Madagascar Wildlife Highlights
Tour Introduction
This tour focuses on the wildlife and landscapes of Madagascar’s three main forest types. It includes unique habitats and iconic wildlife that make Madagascar so unlike anywhere else on Earth. Not only is the fauna and flora found nowhere else, there is also much fascinating evolutionary history behind the wildlife that we will be sure to encounter.
The special itinerary concentrates on three of Madagascar’s most wildlife-rich reserves, each representing very different habitat and climatic zones, thereby allowing us to sample a wide selection of wildlife. Within these locations we will focus on finding and photographing Madagascar’s most iconic and celebrated species including ring-tailed lemurs, indri, “dancing” Verreaux’s sifakas, tiny mouse lemurs, the fossa, all sizes of chameleons and other reptiles and frogs, peculiar insects and also plants ranging from huge baobabs to orchids and pitcher plants.
There will be many stops to experience and photograph the stunning, varied landscapes and gain an insight into the customs, lifestyles and vibrant cultures of various Malagasy tribes. There will be an emphasis on observing Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife at a leisurely pace.
Full Itinerary
Arrive Antananarivo. Met and tfr to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Staying at Relais Des Plateaux
Staying at Relais des Plateaux . Includes No Meals.
Transfer to the airport to take flight to Morondava. Met and transfer to the Kirindy Reserve past the Avenue of Baobabs. Morning and afternoon guided walks in the Kirindy Reserve in search of its special wildlife including eight species of lemur.
Highlights may include the acrobatic Verreaux’s sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur, the impressive predatory fossa, narrow-striped mongoose (bokiboky) and birds such as the white-breasted mesite and crested coua. In the evening take another night walk to see more nocturnal wildlife. The 10,000-hectare Kirindy reserve is a rare remnant of Madagascar’s threatened dry tropical deciduous forest. Take an evening night walk in search of nocturnal species including the tiny Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, the smallest primate in the world.
Staying at Relais Du Kirindy. Includes All Meals.
Staying at Relais Du Kirindy. Includes All Meals.
A full day of morning and afternoon guided walks in the Kirindy Reserve in search of its special wildlife.
Later in the evening take a night walk in search of more nocturnal species. Species to look for include the bizarre giant jumping rat, big-headed gecko, scops owl and six species of nocturnal lemur including the tiny Madame Berthe's mouse lemur (smallest primate in the world).
Staying at Relais Du Kirindy. Includes All Meals
Staying at Relais Du Kirindy. Includes All Meals.
Morning guided walk. Aternoon transfer back to Morondava via the famous Avenue des Baobabs at sunset. A sunset view of these iconic 800 year old and endemic trees will provide a beautiful photographic opportunity and a long lasting memory.
Staying at Palissandre Cote Ouest. Includes All Meals.
Staying at Palissandre Cote Ouest . Includes All Meals.
Morning at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport and take a flight back to Tana. Met and transfer to the hotel.
Staying at Relais Des Plateaux. Includes Breakfast
Staying at Relais des Plateaux . Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport to take flight to Fort Dauphin. Met and tfr by road to Berenty Reserve. Afternoon and evening guided walks in the Berenty Reserve in search of its special wildlife including ring tail lemur and verraux sifaka.
Staying at Berenty Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Staying at Berenty Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day to explore Berenty with guide. Morning and afternoon guided walks in the spiny forest habitat. Evening walk in search of nocturnal species.
Staying at Berenty Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Staying at Berenty Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day to explore Berenty with guide. Morning and afternoon guided walks in the spiny forest habitat. Evening walk in search of nocturnal species.
Staying at Berenty Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Staying at Berenty Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Morning guided walk. Afternoon transfer back to Fort Dauphin and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Staying at Croix Du Sud Hotel. Includes All Meals.
Staying at Croix du Sud. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to the airport to take flight to Tana. Met and tfr by road to the east (4- 5 hours in total) to Andasibe.
Late afternoon / Evening, you can explore the community managed VOIMMA Reserve, part of Analamazaotra that receives fewer visitors than surrounding forest areas and is particularly good for night walks. This walk may reveal the nocturnal Goodman’s mouse lemur, the Eastern woolly lemur, and the furry-eared (Crossley’s) dwarf lemur, plus sleeping chameleons and frogs.
Staying at Mantadia Lodge . Includes All Meals.
Staying at Mantadia Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Early drive to explore the old growth rainforest at Mantadia National Park.
The highlights here will hopefully include encounters with the agile black-and-white ruffed lemur and various frogs such as colourful painted mantella plus nose-horned chameleons and unusual insects like the giraffe-necked weevil.
Mantadia is home to an extraordinary bird life too and we may find some of the beautiful ground rollers as well as several species of vanga and coua.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon and some time at leisure before another evening walk for more nocturnal species.
Staying at Mantadia Lodge . Includes All Meals.
Staying at Mantadia Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Morning visit to the Analamazotra (Perinet) Reserve. Here the wonderful tail-less indris are particularly habituated allowing for some very intimate and memorable sightings and photographic opportunities.
Also look for other lemur species such as the Eastern grey bamboo lemur, common brown lemur and the stunning diademed sifaka.
Bird highlights might include the nuthatch, red-tailed and blue vangas, Madagascar cuckoo roller, and if lucky the skulking brown mesite or a roosting collared nightjar.
In the afternoon, visit one of the community-run sections of rainforest such as the VOIMMA Reserve. Here guests can usually get very close to indris and bamboo lemurs and we may also find a snuffling tenrec in the leaf litter or a massive Parson's chameleon. As dusk approaches, stay in the forest to enjoy the fantastic nocturnal wildlife opportunities here.
Staying at Mantadia Lodge . Includes All Meals.
Staying at Mantadia Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Morning to explore the community managed Mitsinjo Reserve, where there is an excellent opportunity to see the indri up close.
The local guides at Mitsinjo have habituated several groups of indris which often come lower in the trees to take a closer look and sometimes receive a handout of their favourite leaves. This intimacy makes for an unforgettable sighting and also photographic opportunity.
In the afternoon, journey back through the rice growing countryside of Eastern Madagascar to Tana. Transfer to the hotel.
Staying at Relais Des Plateaux. Includes Breakfast
Staying at Relais des Plateaux . Includes Breakfast.
Morning at leisure. Transfer back to Antananarivo airport in time to take flight back to London
Includes Breakfast.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Relais des Plateaux
Overview
Situated about 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, this comfortable three-star hotel set in exotic gardens offers well equipped, en suite rooms including air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities and hair dryer. Each room is decorated in a Malagasy design using local materials and the rooms are arranged in a village layout with good access.
Other facilities in the hotel include a local handicraft shop, restaurant serving delicious French cuisine and local delicacies, bar and swimming pool (heated in the cooler months).
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini bar, safety deposit box, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone,
Optional Activities
City tour of Antananarivo, excursion to Ambohimanga Hill, visit to Tsarasaotra Lake (aka. Lac Alarobia) in a district of Tana for some unusual Hauts Plateaux birdwatching.
Relais du Kirindy
Overview
The Relais du Kirindy opened in April 2017, providing a welcome comfortable accommodation option to the basic gite located within the reserve.
Just 30 minutes’ drive from Kirindy Forest, this is an excellent option for a stay in the area. There are 20 spacious bungalows at the lodge, all of which are raised up on decks and decorated with wood in warm tones and set a short walk from the main area of the lodge. The main part of the lodge is reminiscent of an African safari lodge, with a large pool and decking as well as an open-plan lounge, dining room and bar area with the wide variety of fresh local food available. Relais du Kirindy is relatively new but is fast establishing a reputation amongst visitors to Madagascar as one of the better options on the mainland and especially in this stunning yet under-visited part of the country.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Each of the 20 bungalows at Relais du Kirindy has mosquito nets, fans, a shower room with hot water and a private toilet. Inside they are spacious and comfortable and the doors and windows have fly screens on them as well as shutters so the rooms are as “bug-proof” as they can be. An en-suite bathroom is found at the rear of each room. Bungalows come with shaded decking and comfortable chairs. A daily cleaning service is available and a treatment in one of the massage rooms is an option. The restaurant and bar of the hotel overlook a decked swimming pool situated in front of the sacred Baobab of Kirindy. The chef prepares gourmet and international menus. Wi-Fi is accessible only in the restaurant and bar.
Local Wildlife
Relais du Kirindy is located near the Kirindy Nature Reserve. From the bungalow, you can enjoy the breath-taking views of the sacred Baobab. Kirindy (once known as the Swiss Forest) is a private dry deciduous forest reserve claimed to have the greatest density of primates in the world, with eight species of lemur including Verreaux’s sifaka and the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy mouse lemur, and 23 species of other mammals including fossa, the lemurs’ main predator, often seen near the accommodation area – a rare experience. Madagascar’s largest rodent, the giant jumping rat (vositse) is only found here, mainly in the wetter months. There are many endangered birds, plentiful reptiles and amphibians including the strange spear-nosed snake, and around 90 species of butterfly. En route to Kirindy is the iconic Avenue des Baobabs featuring many examples of the giant baobab, Adansonia grandidieri, and two more species of the ‘upside down tree’ can be found in the region. Nearby Bedo Lake holds 35 species of water bird including the endangered Madagascar teal, Madagascar plover, Madagascar pond heron, and migratory greater and lesser flamingos, as well as big-headed turtles.
Optional Activities
Guided excursions to Kirindy Reserve. A Moronbava Mangrove canoe tour. A guided tour of Betania, village of sinners Vezo.
Palissandre Cote Ouest
Overview
Located in the attractive Nosy Kely area of Morondava, and set just steps from its sandy beach, this is one of the best hotels in Morondava. Accommodation consists of 29 comfortable beach front bungalows made of local materials. The large comfortable air-conditioned rooms have a spacious private bathroom, satellite TV, safe and mini bar. Each bungalow has immediate access to the beach but the sea here has strong currents and is not suitable for swimming.
Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant offering international and local cuisine, bar, spa and large swimming pool. There is plenty of seating around the pool and Wi-Fi is also available.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant and bar, private bathrooms with hot water, all rooms are air-conditioned and feature a satellite TV and minibar. There is also a large swimming pool, spa and Wi-Fi.
Berenty Lodge
Overview
Established in 1937 as one of the first nature reserves in Madagascar, Berenty is not for everyone, but for the right people it is much appreciated and enjoyed. Accommodation is fairly basic and service is in need of attention but Berenty provides easy walking along well tended, level and wide trails in shady riverine gallery forest and patches of spiny forest where habituated lemurs and other wildlife can easily be seen. It is suitable for families with young children, those with mobility problems and those who relish tame “wilderness” in which plenty of habituated wildlife can be seen.
The lodge and land are owned by the locally powerful de Heaulme family, who developed the extensive, surrounding sisal plantations and owns some hotels in Fort Dauphin, including the Croix du Sud and Le Dauphin.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
13 bungalows and 12 rooms. Snack bar, restaurant, Antandroy tribal museum, nearby sisal factory
Local Wildlife
Ring-tailed, red-fronted brown, collared brown, white-footed sportive, grey mouse and Verreux’s sifaka lemurs can all be seen quite easily at Berenty. There are also many bird species such as giant coua, souimanga sunbird and hook-billed vanga, and reptiles including radiated tortoise and Oustelet’s chameleon.
Optional Activities
Walking in the private reserve on wide, well-marked trails and within the patches of spiny forest, either independently or with a guide. Guided nocturnal nature walks.
Mantadia Lodge
Overview
The newly opened Mantadia Lodge is located along a ridge above the the village of Andasibe and is surrounded by eucalyptus forest, but with views towards the rainforest of Analamazotra in the distance. The lodge is only a 10 minute drive from the entrance to Perinet Reserve and an hour a half drive from Mantadia National Park and the song of the indri can often be heard at dawn.
The lodge offers some of the most comfortable accommodation, facilities and settings in the Andasibe area with 28 rooms including 2 suites. The accommodation features a garden and sun terrace, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits. All rooms offer high speed Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, kettle and tea facilities, a safety deposit box in the bathroom and a wood stove for the cooler seasons. There is a superb onsite restaurant designed with an exceptional view and terrace. There is a well stocked bar and a welcoming lounge with both inside and outside reading areas and also a beautiful infinity pool in the grounds plus a spa.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar and infity swimming pool and spa in the landscaped garden. Rooms feature modern private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TV and a laundry service is available.
Local Wildlife
In the early mornings you may wake to the song of the indri, which echoes throughout the local area. Perinet Reserve and its nearby Mantadia National Park is the best location to see this impressive species in all of Madagascar. There are eight other species of Lemur in Andasibe and the most commonly seen include the diademed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemur, Eastern grey bamboo lemur, common brown lemur and eastern woolly lemurs and furry-eared dwarf and Goodman’s mouse lemurs at night. There are some wonderful chameleons in the reserve including the two-foot long Parson’s Chameleon and tiny nose-horned and brookesia chameleons. Endemic Frogs are plentiful and birding highlights include Madagascar blue pigeon, Madagascar long-eared owl, Madagascar starling and numerous species of vanga, coua and the shy ground rollers.
Optional Activities
All exploring is done on foot along trails that weave through the forest: expeditions can vary in length from one hour to five. Walks are particularly rewarding in the early morning when Indri calls, sounding rather like a unique forest whale song echo through the air.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
If flying from the UK, Ethiopian Airlines has flights from London and Manchester via Addis Ababa. Other flight options include Air France and Kenya Airways.
Best Visited:
May to November
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Claire Pote
Area Specialist
Perhaps also extend your stay in Madagascar with a few days at a beach location with more wildlife such as the lovely Eden Lodge near Nosy Be, or the luxurious Anjajavy Hotel.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Our highlights were the lemurs of course, but the sheer variety of them was amazing and we really loved how close some got. The spiny forest was particularly great for photographs because of such amazing backgrounds. Also loved the whale shark dive and the reefs were beautifully clear.
