Madagascar Herping Tour
17 Days Herping Tours
Route: Antananarivo – Andasibe – Vohimana – Palmarium – Ambositra – Ambalavao – Ranomafana – Antsirabe – Antananarivo
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights.
Price €3596, based 2 people – Sharing room
This immersive Madagascar Herping Tour takes you deep into the island’s most biodiverse habitats, from eastern rainforests to southern highland ecosystems. Designed for reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, the itinerary offers exceptional opportunities to observe chameleons, geckos, frogs, and endemic snakes in their natural environments. Guided day and night walks maximise sightings, including specialised nocturnal searches for rare and elusive species. You will explore renowned herping hotspots such as Andasibe, Vohimana, Palmarium, Ambalavao, and Ranomafana with experienced local wildlife experts. Perfect for photographers, naturalists, and serious herpers, this tour combines scientific discovery, authentic field experiences, and unforgettable encounters with Madagascar’s unique herpetofauna.
Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo
Arrival in Antananarivo. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, optional short city exploration and preparation for the wildlife journey ahead.
Overnight in Antananarivo.
Day 2 – Antananarivo → Andasibe
Drive east to Andasibe through scenic highland landscapes and rainforest corridors.
Afternoon visit to Vakona Reserve for close wildlife encounters.
Evening nocturnal walk to search for chameleons, frogs, and night-active lemurs.
Overnight in Andasibe.
Day 3 – Andasibe – Mantadia National Park
Morning exploration of Mantadia National Park, known for rich rainforest biodiversity, lemurs, birds, and reptiles.
Afternoon free for additional forest walks or photography.
Overnight in Andasibe.
Day 4 – Andasibe – Maromizaha & Mitsinjo
Visit Maromizaha Reserve for pristine rainforest and excellent herping opportunities.
Explore Mitsinjo Community Reserve and enjoy an evening nocturnal walk focusing on reptiles and amphibians.
Overnight in Andasibe.
Day 5 – Andasibe → Vohimana
Drive to Vohimana Reserve.
Day walk in the forest to discover endemic wildlife including chameleons, geckos, lemurs, and birds.
Evening nocturnal excursion.
Overnight in Vohimana.
Day 6 – Vohimana → Palmarium (Akanin’ny Nofy)
Transfer by road and boat through the Pangalanes Canal to Palmarium Reserve.
Evening excursion to observe the famous Aye-aye.
Overnight at Palmarium.
Day 7 – Palmarium & Vohibola Forest
Morning wildlife exploration in Palmarium.
Visit Vohibola Forest Reserve with local guides.
Night walk for nocturnal species.
Overnight at Palmarium.
Day 8 – Palmarium → Antananarivo
Boat transfer and return drive to Antananarivo.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Antananarivo.
Day 9 – Antananarivo → Ambositra
Drive south through the central highlands to Ambositra, the capital of Malagasy wood carving.
Optional artisan visits.
Overnight in Ambositra.
Day 10 – Ambositra → Ambalavao
Continue south through scenic landscapes to Ambalavao.
Evening nocturnal walk in search of reptiles and amphibians.
Overnight in Ambalavao.
Day 11 – Ambalavao Exploration
Full day exploring the surrounding habitats and wildlife-rich areas.
Opportunities to search for endemic reptiles, birds, and other fauna.
Overnight in Ambalavao.
Day 12 – Ambalavao → Ranomafana National Park
Drive to Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s richest rainforests.
Afternoon forest walk and wildlife observation.
Overnight in Ranomafana.
Day 13 – Ranomafana – Sahamalaotra & Arboretum
Guided exploration including Sahamalaotra area and Arboretum trails.
Search for lemurs, chameleons, frogs, and birds.
Evening nocturnal walk.
Overnight in Ranomafana.
Day 14 – Ranomafana National Park
Full day wildlife trekking in the park’s diverse habitats with local specialist guides.
Night walk for nocturnal species.
Overnight in Ranomafana.
Day 15 – Ranomafana → Antsirabe
Drive through the highlands to Antsirabe, known for its colonial architecture and lakes.
Relaxed afternoon.
Overnight in Antsirabe.
Day 16 – Antsirabe → Antananarivo
Return drive to Antananarivo.
Optional city visit and souvenir shopping.
Overnight in Antananarivo.
Day 17 – Departure
Transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule.
End of services.