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, your guide will accompany you to the harbor, where a scenic boat journey awaits. This trip offers a glimpse of Madagascar's northeastern coastline, with opportunities to observe waterbirds such as herons and kingfishers.
On reaching the secluded Farankaraina Reserve, you'll explore the vibrant Andanofotsy village and enjoy a coastal walk through stunning landscapes. Traditional pirogues will carry you across serene rivers, providing a chance to spot aquatic birds like Madagascar pond-herons and white-faced whistling ducks. At the campsite, watch for the ring-tailed vontsira (mongoose) before embarking on a guided night walk. The reserve comes alive after dark, offering the chance to see nocturnal birds such as the Madagascar long-eared owl, along with 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 Farankaraina Reserve. A guided morning trek takes you deep into the rainforest, where vibrant birdlife flourishes. Highlights include sightings of the Madagascar paradise flycatcher, blue coua, and velvet asity. Keep an eye out for the rare scaly ground roller, a prized species for birdwatchers.
The reserve is also home to unique mammals like the Fosa, Madagascar's apex predator, and reptiles such as leaf-tailed geckos. Evening brings another enchanting night walk, where nocturnal birds like the Madagascar nightjar and roosting crested drongos may be spotted, 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'll return to the jetty for a scenic three-hour boat ride along Madagascar's northeastern coast to Masoala National Park. Between July and September, this route is often graced by dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Upon arrival at your lodge, you'll have time to relax, swim in the Indian Ocean, or stroll through the lush surroundings.
As night falls, a guided forest walk introduces you to the nocturnal residents of Masoala. Alongside chameleons and lemurs, you might 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 (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'll venture deep into Masoala's rainforest, home to some of Madagascar's most iconic wildlife. The striking red ruffed lemur, endemic to this region, is a highlight, along with white-fronted brown lemurs and the elusive Masoala woolly lemur. Bird enthusiasts will delight in sightings of the Helmet Vanga, with its distinctive blue beak, and the vibrant Madagascar blue pigeon.
In the afternoon, unwind on the park's tranquil beaches or explore nearby trails. Evening offers another night walk, where the forest's nocturnal avian species, such as the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher, may be observed.

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

Begin the day early with a birdwatching excursion, focusing on Masoala's rare and endemic species. Search for the red-breasted coua, brown mesite, and the secretive Bernier’s vanga. The park's pristine environment provides opportunities to observe mixed flocks of bulbuls, sunbirds, and wagtails.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy the beach or take a leisurely forest walk, soaking in Masoala’s natural beauty. A final night walk offers a chance to see roosting birds or nocturnal creatures like 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 serene canoe journey along the Tampolo River, surrounded by mangrove forests that harbor kingfishers, herons, and other waterbirds. At the marine reserve, snorkeling reveals vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, and you may even encounter green sea turtles.
After a beachside picnic, visit a local plantation to learn about Madagascar’s vanilla, coffee, and spice cultivation. Later, join a festive gathering featuring traditional Malagasy music and dance before concluding the 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 known for its incredible biodiversity. Wander the island’s trails to discover black-and-white ruffed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, and unique reptiles like panther chameleons. Birders will relish the chance to see 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 (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

Start your day by exploring the Betsimisaraka tombs, a cultural landmark of Nosy Mangabe. Visit the historic "Plage des Hollandais" to see 16th-century Dutch carvings. After a beach picnic, return by boat to Maroantsetra, where you’ll enjoy a lively evening and may 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'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo and onward to Toliara. On arrival, you'll settle into your accommodation and relax in preparation for the adventures ahead. If time allows, you'll do an evening visit at 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

Embark on a morning boat trip to Anakao, a charming fishing village known for its serene beaches and clear waters. Continue to Nosy Ve Island, a sacred spot for the Vezo people and a haven for birdlife. You'll have the opportunity to observe the red-tailed tropicbird, among other coastal avian species. Enjoy 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 site with unique limestone landscapes, spiny forests, and the saline Tsimanampetsotsa Lake. Highlights include flamingos, Madagascar plovers, and lesser vasa parrots. Explore the park’s grottos, home to blind fish, and the ancient banyan trees where the rare giant coua and banded kestrels can be spotted.

Main Destination:

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

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

High Season July, August and December holidays (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

Enjoy a morning visit to Zombitse Vohibasia National Park, focusing on birdwatching and spotting lemurs. Look out for Madagascar harrier-hawks and Coquerel’s coua, Appert’s greenbul, giant couas, and the iconic Verreaux’s sifaka. After the visit, drive to Isalo National Park and relax at your lodge.

Main Destination:

Isalo National Park

Best Time To Visit April to October (Cooler, sunny days)

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 breathtaking landscapes of Isalo National Park. Hike through canyons and sandstone formations, visit natural swimming pools, and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna. Birders will enjoy sightings of 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

Depart Isalo and journey to Ranomafana, passing through captivating scenery along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for an exploration of this lush rainforest. Do an evening walk before dinner to find mouse lemurs and other night active animals.

Main Destination:

Ranomafana National Park

Best Time To Visit April, May, September and November (Less rain)

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

Best Weather April, May, September 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, renowned for its biodiversity. Trek through the dense rainforest in search of golden bamboo lemurs, Milne-Edwards’ sifakas, and an array of birds like the pitta-like ground roller, velvet asity, and yellow-browed oxylabes. Nocturnal walks 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, visit of 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, take some time to unwind before continuing your journey back to Antananarivo. Along the way, make occasional stops to capture the breathtaking scenery with your camera. The drive offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of Madagascar's landscapes. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, you’ll have the evening free to either relax at your accommodation or explore the vibrant city. Whether you choose to enjoy a quiet evening or venture out to discover local sights, it's 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 towards Andasibe National Park, a lush rainforest brimming with diverse wildlife. As you arrive, prepare for an exciting guided night walk, where you'll have the chance to observe nocturnal creatures like the elusive Goodman’s mouse lemur. During the walk, keep your eyes peeled for rare birds such as the Madagascar long-eared owl. The park's vibrant ecosystems come alive after dark, offering a unique opportunity 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. Birders will revel in sightings of the Madagascar wagtail, nuthatch vanga, and scaly ground roller. Trails through lush forest reveal frogs, reptiles, and orchids. Night walks offer encounters with chameleons and nocturnal birds like 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)

Drive back to Tana and transfer to the airport

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 Madagascar adventure.

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.