23-Day Madagascar Birding Tour

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Antananarivo to Farankaraina Reserve

Your adventure begins with a flight from Antananarivo to the coastal town of Maroantsetra. Upon arrival, a guide will accompany you to the harbor, where a scenic boat journey awaits. This trip offers glimpses of Madagascar's northeastern coastline and opportunities to observe waterbirds such as herons and kingfishers.

Upon reaching the secluded Farankaraina Reserve, you will explore the vibrant village of Andanofotsy and enjoy a coastal walk through stunning landscapes. Traditional pirogues will carry you across serene rivers, providing chances to spot aquatic birds like the Madagascar pond-heron and white-faced whistling duck. Keep an eye out at the campsite for the ring-tailed vontsira (mongoose) before embarking on a guided night walk. The reserve comes alive after dark, allowing you to see nocturnal birds such as the Madagascar long-eared owl and iconic species like the aye-aye, brown mouse lemur, and big-nosed chameleon.

Main Destination:

Farankaraina Reserve

Accommodation:

Aye-Aye Forest Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Farankaraina Reserve

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Farankaraina Reserve

Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Farankaraina Reserve. A guided morning trek will take you deep into the rainforest, where you can witness a vibrant array of birdlife. Highlights of the trek include sightings of the Madagascar paradise flycatcher, blue coua and velvet asity. Be sure to keep an eye out for the rare scaly ground roller, a sought-after species among birdwatchers.

The reserve is also home to unique mammals, such as the fossa, Madagascar's apex predator, as well as reptiles like leaf-tailed geckos. In the evening, you can enjoy an enchanting night walk, where you may spot nocturnal birds such as the Madagascar nightjar and roosting crested drongos, adding to the magical experience.

Main Destination:

Farankaraina Reserve

Accommodation:

Aye-Aye Forest Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Farankaraina Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Faranakaraina to Masoala National Park

After breakfast, you will return to the jetty for a scenic three-hour boat ride along Madagascar's northeastern coast to Masoala National Park. You may encounter dolphins and migrating humpback whales along this route between July and September.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you can relax, swim in the Indian Ocean, or stroll through the lush surroundings.

As night falls, a guided forest walk will introduce you to the nocturnal residents of Masoala. You may encounter chameleons and lemurs, hear the haunting calls of Madagascar scops owls or spot a white-browed owl among the trees.

Main Destination:

Masoala National Park

Best Time To Visit August to November (Less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (Though the park doesn’t get busy)

Best Weather August to November

Wildlife in Masoala NP

Red Ruffed Lemur Common

Humpback
Whale Common

White-fronted
Brown Lemur Common

Masoala Sportive
Lemur

Common

Leaf-tailed
Geckos Common

Show more

Masoala
Woolly Lemur Occasional

Masoala
Fork-marked Lemur

Occasional

Mouse Lemurs Occasional

Tomato Frog Occasional

Panther
Chameleon Occasional

Lowland
Streaked Tenrec Rare

Greater
Hedgehog Tenrec Rare

Aye-aye Very Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Dounia Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masoala NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masoala National Park

Today, you will venture deep into the Masoala rainforest, home to some of Madagascar's most iconic wildlife. A highlight of this region is the striking red ruffed lemur, which is endemic to the area. You will also encounter white-fronted brown lemurs and the elusive Masoala woolly lemur. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the helmet vanga, known for its distinctive blue beak and the vibrant Madagascar blue pigeon.

In the afternoon, you can relax on the tranquil beaches of the park or explore nearby trails. The evening offers another night walk, during which you may observe nocturnal bird species, such as the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher.

Main Destination:

Masoala National Park

Accommodation:

Dounia Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masoala NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masoala National Park

Start your day early with a birdwatching excursion, focusing on the rare and endemic species found in Masoala. Look for the red-breasted coua, the brown mesite and the elusive Bernier vanga. The park's pristine environment offers opportunities to observe mixed flocks of bulbuls, sunbirds and wagtails.

In the afternoon, you can relax on the beach or take a leisurely stroll through the forest, allowing yourself to soak in Masoala's stunning natural beauty. As night falls, join a final night walk, where you may spot roosting birds or nocturnal creatures such as the leaf-tailed gecko and sleeping kingfishers.

Main Destination:

Masoala National Park

Accommodation:

Dounia Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masoala NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Tampolo River Canoe Excursion

Embark on a peaceful canoe journey along the Tampolo River, surrounded by mangrove forests home to kingfishers, herons and other waterbirds. At the marine reserve, you can go snorkeling to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, and you might even encounter green sea turtles.

After enjoying a picnic on the beach, visit a local plantation to learn about the cultivation of Madagascar's vanilla, coffee and spices. Later, join a festive gathering featuring traditional Malagasy music and dance. Conclude your day with an evening walk to spot lemurs, frogs and nocturnal birds.

Main Destination:

Masoala National Park

Accommodation:

Dounia Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masoala NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masoala to Nosy Mangabe

Take a boat ride to Nosy Mangabe, a rainforest island celebrated for its incredible biodiversity. Explore the island's trails, where you can encounter black-and-white ruffed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, and unique reptiles such as panther chameleons. Birdwatchers will appreciate the opportunity to spot Madagascar fish eagles, Madagascar harrier-hawks, and the elusive Madagascar cuckoo-hawk.

Main Destination:

Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve

Best Time To Visit August to November (Less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (Though it doesn’t get busy)

Best Weather August to November

Wildlife in Nosy Mangabe SR

Black-and-white
Ruffed Lemur Common

Humpback Whale Common

White-fronted
Brown Lemur Common

Leaf-tailed
Geckos Common

Greater
Hedgehog Tenrec Occasional

Show more

Panther
Chameleon Occasional

Climbing
Mantella Occasional

Webb's
Bridge Frog

Occasional

Madagascar
Tree Boa Occasional

Green
Sea Turtle Occasional

Antongil
Leaf Chameleon Occasional

Speckled
Day Gecko Occasional

Aye-aye Rare

Hawksbill
Sea Turtle Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Nosy Mangabe SR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Nosy Mangabe to Maroantsetra

Begin your day by exploring the Betsimisaraka tombs, a significant cultural landmark on Nosy Mangabe. Next, visit the historic "Plage des Hollandais," where you can see 16th-century Dutch carvings. After enjoying a beach picnic, return by boat to Maroantsetra, where you can experience a lively evening and, if you are lucky, spot the vibrant tomato frog.

Main Destination:

Maroantsetra (Town)

Accommodation:

Manga Beach Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Maroantsetra (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Maroantsetra to Tana, Toliara

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo and then onward to Toliara. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation and have some time to relax before the adventures begin. If time permits, you will embark on an evening visit to the Arboretum of Antsoakay.

Main Destination:

Toliara (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Moringa Tulear

• Mid-range hotel located in Toliara (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Toliara to Anakao

Start your day with a boat trip to Anakao, a picturesque fishing village famous for its tranquil beaches and crystal-clear waters. Next, head to Nosy Ve Island, a sacred site for the Vezo people and a sanctuary for various bird species. You will have the chance to spot the red-tailed tropicbird and other coastal birds. Feel free to go snorkeling, swimming or simply relaxing before returning to Anakao.

Main Destination:

Anakao (Town & Beach)

Accommodation:

Lalandaka Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Anakao (Town & Beach)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Visit Tsimanapetsotsa National Park

Travel to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, a remarkable destination featuring unique limestone landscapes, spiny forests and the saline Tsimanampetsotsa Lake. Notable highlights include flamingos, Madagascar plovers, and lesser vasa parrots. While exploring the park, you can visit its grottos, home to blind fish, and admire the ancient banyan trees, where you might spot the rare giant coua and banded kestrels.

Main Destination:

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

Best Time To Visit April to October (Best hiking weather)

High Season July, August and December holidays (Though the park doesn’t get busy)

Best Weather June to September

Wildlife in Tsimanampetsotsa NP

Ring-tailed
Lemur Common

Oustalet's
Chameleon Common

Jewel Chameleon Common

Grandidier's
Vontsira Occasional

Verreaux's
Sifaka Occasional

Show more

White-footed
Sportive Lemur Occasional

Grey-brown
Mouse Lemur Occasional

Radiated Tortoise Occasional

Blind
Sleeper Goby Occasional

Thick-tail
Day Gecko Occasional

Dumeril's
Ground Boa Rare

Big-headed Gecko Rare

Frogs Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Lalandaka Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Anakao (Town & Beach)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Anakao to Zomitse-Vohibasia National Park

Take a boat back to Toliara and drive to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a transitional forest combining dry and humid elements. Spend the afternoon exploring the park, home to the rare Appert's greenbul, giant couas, and the iconic Verreaux's sifaka.

Main Destination:

Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Best Time To Go April to October (Hiking), November to April (Birding)

High Season July, August and December holidays (It never gets busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Zombitse-Ecolodge

• Budget lodge located less than 1hr drive from Zombitse-Vohibasia NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Zombitse to Isalo National Park

Start your day with a visit to Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, where you will focus on birdwatching and spotting lemurs. Keep an eye out for Madagascar harrier hawks, Coquerel's coua, Appert's greenbul, giant couas, and the iconic Verreaux's sifaka. After your visit, drive to Isalo National Park and unwind at your lodge.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Best Time To Visit April to October (Best hiking conditions)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather June to August

Wildlife in Isalo NP

Ring-tailed
Lemur Common

Western
Plated Lizard Common

Verreaux's Sifaka Occasional

Red-fronted
Brown Lemur Occasional

Oustalet's
Chameleon Occasional

Show more

Jewel Chameleon Occasional

Stump-tailed
Chameleon Occasional

Merrem's
Madagascar Swift Occasional

Grey
Mouse Lemur Rare

Red-tailed
Sportive Lemur Rare

Painted
Burrowing Frog Rare

Blue-legged
Mantella Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Madagascar
Tree Boa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Isalo Rock Lodge

• Mid-range lodge bordering Isalo NP without fences

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Isalo National Park

Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes of Isalo National Park. Hike through canyons and sandstone formations, visit natural swimming pools, and admire the diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will relish the opportunity to see Benson's rock thrush, Madagascar kestrels and knob-billed ducks.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Accommodation:

Isalo Rock Lodge

• Mid-range lodge bordering Isalo NP without fences

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Isalo to Ranomafana National Park

Leave Isalo and travel to Ranomafana, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and prepare to explore the lush rainforest. Before dinner, take an evening walk to look for mouse lemurs and other nocturnal animals.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, September, October and November (Mild weather, fewer rainy days)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather April, May, September, October and November

Wildlife in Ranomafana NP

Golden
Bamboo Lemur Common

Red-fronted
Brown Lemur Common

Red-bellied
Lemur Common

Greater
Bamboo Lemur Common

Grey
Bamboo Lemur Common

Show more

Giraffe-necked
Weevil Common

Parson's
Chameleon Common

Milne-Edwards’
Sifaka Occasional

Rufous
Mouse Lemur Occasional

Satanic
Leaf-tailed Gecko Occasional

Painted
Mantella Occasional

Spotted
Fanaloka Rare

Ring-tailed
Mongoose Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ranomafana National Park

Spend two full days exploring Ranomafana National Park, which is famous for its rich biodiversity. Trek through the dense rainforest searching for golden bamboo lemurs, Milne-Edwards' sifakas, and various birds, including the pitta-like ground roller, velvet asity and yellow-browed oxylabes. Nighttime walks will reveal chameleons and the elusive rufous mouse lemur.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Accommodation:

Setam Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Ranomafana NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Ranomfana to Antsirabe

After breakfast, drive to Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs and colonial charm. En route, stop for lunch in Ambositra. Take an evening stroll through the town, admiring its colorful pousse-pousses and historic architecture and visit the craft markets.

Main Destination:

Antsirabe (City)

Accommodation:

Couleur Cafe

• Mid-range hotel located in Antsirabe (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Antsirabe to Tana

After a leisurely morning in Antsirabe, relax before continuing your journey back to Antananarivo. Along the way, make occasional stops to photograph the breathtaking scenery. The drive provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Madagascar's landscapes.

Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, you will have the evening free to unwind at your accommodation or explore the vibrant city. Whether you choose to enjoy a quiet evening or venture out to discover local sights, it is a perfect way to conclude your journey.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

Au Bois Vert Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Antananarivo (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Antananarivo to Andasibe National Park

Drive east to Andasibe National Park, a lush rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife. Upon your arrival, get ready for an exciting guided night walk. You will observe nocturnal creatures during the walk, including the elusive Goodman's mouse lemur. Also, keep an eye out for rare birds such as the Madagascar long-eared owl. The park's vibrant ecosystems come alive after dark, providing a unique chance to witness the magical creatures that inhabit this rich and diverse environment.

Main Destination:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, October and November (Best weather, less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (The park is busy)

Best Weather April, May, October and November

Wildlife in Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Indri Common

Common
Brown Lemur Common

Other
Chameleons Common

Leaf-tailed
Geckos Common

Diademed Sifaka Occasional

Show more

Red-bellied
Lemur Occasional

Grey
Bamboo Lemur Occasional

Mouse Lemurs Occasional

Sportive Lemurs Occasional

Parson's
Chameleon Occasional

Painted Mantella Occasional

Black-and-white
Ruffed Lemur Rare

Madagascar
Tree Boa Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Relais de Mantadia

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Andasibe National Park

Spend two days exploring Mantadia and Analamazaotra, home to the iconic indri, the largest living lemur. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting the Madagascar wagtail, nuthatch vanga and scaly ground roller. The trails winding through the lush forest reveal a variety of frogs, reptiles and orchids. Night walks provide the opportunity to encounter chameleons and nocturnal birds, such as the Madagascar nightjar.

Main Destination:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Accommodation:

Relais de Mantadia

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to Tana and Airport Transfer

After breakfast, drive back to Antananarivo. Enjoy a farewell lunch and visit the artisan market for souvenirs. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your outbound flight, concluding your unforgettable adventure in Madagascar.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.