Madagascar, Wildlife Tours

Madagascar’s Endemic Birds

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Tailor-Made Tour
19 Days
From 4847
Birding

Tour Introduction

19 Days from  4847 per adult. All trip details below can be tailored just for you

This comprehensive itinerary has been specially designed for those particularly interested in seeing Madagascar’s unique and fascinating birdlife in addition to its wide range of other special wildlife. This is the perfect itinerary for immersion in Madagascar’s most bird rich habitats.

Starting with the cool rainforests of Andasibe there will be spectacular birds such as the scaly and pitta-like ground rollers, colourful vangas and shy couas. One the highlights will hopefully be a sighting of the iconic helmet vanga and rare Beriner’s vanga in the little visited Antavalobe Reserve. Lemurs such as the magnificent indri, diademed sifaka and black-and-white-ruffed lemur as well as plenty of reptiles, frogs and insects will also feature.
Next comes the very different, dry deciduous forest of Madagascar’s North West. Here a plethora of exciting birds such as Madagascar fish eagle and Schlegel’s asity and different lemurs like the Coquerel’s sifaka can be enjoyed in Ankarafantsika National Park.

From here you fly back to the capital, Tana and on to the city of Tulear to explore the ancient spiny forests of the arid south. A range of localised and specially adapted bird, lemur, reptile, insect and plant species can be found in this harsh environment. This is one of the most rewarding birdwatching regions with highlights including the sub-desert mesite, banded kestrel, running, green-capped and Verreaux’s couas, red-shouldered vanga and the fantastic long-tailed ground roller.

From here a scenic journey north commences taking in the transitional forests of Zombitse National Park and the open plains and rocky canyons of Isalo National Park. Alongside many great birds, family groups of ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas can also be seen along this section of the journey.

The last destination is the lush montane forest of Ranomafana National Park; home for some of Madagascar’s most endangered and elusive birds and lemurs, plus an impressive 120 species of endemic frog. This wonderful National Park deserves plenty of time for exploration and offers different forest elevations for a wide range of wildlife. Highlights include the attractive yellow-bellied sunbird asity, pitta-like ground roller and the rare golden and greater bamboo lemurs.

This extensive itinerary is a perfect choice for those looking to experience each of Madagascar’s main ecosystems and enjoy its impressive birdlife.

Full Itinerary

Price from  4847 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Antananarivo

Arrive into Antananarivo (Tana). Met on arrival at the airport and transfer 10 minutes to your nearby hotel.

Staying at Au Bois Vert. Includes No Meals.

Day 2
Andasibe

Today depart for the 5 hour drive to the rainforest reserves of Andasibe, stopping for lunch en route by the riverside at Mandraka Park. Later as you cross the Mangoro River stop to look for the Madagascar pratincole.

In the late afternoon and evening take a night walk in the community managed VOIMMA Reserve to spot nocturnal wildlife including Goodman's mouse lemur, Eastern woolly lemur and sleeping Parson's chameleons.

Staying at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Andasibe Reserves

Today take a morning walk in the Perinet Reserve to enjoy some close sightings of the magnificent tail less indri. This is also the best location to encounter the stunning diademed sifaka, Eastern grey bamboo lemur and common brown lemur.

The birdlife here includes the nelicourvi weaver, Madagascar paradise flycatcher, nuthatch vanga and the perfectly camouflaged collared nightjar.

In the afternoon explore the community managed Mitsinjo Reserve where the indris are habituated and often allow an exceptionally close approach and a very intimate sighting. Contuine the walk once dark to spot more nocturnal species.

Staying at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Mantadia National Park

An early drive (1 ½ hours) to Mantadia National Park to the north. Enjoy a full day with a packed lunch to explore the wonderful primary rainforest of this large National Park in search of its special birds. Highlights to look for here include 4 species of ground roller and the shy red-breasted coua is another speciality of this forest.

Other birdlife includes the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher, Madagascar starling, tylas, blue and Crossley's vangas, blue and red-fronted couas, white-throated oxylabes, Meller's duck and Madagascar cuckooshrike.

The agile and often vocal black-and-white ruffed lemur is often found here on the ridgelines and other wildlife includes the colourful painted mantella frog and bizarre giraffe-necked weevil. Take another night walk in the evening for nocturnal wildlife.

Staying at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 5
Antavalobe Reserve

Today rise early again to drive (1 hour, 30 mins) on a very bumpy track to the remote and little visited Antavolobe Forest Reserve. This is a large area of primary and secondary rainforest that supports an exceptional biodiversity. Of note, the striking helmet vanga and rare Bernier's vanga have both been discovered nesting here.

The spectacular helmet vanga is very rare in this region of Madagascar but between September and November, usually two nests are monitored by the local guides here and with their help you have a good chance to see them at or near their nest. Please note that the walking to reach the nest sites will likely be along very small, narrow paths through dense forest that will usually involve crossing small shallow streams and some undulation, but the going is mostly moderate.

Alternative forest areas can also be visited today.

Staying at Andasibe Lemurs Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Torotorofotsy Marsh

Morning excursion to the Torotorofotsy Marsh where the endangered slender-billed flufftail can occasionally be seen with some patience, along with Madagascar snipe and rails and hopefully also the skulking grey emutail. After, perhaps also visit the main Andasibe rainforest reserve again to see more lemurs and exciting rainforest species.

After lunch return 5 hours by road back to Antananarivo.

Staying at Au Bois Vert. Includes Breakfast.

Day 7
Ankarafantsika National Park

Morning transfer to the airport. Take Tsaradia flight to Majunga (Mahajanga). Met on arrival and transfer 2 hours by road south to Ankarafantsika National Park.

Take an evening night walk tonight in search of many nocturnal lemur species such as the highly localised golden-brown mouse lemur, found only in this Park as well as the Milne-Edwards’s sportive lemur and Western woolly lemur.

Staying at Gite D’Ampijoroa . Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Ankarafantsika National Park

Today enjoy a full day to explore the wonderful wildlife rich habitats of Ankarafantsika National Park (aka. Ampijoroa Forest Station).

The Park is characterised by typical western dry deciduous forest (Dalbergia-Commiphora-Hidegardia).

There are many localised avian specialities here to see such as the declining Madagascar fish eagle, Van Dam’s vanga, Schlegel’s asity, white-breasted mesite and Coquerel’s and red-capped couas. One of the lemur highlights here will be watching the charismatic Coquerel’s sifaka make acrobatic leaps between the trees.

Staying at Gite D’Ampijoroa . Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Ankarafantsika National Park

Today enjoy another full day to explore the National Park, exploring different trails and perhaps taking a gentle boat trip around Lake Ravelobe which is excellent for sightings of the rare fish eagles. There are also good bird watching towers where it is easy to watch flocks of glossy ibis and several species of herons and egrets in the reed beds.

More widespread dry forest bird species include the sickle-billed, white-headed, hook-billed, blue and rufous vangas, Frances’s sparrowhawk, greater and lesser vasa parrots, Sakalava weaver and many more.

Among the reptiles you may encounter are the rhinoceros and Oustalets's chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus henkeli and Uroplatus guentheri), fish-scaled and giant green day geckos, hog-nosed snake and Madagascar ground boa.

In the late afternoon transfer back to Majunga for the night.

Staying at Karibu Lodge . Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Tsarasaotra Park

This morning transfer 2 hours by road back to Majunga airport. Take Tsaradia flight back to Antananarivo.

In the afternoon take a guided excursion of Tsarasaotra Park (Lake Alarobia) in a nearby district of Tana for some unusual Hauts Plateaux birdwatching.

Herons, egrets and ducks in particular are very abundant with white-faced whistling ducks, red-billed teal, knob-billed ducks, fulvous whistling ducks, hottentot teal, and with luck the rare endemic Meller’s duck all possible.

Staying at Au Bois Vert. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Ifaty and Mangroves

Morning transfer to the airport to take Tsaradia flight to Tulear in the arid south of the country.

Met on arrival and transfer 20 minutes to the Honko Mangrove Project along the coast. Here you can explore the sustainably managed and restored mangrove ecosystem of the Bay of Ranobe. Enjoy a leisurely and interpretative walk through the mangroves along the raised boardwalks observing the special wildlife which includes mudskippers, mangrove crabs, dragonflies and Madagascar swamp warblers.

Continue 20 minutes by road to your hotel in Ifaty next to the beach. Ponds along the journey can offer sightings of painted snipe, greater flamingos and other waders.

Staying at Les Dunes d’Ifaty . Includes All Meals.

Day 12
Ifaty Spiny Forest

Morning guided bird watching in the local spiny forest habitat, with a number of special endemic species to see including the sub-desert mesite, Lafresnaye’s vanga, Archbold’s newtonia, Madagascar nightjar, banded kestrel and the main event; the brilliant long-tailed ground roller.

The strange spiny forest here contains many endemic plants adapted to the arid conditions and is dominated by the thorny Didiereacae, or octopus, trees and the local baobab, Andansonia rubrostipa (fony).

Later explore the coastline and the Ifaty Saltpans where the endangered Madagascar plover can be spotted. In the evening take a night walk within the spiny forest which may reveal the gray-brown mouse lemur, Petter's sportive lemur, lesser hedgehog tenrec and warty chameleons.

Staying at Les Dunes d’Ifaty . Includes All Meals.

Day 13
Tulear and Zombitse National Park

Start with a second early morning excursion in the nearby spiny forest to enjoy more sightings of its specialist bird diversity.

After breakfast transfer north of Tulear to an area of low Euphorbia scrub around the La Table Mountain. This is a vast area of spiny scrub home to the beauiful and recently described red-shouldered vanga and Verreaux's coua, which both have very limited ranges.

Contuine the drive north (4 hours on a good road) to Zombitse National Park, with a stop at a dry riverbed to search for the elegant Madagascar sandgrouse.

Explore Zombitse-Vohibasia which acts as a transition zone between the dry and the humid forests of Madagascar. The flora is especially rich within the protected area with bottle baobabs and orchids particularly common.

Zombitse’s special bird is the rare Appert´s tetraka which only lives in this forest and one other. Other bird species include the white-browed owl, red-tailed, blue, rufous and Chabert’s vangas, Madagascar cuckoo roller and impressive giant coua. The Park is also home to the Hubbard's (Zombitse) sportive lemur, Verreaux's sifaka and standing's day gecko.

Contuine 1 hour by road to Isalo National Park.

Staying at Isalo Ranch. Includes All Meals.

Day 14
Anja Park

Early this morning admire some of the scenery of Isalo National Park and look for the localised Benson's rock thrush. Then set off for the interesting drive north through vast open plains and impressive mountain scenery. Madagascar marsh harrier, Madagascar harrier hawk, Madagascar partridge, Madagascar bush lark and Madagascar cisticola can sometimes be found along the journey.

Break the journey at the community-managed Anja Park to see habituated groups of ring-tailed lemurs and tiny Brookesia chameleons in the leaf litter. After lunch continue north (3.5 hours) to Ranomafana National Park.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 15
Ranomafana National Park

Today enjoy morning and afternoon guided walks in Ranomafana National Park, in search of its exceptional bird and wildlife diversity.

Well over 100 bird species have been recorded in the park with specialities including the attractive pitta-like, short-legged and rufous-headed ground rollers, Madagascar wood rail, red-fronted coua, yellow-browed oxylabels, velvet and yellow-bellied sunbird asities and brown mesite to name a few.

Please note that the Talatakely trails in Ranomafana are mostly on steep terrain, but all walks will be taken at a gentle pace and easier walks can be found on the Vohipara Circuit.

This evening take a night walk along the road in search of sleeping chameleons such as the huge O'Shaughnessy's chameleon and beautiful blue-legged chameleon. You may also spot rufous mouse lemurs, Madagascar tree boas, colourful boophis tree frogs and if lucky a satanic leaf-tailed gecko or the huge Madagascar comet moth.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 16
Ranomafana National Park

Enjoy another day of guided excursions within Ranomafana National Park. Ranomafana is an exceptionally rich high-altitude cloud forest where lemurs are also a highlight. The very rare golden bamboo lemur was first discovered here and is now easily spotted as well as the the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur and the wonderful Milne Edwards’s sifaka and red-bellied lemur can also be tracked down.

A staggering 120 endemic frog species have also been recorded within the region.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 17
Ranomafana National Park

Today perhaps focus on exploring the gentler Vohipara trail which passes through stunted forest.

This is the best area to find the rare and elusive yellow-bellied sunbird asity, brown emutail, yellow-browed and white-throated oxylabes and the elusive cryptic warbler. A small montane marsh here also offers a chance to see Madagascar snipe and grey emutail. This area of forest is also the best location to encounter the charming red-bellied lemur and many endemic frogs.

If of interest, a visit to the Kianjavato Forest Reserve can also be arranged to see more lemurs and perhaps the nocturnal aye aye.

Staying at Setam Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 18
Antsirabe

Today depart for a drive north (7-8 hours depending on local conditions) to Antsirabe stopping at points of interest along the way (if of interest) such as the woodcarving centre of Ambositra or for birdwatching at roadside pools.

Staying at Couleur Cafe. Includes All Meals.

Day 19
Antananarivo

This morning transfer (4 – 5 hours) through Merina villages and mosaics of rice fields to Antananarivo.

If of interest take a short city tour of the capital city in the afternoon or some morning birdwatching at Tsarasaotra Park (Lake Alarobia) before a drop off at your hotel close to the airport.

This afternoon and evening you will have use of a room at the Au Bois Vert hotel.

Later in the night pick up from the hotel and transfer (10 minutes) to the airport to check in for your onward international flight.

Staying at Au Bois Vert. Includes All Meals.

Tour Accommodation

Madagascar Northern Madagascar

Karibu Lodge

Overview

Located in the residential area of La Corniche in the city of Mahajunga, this colourful and charming hotel offers wonderful views of the sea and is ideally positioned to watch sun sets in the evening. Accommodation is in comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, terrace, satellite TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant with large open sided terrace serving plenty of fresh local seafood and a good range of other Malagasy and international dishes. There is also a small swimming pool and the hotel can arrange offsite excursions, plus a laundry service and exchange currency.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
15
Facilities

Restaurant with local and European dishes, swimming pool, and gift shops. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air-conditioning, minibars, safe, Samsung satellite flatscreen TV, telephone and free Wi-Fi.

Local Wildlife

The nearby Betsiboka Estuary offers excellent birdwatching with the rare Bernier's Teal, and Madagascar sacred ibis the local specialities. Across the Estuary is the Katsepe Lighthouse and forest where the rare crowned sifaka can be easily found along with habituated mongoose lemurs and rufous-brown lemurs.

Optional Activities

The lodge can also arrange offsite excursions such as boat trips for fishing or whale watching as well as quad bikes and visits to the nearby Ankarafantsika National Park.

Madagascar Southern Madagascar

Les Dunes d’Ifaty

Overview

One of the best hotels in Ifaty, this comfortable and well positioned accommodation is both near the spiny forest and good beaches. The hotel overlooks the Mozambique Channel and is ideally located for watching sunsets over the sea. Accommodation is 19 villas or the 22 standard rooms, all built using local materials with traditional Malagasy interior designs they all offer comfortable beds with mosquito nets, TVs and private bathrooms with 24 hour electricity. The rooms and villas are scattered throughout the gardens which feature many beautiful flowering plants.

There is a large swimming pool with deck chairs for relaxing when the tide is out and it is not suitable for swimming from the beach. The main building has a nice restaurant serving plenty of fresh seafood and tropical fruit and a variety of international dishes. Meals can be enjoyed in both the restaurant and outside on the patio area for al fresco dining with a sea breeze. There is also a friendly bar, small library and free Wi-Fi throughout the main building.

Ifaty has a number of diving operations where both diving and snorkelling trips can be arranged. For example there is an excellent shark dive at 31 metres on the Grand Recife and excursions to the Rose Garden and south pass are excellent for snorkelers.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
41
Facilities

Rooms are all ensuite with TV and air-conditioning. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar and Wi-Fi and swimming pool on site too.

Local Wildlife

The local spiny forest supports many endemic bird species such as sub-desert mesite, Lafresnaye’s, red-shouldered and sickle-billed vangas, Archbold’s newtonia, Madagascar nightjar, banded kestrel and the spectacular long-tailed ground roller are all possible to see. While mammals include the localised black-shouldered sportive lemur, gray and gray-brown mouse lemurs and lesser hedgehog tenrecs. While reptiles include the impressive Dumeril's ground boa, three-eyed lizard and warty chameleon. ,

Optional Activities

Excursions on offer include visits to the local spiny forest both during the mornings for birdlife and in the evening for nocturnal wildlife. There are also many dive operators that can arrange snorkelling and scuba diving and also whale watching between July and September when humpback whales are present. Watersports can also be arranged.

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Setam Lodge

Overview

Setam is a comfortable small lodge situated in a pre-montane river valley close to the primary rainforest of Ranomafana National Park. In our opinion it is the best accommodation option in the area and a good base from which to explore the park. The rooms have comfortable beds, a wardrobe and bedside table and have excellent views towards the mountains.

Facilities include 24-hour electricity and pleasant gardens. Generous platters of good food using fresh ingredients are served in the main restaurant with its picture windows offering excellent views. Breakfast can be served on a large veranda, also with good views.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
20
Facilities

Restaurant, bar, private facilities, 24-hr electricity, private veranda

Local Wildlife

The park was created to provide protection for the very rare Golden bamboo lemur, which can be easily seen with the help of local guides. The park is also the best location to see the critically endagered greater bamboo lemur and the stunning Milne Edwards sifaka as well as red-bellied lemur, black and white ruffed lemur and red-fronted brown lemur. Over 100 bird species have been recorded in the park with specialities including the attractive pitta-like, short-legged and rufous-headed ground rollers, yellow-browed oxylabels, velvet and yellow-bellied sunbird asitys and brown mesite. Reptile and frog diversity is also very high with o'shaughnessy chameleon, Madagascar tree boa, three species of leaf-tailed gecko and numerous frogs.

Optional Activities

Guided wildlife walks into the Ranomafana National Park. The trails can be steep and tough but generally the going is moderate.

Madagascar Southern Madagascar

Isalo Ranch

Overview

This charming and well-positioned hotel offers accommodation in simple African style bungalows with private bathrooms and a small patio area with deckchairs to relax. This is one of the more basic options for exploring Isalo National Park but it has a friendly atmosphere and there is a swimming pool overlooking the massif. The rooms are basic and lack air-conditioning or fans but there are deck chairs and hammocks outside to enjoy the view.

Facilities include private bathrooms with hot water, a laundry service and there is an a la carte restaurant serving traditional Malagasy cuisine.Within the hotel ground there is also a campsite and BBQ station.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
20
Facilities

Swimming pool, restaurant, private bathrooms with hot water, laundry service, BBQ and table tennis.

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Andasibe Lemurs Lodge

Overview

Situated just outside the village of Andasibe and next to the Sahatandra River, this friendly lodge is bordered by the Andasibe rainforest where the indri can be heard singing at dawn.

The Lodge was built in 2017 and offers a good standard of accommodation with 10 bungalows and 10 standard rooms.

All the rooms are clean and comfortable with modern private bathrooms and small terraces. The 10 bungalows offer more comfort with satellite TV, mini fridges, mosquito nets above the beds and are more spacious. All the rooms though feature mosquito screening, a safe, telephone and Wi-Fi.

Electricity is supplied by solar power and is available 24 hours a day. There is a welcoming restaurant with a menu that changes daily and includes plenty of fresh local produce. Meals are mostly of a European style and special diets can be catered for.

In front of the bungalows is a swimming pool available to all the guests of the lodge, which is very welcome after a morning walking in the rainforest. The lodge accepts Euros, US dollars and local Ariary as well as Visa and MasterCard’s with a 5% surcharge.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
20
Facilities

All rooms feature modern private bathrooms, fans and Wi-Fi in the rooms. The bungalows also feature a satellite TV, kettle, telephone, mosquito netting above the bed and a mini fridge. There is a restaurant and swimming pool and 24-hour hot water and electricity supplied by solar power and generators.

Local Wildlife

The Andasibe area is one of the best examples of Madagascar’s Eastern rainforests and is home to a fantastic selection of wildlife. In the Andasibe (Perinet) Reserve and its adjoining Mitsinjo and VOIMMA Reserves, the indri is one of the highlights, being the largest species of lemur. Other diurnal lemurs include the diademed sifaka, common brown lemur, Eastern grey bamboo lemur and the black-and-white ruffed lemur only in the nearby Mantadia National Park. Nocturnal species include the Goodman’s mouse lemur, furry-eared dwarf lemur and Eastern woolly lemur. In the community managed VOIMMA Reserve, the Parson’s chameleon can often be found along with the blue-legged chameleon and tiny brown leaf chameleon: Brookesia superciliaris. The smaller creatures of the rainforest are spectacular here with mossy leaf tailed geckos, colourful frogs and insects such as the giraffe-necked weevil. Birdlife is another highlight especially in the Mantadia National Park with scaly, pitta-like and short-legged ground rollers, velvet asity, red-fronted and blue couas, nuthatch vanga, Madagascar blue pigeon and pygmy kingfisher. The wonderful helmet vanga can also be found in the more remote Antavalobe Reserve.

Optional Activities

Walking in the wildlife rich rainforest reserves of Andasibe, VOIMMA, Mitsinjo, Mantadia and Antavalobe. Interpretive village visits are also available.

Madagascar Eastern Madagascar

Au Bois Vert

Overview

Located a short drive from the airport and set in three hectares of peaceful and attractive gardens, accommodation is in rooms constructed using natural materials dominated by chunky wood and granite. All rooms have private bathrooms, satellite TV and safe. Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

The hotel is only 20 minutes from the airport so is an ideal location for a stopover.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
26
Facilities

Private bathrooms, TV, room safe, restaurant, swimming pool, Wi-Fi available in the lobby

Optional Activities

City tours can be arranged. Activities including mountain and quad biking, village tours and walking trips can be arranged offsite.

Madagascar Northern Madagascar

Gite D’Ampijoroa

Overview

Enjoying a privileged location within the Ankarafantsika National Park, the Gite D’Ampijoroa offers simple, rustic accommodation. Due to a lack of option in this area, it is one of the best options for guests wishing to enjoy the wildlife highlights of the beautiful National Park. The bungalows were also refurbished in 2018 and are all clean and comfortable although simple. The park has many clear, well-marked trails to ease exploration of the area, and an incredible array of wildlife including eight lemur species. The lodge’s location next to the park entrance makes the whole stay a wildlife-spotting adventure, and many lemurs, birds and reptiles live in very close proximity to the bungalows – an exciting opportunity to get up-close and personal with the wildlife.

Different rooming categories are available, with seven simple en-suite bungalows upon the shores of Lake Ravelobe, a two bedroom house with shared bathroom and a basic campsite with shared showers and a toilet block. Across the road from the bungalows is the Ampijoroa Research Station, where there is a recently refurbished and locally run restaurant offering tasty but simple local Malagasy and European cuisine.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
7
Facilities

Bungalows have double or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. Some have double and bunk beds and can accommodate four guests. There is no true hot water but private showers are provided which can be luke warm and welcome in the hot climate. A simple but friendly restaurant and research centre are also on site.

Local Wildlife

The dry deciduous forests of Ankaranfantsika National Park are home to eight species of lemur including the beauifully marked Coquerel's sifaka, the rare mongoose lemur, common brown lemur. Nocturnal species include the Western woolly lemur (avahi), Milne-Edwards sportive lemur, Western fat-tailed dwarf lemur, gray mouse lemur and highly localised golden-brown mouse lemur.

The National park is also famous for its exceptional birdlife and as one of the most reliable places in the country to see the endagered Madagascar fish eagle. Other bird highlights include the Schlegal's asity, Van Dam's vanga, white-breasted mesite, red-capped coua, sickle-billed, rufous, blue and hook-billed vangas and many more. Reptiles are also well represented with the large Oustalet's and rhinocerous chameleons, unusual fish-scaled gecko, giant day geckos, Madagascar ground boa, hog-nosed snake, crocodiles and the rare spear-nosed snake.

Optional Activities

Wildlife watching in the National Park including forest walks, boat trips on Lake Ravelobe, hikes to the Ankarokaroka sandstone canyon and visits to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s exemplary Angonoka Project for the conservation of the ploughshare tortoise, the rarest in the world.

Route Map

Departure Dates

This tour has no set departure date and can be tailored to suit your travel requirements. Contact us for more details.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

Fly to Antananarivo with Air France, Kenya Airways or Ethiopian Airlines.

Best Visited:

September to December

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

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

Loved it all! 17 species of lemurs, loads of reptiles and endemic birds. Did masses of photography. Highlights included male giraffe necked weevil, witnessing an indri howling and Verreauxs sifakas jumping through the trees in gorgeous early morning light. [Our guide] was great as were local guides. Very happy with the itinerary. We wanted it to be a wildlife holiday as that is our primary interest, but found the landscape variety and tribal dimensions very rewarding too.

Mr & Mrs S - Chichester