MADAGASCAR BIRDING & WILDLIFE ADVENTURE

• Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport (TNR), one of our team members will warmly welcome you with a sign bearing your name.
  After the welcome, we will drive to your hotel in town. We will give you a briefing about the upcoming birding trip and answer any questions you may have. If time does not permit, the briefing will be done the following morning over breakfast.

• Welcome dinner, brief & orientation session, and answer any questions you may have. If time does not permit, the briefing will be done the following morning over breakfast.

After breakfast, we depart Antananarivo and drive east towards Andasibe, passing through the highlands, traditional villages and extensive rice paddies.
We will make a stop at Peyrieras Reserve, where we can observe Madagascar’s remarkable reptiles and chameleons, including the Parson’s Chameleon, one of the largest chameleons in the world. We continue to Andasibe and, upon arrival, explore Mitsinjo Community Reserve for approximately three hours. This will be our first introduction to the rich birdlife of eastern Madagascar. Possible species include Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Blue Vanga, Chabert’s Vanga, Madagascar Magpie- Robin, Madagascar White-eye, Madagascar Greenbul, Souimanga Sunbird, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, Madagascar Kingfisher, Nelicourvi Weaver, Red-tailed Vanga and Forest Fody.

Spend the day exploring the reserve’s lush trails, discovering its remarkable diversity of flora and fauna under the guidance of expert naturalists. As evening falls, embark on a nocturnal walk along the park’s border to spot elusive night species — including chameleons, frogs, and rare nocturnal birds that reveal the forest’s hidden magic after dark.

We leave early, around 5:30 AM, for the northern section of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, known as Mantadia. This primary rainforest is one of the highlights of the trip for birding. Possible target species include Pitta-like Ground-Roller, Rufous­ headed Ground-Roller, Red-breasted Coua, Red-fronted Coua, Helmet Vanga, Nuthatch Vanga, Crossley’s Vanga, Blue Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Velvet Asity, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Cuckoo-Roller, Madagascar Crested Ibis and Madagascar Wood Rail. After exploring Mantadia, we return towards the Analamazaotra sector where also we will have the picnic lunch. Here we will continue looking for eastern rainforest species such as Blue Coua, Red- fronted Coua, Chabert’s Vanga, White-headed Vanga, Red-tailed Vanga, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, Souimanga Sunbird, Madagascar White-eye and Nelicourvi Weaver. After approximately three hours of additional birding, we return to the lodge. On top of bird, wealso will see the largest living lemurs known as Indri Indri.

After breakfast, we return to Antananarivo for our flight to Toliara.
Upon arrival, we continue towards Ifaty, entering the very different landscape of southwestern Madagascar’s dry spiny forest. The birding here changes dramatically from the eastern rainforest. Possible targets include Subdesert Mesite, Madagascar Sandgrouse, Madagascar Partridge, Giant Coua, Coquerel’s Coua, Olive-capped Coua, Red-capped Coua, Madagascar Green-Pigeon, White-breasted Mesite, Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk, Madagascar Harrier, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Hoopoe, Madagascar Magpie-Robin and Lafresnaye’s Vanga. We will adapt the birding route according to local conditions and the species being targeted.

Early morning, we head towards the coast and take a boat to Nosy Ve Island near Anakao. Nosy Ve is particularly interesting for coastal and seabird observation. Depending on the season and conditions, possible species include Lesser Crested Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Saunders’s Tern, Common Ringed Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Grey Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and Whimbrel.
After returning to t he mainland, we continue to the Arboretum d1 Antsokay, where we explore the southwestern flora and look for dry-forest and spiny-forest birds.

After an early morning birding session around the Arboretum, we depart towards Isalo National Park. The landscape gradually changes from the southwestern spiny forest to sandstone formations, dry woodland, open grassland and canyon habitats. Along the route, we will make selected stops for birding before reaching Isalo.

Today is dedicated to exploring Isalo National Park and its different habitats, including sandstone cliffs, canyons, riparian vegetation and open grasslands.
One of our main targets will be the Benson’s Rock-Thrush, a localized species of the Isalo region and one of the most sought-after birds of the park.
Other possible species include Madagascar Sandgrouse, Madagascar Partridge, Pollen’s Vanga, Madagascar Hoopoe, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Bee-eater, Madagascar Black Bulbul, Crested Drongo and Madagascar Wagtail.

Early morning, we drive to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, one of the most important dry-forest birding sites in southwestern Madagascar.
The forest provides opportunities for species adapted to the drier western and southwestern habitats, including Appert’s Tetraka, Giant Coua, Coquerel’s Coua, Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Green-Pigeon, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, White-headed Vanga, Red­ tailed Vanga, Chabert’s Vanga and Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher.
Zombitse is particularly interesting because it represents a transition between Madagascar’s western and southern habitats.
After our birding session, we return to our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart Isalo towards Anja Community Reserve.
The rocky landscape and dry woodland around Anja offer opportunities for species such as Madagascar Kestrel, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Madagascar Hoopoe, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Green-Pigeon and Madagascar Wagtail. We then continue towards Ranomafana, entering the cooler and much wetter eastern highland rainforest. Upon arrival, check in and relax till the night walk to meet the night active wildlifefrom lemur and reptiles from the beginning of the evening for about an hour and half.

A full day of birding in Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s richest rainforest birding destinations. Possible target species include Rufous-headed Ground-Roller, Pitta-like Ground-Roller, Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Velvet Asity, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, Blue Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Red-tailed Vanga, Chabert’s Vanga, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Wood Rail, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Madagascar Cuckoo-Roller, Madagascar Scops-Owl, iviauaycntai Madagascar Long-eared Luny-caicu vwi, Owl, mauayouii Madagascar Greenbul, uiuciiuui, jpcnaucu Spectacled Greenbul, uicciiuui, Madagascar White-eye and Souimanga Sunbird. The exact species encountered will depend on weather, season, elevation and bird activity.

We enjoy an early morning birding session around Ranomafana before beginning our journey back towards Antananarivo. Along the way, we will stop at Ankazomivady, an interesting area for birdwatching. Depending on the season and local conditions, possible highlights include the Madagascar Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus radama), a rare and localized form of Peregrine Falcon in Madagascar; the Madagascar Kestrel (Falco newtoni), a small endemic falcon often seen in open habitats; and the Madagascar Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides radiatus), a distinctive endemic raptor that can be observed around forest edges and open landscapes.
We will also keep an eye out for other birds associated with the highlands, forest edges and surrounding agricultural landscapes during our stops along the route. We then continue our drive to Antananarivo.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Morondava.
Upon arrival, we drive towards Kirindy Forest, one of the best-known dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. The afternoon will be dedicated to birding in and around the forest. Possible species include White-breasted Mesite, Giant Coua, Coguerel’s Coua, Red-capped Coua, Madagascar Green-Pigeon, Madagascar Cuckoo- Hawk, Madagascar Kestrel, Madagascar Harrier-Hawk, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Chabert’s Vanga, Red-tailed Vanga, White-headed Vanga, Madagascar Crested Ibis and Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher. In the evening, we will have a night walk to meet night active wildlife from lemur, reptiles, by chance we might see the largest carnivore of the island known as Fosa.

We begin with an early morning birding session in Kirindy Forest, taking advantage of the cooler hours when bird activity is highest. We then drive towards Morondava, with opportunities for birding along suitable habitats and waterways.
In the afternoon, we visit the Zazamalala reserve for more western birds before experiencing the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, where we can observe open­ country and dry-habitat species while enjoying one of Madagascar’s most iconic landscapes. We remain at the Avenue of the Baobabs around sunset for photography before returning to Morondava.

After breakfast, transfer to Morondava Airport for our flight to Antananarivo and onward connection to Mahajanga. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and prepare for the following day’s exploration ofone of Madagascar’s most productive birding areas.

Full-day birding excursion to Ankarafantsika National Park, one of the most important birding sites in western Madagascar. The park combines dry deciduous forest, lakes, wetlands and canyons and supports a very rich bird community. Possible target species include Van Dam’s Vanga, Schlegel’s Asity, Rufous Vanga, Coquerel’s Coua, Madagascar Jacana, Madagascar Fish-Eagle, Madagascar Sacred Ibis, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Madagascar Harrier-Hawk, Madagascar Cuckoo-Hawk, Madagascar Kestrel, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, Madagascar Kingfisher, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher and White-headed Vanga. We will also explore the park’s lakes and wetlands, where waterbirds can add significantly to the day’s species list.

Early departure to embark on boatfrom Mahajanga to explore Betsiboka riverestuary for about 2 – 3 hours. Possible target species include Madagascar White Ibis, Flamingoes and more such teal and sandpiper and plover. Back to the city for lunch while waiting for our flight back to the capital . Upon arrival in Antananarivo, transfer to the hotel. Check in and relax

Later, embark on a boat transfer to Nosy Be, a paradise island renowned for its natural beauty. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, check in, and unwind after a day of scenic exploration.

After breakfast, we will have a short visit of the best souvenir shop of the city before going to the international airport.