forests of Ifaty, where endemic species like the Long-tailed Ground Roller and Red-capped Coua await your discovery. Traverse through Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, home to a plethora of bird species including the striking Cuckoo Roller and Rufous Vanga. Continue your expedition to Ranomafana National Park, renowned for its abundant avian inhabitants such as the Yellow-bellied and Common Sunbird-Asity, Brown Mesite, and Pollen’s Vanga. Delve into the captivating landscapes of Ankarafantsika, where you’ll encounter endangered species like the White-breasted Mesite and Madagascar Fish-Eagle. Experience the magic of Bemanevika Special Reserve, where elusive treasures like the Madagascar Pochard and Red Owl await your discovery amidst stunning natural scenery. Conclude your adventure in Andasibe-Mantadia, where the haunting calls of the Indri lemurs accompany your birdwatching tours.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Antananarivo Airport

You will be greeted by our welcoming agent at the airport, who will assist you with anything you need such as purchasing a SIM card, exchanging currency, and then transferring you to your hotel.

Overnight at Le Grand Mellis hotel or similar

Day 2: Antananarivo – Toliara – Ifaty (30 Km – 1 hour drive)

Depending on today’s flight schedule, we will arrange transportation to the airport for your flight to Tulear. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Ifaty. We will commence birding photography tours in the spiny forests near Ifaty, characterized by baobabs and octopus trees, creating a truly unique habitat for numerous sought-after Madagascar endemics. Among these incredible animals are the Long-tailed Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite, Sickle-billed and Lafresnaye’s Vangas, Archbold’s Newtonia, the uncommon Banded Kestrel, Red-capped Coua, Running Couas, and others.

Overnight at La Bella Donna Hotel or similar

Day 3: Andatabo & Ifaty

After breakfast, we head to Andatabo Forest (La Table) to spot bird species like Verreaux’s Coua and Red-shouldered Vanga. After this visit, we drive back to Ifaty. There, we’ll birdwatch at a roadside spot and explore the Mangily spiny forest, famous for its baobabs and birds like the Long-tailed Ground Roller. We’ll end the day with a guided night walk, looking for nocturnal animals such as the Rainforest Scops Owl and Grey Mouse-lemur. We’ll also have the chance to see Madagascar’s lemurs before a well-deserved rest.

Overnight at La Bella Donna Hotel

Day 4: Ifaty – Zombitse – Ranohira (300 Km – 6 hours drive)

After an early breakfast, we’ll head to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, known for its dry, deciduous forest and diverse succulent plants. The park is home to nearly 100 bird species, including 38 endemics, making it an Important Bird Area. Our main targets include the vulnerable Appert’s Tetraka, the striking Cuckoo Roller, Rufous Vanga, and the Giant, Crested, and Coquerel’s Coua. We may also see the Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Spinetail, and possibly a White-browed Owl during its roosting hours. After a picnic lunch, we’ll travel to Isalo National Park, about 90 minutes northeast.

Overnight at Hotel H1 Isalo

Day 5: Isalo National Park

Although Isalo National Park isn’t a top birding destination, it has over 80 bird species, 70% of which are endemic to Madagascar. Visitors often spot Madagascar’s endemic bee-eater and Madagascar magpie-robin. Other common sightings include Benson’s rock thrush, crested drongo, and red-billed duck. Enjoy stunning panoramic views and iconic Madagascar wildlife, like lemurs. Hiking in Isalo National Park offers a great way to experience the beauty of the Madagascar landscape.

Overnight at Hotel H1 Isalo

Day 6: Ranohira – Ranomafana. (420 Km – 8 hours drive)

We leave Isalo and drive northeast through the Ihorombe plateau. We will stop at Anja Community Reserve, known for its Ring-tailed Lemurs. On our two-hour walk, we might also see Grey-headed Lovebird and Madagascan Hoopoe. After lunch, we continue northeast, passing Fianarantsoa, descending into Ranomafana National Park. We arrive in Ranomafana late afternoon and enjoy a guided night walk before dinner. During the night walk, we might see the endangered Golden-brown Mouse-lemur and up to five species of chameleons.

Join our birding photography tours in Madagascar with the best tour company for unforgettable travel experiences. Discover unique animals and wildlife on our guided tours. Visit amazing places and enjoy the wonders of Madagascar tourism.

Overnight at Centrest Séjour Hotel

Day 7: Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana is one of Madagascar’s best birding and wildlife destinations. This beautiful national park was created in 1991 with the discovery of the Golden Bamboo Lemur. There are at least 115 bird species in Ranomafana, and 30 are endemic to this part of Madagascar. An incredible 77% of bird species here are endemic! Our main targets at Ranomafana include Yellow-bellied and Common Sunbird-Asity, Brown Mesite, Pollen’s Vanga, Rufous-headed and Scaly Ground Roller, Red-fronted Coua, Madagascan Ibis, Forest Rock Thrush, Madagascan Yellowbrow, Brown Emutail, Velvet Asity, and with luck, Slender-billed Flufftail. Join our birding photography tours and explore the wildlife with our guided tours.

Overnight at Centrest Séjour Hotel

Day 8: Ranomfana National Park

After breakfast, we head into the park for our birding photography tours. Besides our target birds, we will look for Henst’s Goshawk, Frances’s Sparrowhawk, Madagascan Buzzard, Malagasy Kestrel, Pitta-like and Short-legged Ground Roller, Pollen’s, Tylas, Red-tailed, Chabert, Blue and Hook-billed Vanga, Greater Vasa Parrot, Olive Bee-eater, Blue Coua, Ward’s Flycatcher, Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Wagtail, Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher, Madagascan Starling, Grey-crowned and Spectacled Tetraka, Madagascan Snipe, Madagascan Swamp Warbler, Dark and Common Newtonia, Souimanga and Malagasy Green Sunbird, Rand’s and Cryptic Warbler, Madagascan Wood Rail, Malagasy White-eye, and African Palm Swift among many others. Join our Madagascar tour company for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Overnight at Centrest Séjour Hotel

Day 9: Ranomafana – Antsirabe. (280 Km – 7 hours drive)

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll explore another forest trail in Ranomafana to spot any missed target birds. Next, we’ll check out and head north to Ambositra, where we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Ambositra is known for its wood-carving industry. We will then proceed to Antsirabe, located about 3 hours away in the central highlands of Madagascar. At one of the river crossings, we may see Striated Heron, Squacco Heron, Western Cattle Egret, and Madagascan Wagtail.

Overnight at Ecolodge Chambre de Voyageur

Day 10: Antsirabe – Antananarivo – Mahajanga. (170 Km – 4 hours drive)

After breakfast, we’ll head to Antananarivo, crossing the Highland Plateau. During the journey, we’ll watch for the Hamerkop, Yellow-billed Kite, Brown-throated Martin, and Madagascan Cisticola. We’ll make several stops for birding photography tours, including breaks to stretch our legs and a longer stop for lunch at a top local restaurant. Upon arriving in Antananarivo, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Mahajanga. From there, we’ll transfer to our hotel.

Overnight at Coco Lodge

Day 11: Mahajanga – Ankarafantsika. (125 Km – 3 hours drive)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Ankarafantsika. On the way, we will stop at Lake Amboromalandy and the rice fields to search for birds such as the Madagascar Jacana, Malagasy Pond Heron, Humblot’s Heron, the unique Black Heron, and more. In the afternoon, we will visit Lake Ravelobe to look for the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, the Endangered Madagascar Jacana, and other birds. Later, we will return to our accommodation. Before dinner, join our guided tour for a night walk to spot the Madagascar Nightjar, owls, chameleons, and nocturnal lemurs.

Overnight at Tia Asity Lodge

Day 12: Ankarafantsika National Park

We start early to explore different areas of Ankarafantsika. This reserve is a haven for many endangered Madagascar bird species, some critically close to extinction. Highlights include the mysterious White-breasted Mesite and the diverse vanga species, such as the White-headed, Blue, Chabert’s, Rufous, Hook-billed, Van Dam’s, and the remarkable Sickle-billed vanga, known for its skill in digging decaying wood. We’ll also search for the Schlegel’s Asity, the rare Madagascar Ibis, Madagascar Fish-Eagle, Madagascar Buzzard, Frances’s Sparrowhawk, and the unique Couas.

Overnight at Tia Asity Lodge

Day 13: Ankarafantsika – Antsohihy (340 Km – 10 hours drive)

The drive east and then north to Antsohihy begins in Ambondromamy, a bush-taxi hub where you can find local crafts and food items, like chili sauces. From there, head north across deforested grasslands with wide vistas and low hills. The grasslands are dominated by the palm Hyphaene coriacea, known locally as satrana. These fan palms are used for various purposes, including roof-thatch and alcohol.

Overnight at Hotel Sofia Bellevue

Day 14: Antsohihy – Bealalana – Bemanevika (200 Km – 9 hours drive)

Early in the morning, we will start our birding photography tours with a 4×4 drive to Bealanana, aiming for the Bemanevika Special Reserve. Our goal is to explore Madagascar’s unique wildlife, especially the rare Madagascar Pochard and the striking red owl. Bealanana, a charming village, is close to the last known habitat of the critically endangered Madagascar Pochard. We’ll have lunch in Bealanana before continuing to Bemanevika in the evening.

Overnight Camping

Day 15: Bemanevika

In the morning, we will embark on a birding photography tour to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the Madagascar reserve and encounter its unique local wildlife. Our exploration will lead us through various habitats as we search for the White-throated Rail, Madagascar Lark, and other intriguing species. By one of the small lakes, our focus will shift to spotting Meller’s Duck and the Malagasy Kingfisher. Venturing into the forested areas, our main quest will be the elusive Red Owl, a rare species that very few birders worldwide have had the privilege to witness. Night excursions will offer unique chances to spot the Madagascar Nightjar, Rainforest Scops Owl, and Madagascar Owl.

Overnight at Camping

Day 16: Bemanevika

We have another full day of birding photography tours ahead, focusing on the unique birds of Madagascar. Our goals include spotting the rare Madagascar Pochard, Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Red Owl, and Slender-billed Flufftail. As we explore wetlands and nearby areas, we’ll also look for the Madagascar Partridge, Grey Emutail, Madagascar Harrier-Hawk, Lesser Vasa Parrot, Blue Coua, Malagasy Black Swift, Malagasy Brush Warbler, and Madagascar Flufftail. Our night excursions will offer chances to see the Madagascar Nightjar, Rainforest Scops Owl, and Madagascar Owl.

Overnight Camping

Day 17: Bemanevika – Bealalana – Antsohihy (200 Km – 9 hours drive)

This morning, we will return to Antsohihy. Upon arrival, you can explore the town and visit the handcraft manufacturer of decorative items.

Overnight at Hotel Sofia Bellevue

Day 18: Antsohihy – Ankarafantsika (340 Km – 10 hours drive)

After breakfast, you will travel south across deforested grasslands with stunning views and rolling hills. These grasslands are mainly marked by the palm Hyphaene coriacea, known locally as satrana. Our route will take us to Ambondromamy, a key stop for bush-taxis, where you can explore local crafts and food items, including regional chili sauces. We will then proceed to Ankarafantsika, known for its birding photography tours and wildlife.

Overnight at Tia Asity Lodge

Day 19: Ankarafantsika – Mahajanga – Antananarivo (125 Km – 3 hours drive)

After final birding photography tours in the dry forests of Ankarafantsika, we will drive back to Mahajanga (Majunga) – a vibrant town with many rickshaws. Then we’ll take a domestic flight to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

Overnight at La Résidence Lapasoa

Day 20: Antananarivo – Andasibe. (170 Km – 4 hours drive)

In the morning, we will explore Lake Tsarasaotra. This site is a prime spot for birding photography tours due to its diverse wildlife. You can find several endangered bird species here, including the Madagascar little grebe, Meller’s duck, Madagascar pond heron, black crowned night heron, squacco heron, white whistling duck, and Humblot’s heron. In the afternoon, we will travel to Andasibe.

Overnight at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge

Day 21: Mantadia National Park

Today we have a full day to explore Andasibe-Mantadia. After breakfast, we set off for the park. With over 100 species on our list, our birding photography tours will focus on special sightings such as the stunning Red-breasted Coua, Scaly, Rufous-headed, and Short-legged Ground Roller, the elusive Madagascan Ibis, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Crossley’s Vanga, Common and Dark Newtonia, Wedge-tailed, Green, Stripe-throated, and Common Jery, Cryptic Warbler, and Forest Fody. After the visit, we return to the hotel. Later, we’ll embark on a nocturnal walk to search for unique Madagascan animals like the Lowland Streaked Tenrec, Madagascan Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, and Collared Nightjar.

Overnight at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge

Day 22: Birding at Iaroka Forest

This community-run reserve, just a few kilometers from Analamazaotra, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The reserve gained fame with the discovery of the Helmet Vanga deep in the forest. Upon entering, you’ll find flocks of birds with a wide variety of species. However, reaching the Helmet Vanga’s territory is a challenging hike. The forest hosts Helmet Vanga, Bernier’s Vanga, Brown Emutail, Common Sunbird Asity, Rufous-headed Ground Roller, and Forest Rock Thrush, making it an excellent destination for birding photography tours.

Explore Madagascar’s wildlife and enjoy guided tours with our tour company for a unique travel experience in this exceptional tourism spot.

Overnight at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge

Day 23: Analamazaotra – Antananarivo. (170 Km – 4 hours drive)

This morning, we will visit Analamazaotra National Park. Known for its birding photography tours, Analamazaotra is renowned for its population of Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri, famous for its distinctive call that echoes through the forest. The park is the best place to observe wildlife. Besides the Indri, the park hosts 13 other lemur species, including the Eastern Woolly Lemur, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, and Diademed Sifaka. After our final guided tour of the rainforest, we will return to the lodge for lunch. We will then check out and transfer to Antananarivo.

Overnight at La Résidence Lapasoa

Day 24 : International Departure

Today marks the conclusion of your tour. We will arrange a transfer back to Ivato Airport. We hope you have had a comfortable journey throughout your stay and are confident that you will depart with cherished memories of Madagascar. Safe travels!

End of services

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP OVERVIEW
Open chat
Hello
Can we help you?