Madagascar Birding Tour
Avian Endemics & Photography
21 days / 20 nights
Based 2 Travelers
€2907 per Person
Madagascar Birding Tours.
This 21-day Madagascar Birding Tours photographic Tours is specifically structured for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers targeting Madagascar’s five endemic bird families (Brachypteraciidae, Mesitornithidae, Bernieridae, Vangidae, and Philepittidae), along with iconic lemurs and rare reptiles. Daily routines are optimized around dawn choruses, golden-hour light, and slow-paced tracking for clean, unobstructed photographic angles.
The route: Antananarivo → Andasibe → Vohimana → Antananarivo → Ankarafantsika → Antananarivo → Antsirabe → Morondava → Kirindy Forest → Avenue of the Baobabs → Antsirabe → Ambalavao → Anja Community Reserve → Ranomafana → Antsirabe → Ambositra → Antananarivo
Target Avian Families:
Ground-Rollers (Scaly, Pitta-like, Short-legged), Asities (Velvet, Schlegel’s), Vangas (Blue, Sickle-billed, Helmet, Van Dam’s, White-headed), Couas, and Mesites.
The itinerary
General wildlife Tour | from €2907 per person | Based on 2 Travelers
Included
• Private vehicle with driver
• Fuel
• English-speaking wildlife guide
• All park entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
• Local guides in reserves and national parks
• Airport transfers
Note: I can suggest you the hotel to book in each itinerary.
Not Included
• International flights
• Domestic flight Antananarivo – Toliara
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Drinks
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activities not mentioned in the program
21-Day Endemic Birds, Rainforests & Unique Wildlife Discovery
Period: October to November
Tour Overview:
This 21-day Madagascar birding tours is designed for passionate birdwatchers seeking to discover the island’s exceptional endemic avifauna across a variety of unique habitats.
From the humid eastern rainforests of Andasibe and Ranomafana to the dry deciduous forests of Ankarafantsika and Kirindy, this journey offers opportunities to observe Madagascar’s most remarkable birds, including endemic vangas, ground rollers, couas, asities, and many forest specialists.
Along the way, we also explore Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife, including lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, and nocturnal species, creating a complete natural history experience.
Tour Highlights:
- Expert-guided birdwatching across Madagascar’s major habitats
- Andasibe rainforest birding and endemic forest species
- Vohimana Reserve biodiversity exploration
- Ankarafantsika National Park and Ravelobe Lake birding
- Kirindy Forest wildlife discovery
- Iconic Avenue of the Baobabs sunset photography
- Ranomafana National Park rainforest birding
- Multiple nocturnal walks for owls, chameleons, and nocturnal mammals
- Lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, and Madagascar’s unique ecosystems
Day 1 – Arrival in Tana
Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional lead guide and transferred to your hotel.
A detailed tour briefing will be provided, including the itinerary, logistics, birding expectations, and important information for the expedition ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short exploration of Antananarivo or relax after your international journey.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Antananarivo
Day 2 – Tana to Andasibe
After breakfast, depart Tana and drive east through Madagascar’s scenic highlands towards Andasibe, one of the country’s premier rainforest destinations. Along the route, we begin our first birding opportunities while observing changing landscapes from rice fields to humid forest.
In the afternoon, visit Vakona Private Reserve for an introduction to Madagascar’s lemurs and wildlife.
Before dinner, enjoy a night walk searching for nocturnal birds, frogs, chameleons, geckos, and other active wildlife.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Andasibe
Day 3 – Andasibe
Spend the day exploring the rainforest around Andasibe, focusing on endemic bird species and forest habitats. The area offers excellent opportunities to search for Madagascar’s unique birdlife, including vangas, couas and other rainforest specialists.
Wildlife encounters may include lemurs, chameleons and reptiles.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Andasibe
Day 4 – Andasibe
Full-day exploration of Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar’s richest rainforest habitats. Guided forest walks focus on bird observation (many species of Vanga), photography, and searching for endemic species living in primary rainforest. Possible sightings include forest birds, lemurs such as Indri and sifakas, and numerous reptiles and amphibians.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Andasibe
Day 5 – Maromizaha Protected Area & Vohimana Community Reserve
Depart early in the morning for Maromizaha Protected Area, one of Madagascar’s finest rainforest birding sites. Spend the day exploring its rich primary forest with your expert guide, searching for endemic bird species while also encountering lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, and the remarkable flora of the eastern rainforest.
A picnic lunch will be served in the forest, allowing you to maximize your time in this exceptional birding habitat.
In the late afternoon, continue to Vohimana Community Reserve. After dinner, embark on a guided nocturnal walk to search for Madagascar’s fascinating night-active wildlife, including mouse lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs, and nocturnal insects.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Overnight: Vohimana Community Reserve
Day 6 – Vohimana to Tana via Mandraka
Return towards Antananarivo with a stop in the Mandraka forest area for additional birding opportunities and herping.
Observe highland landscapes and look for mountain forest species before continuing to the capital.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Antananarivo
Day 7 – Tana to Ankarafantsika
Travel northwest towards Ankarafantsika National Park, one of Madagascar’s most important dry forest birding destinations. The park is famous for its endemic birds, dry deciduous forests, and lakes.
Afternoon arrival and preparation for upcoming birding activities.
Meals: breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ankarafantsika
Day 8 – Ankarafantsika
Full-day exploration of Ankarafantsika.
Morning and afternoon birding walks focus on dry forest species, including endemic birds, couas, rollers, vangas, and other specialists.
Evening nocturnal walk searching for chameleons, geckos, and nocturnal mammals.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ankarafantsika
Day 9 – Ankarafantsika
Today, we explore a different section of Ankarafantsika National Park, increasing our chances of observing additional endemic bird species and experiencing the diversity of the park’s dry deciduous forest. Guided walks take us through a variety of habitats where we continue searching for Madagascar’s unique birdlife, while also looking for reptiles and other wildlife.
Enjoy another rewarding day immersed in one of Madagascar’s premier birding destinations.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ankarafantsika
Day 10 – Ankarafantsika to Tana
After breakfast, depart Ankarafantsika National Park and journey back to Antananarivo through Madagascar’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, enjoy scenic viewpoints, traditional villages, and changing countryside, with opportunities to stop for photography and observe birds whenever conditions are favourable.
Arrive in Antananarivo in the late afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening before continuing to the southern rainforest and western dry forest regions of the expedition.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Tana
Day 11 – Tana to Antsirabe
After breakfast, depart Tana and drive south through the spectacular Malagasy Highlands towards Antsirabe. Along the journey, enjoy breathtaking scenery of rolling green hills, patchwork rice terraces, fertile valleys, and picturesque traditional villages that characterize Madagascar’s central plateau. There will be opportunities to stop for photography and admire the beautiful landscapes along the route.
Upon arrival in Antsirabe, discover this charming colonial town, renowned for its cool climate, colorful pousse-pousse rickshaws, artisan workshops, and vibrant local atmosphere.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Antsirabe
Day 12 – Antsirabe to Morondava
Breakfast on the way, we continue west towards Morondava, following one of Madagascar’s most scenic cross-country routes. As you descend from the cool Central Highlands, witness the dramatic transition from rolling hills and fertile farmland to the vast open landscapes and dry forests of western Madagascar. Along the way, pass through traditional villages, expansive savannahs, and striking red-earth scenery that make this journey an unforgettable experience.
Arrive in Morondava in the late afternoon, the gateway to Madagascar’s iconic baobab region, and settle into your hotel.
Meals: Picnic breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Morondava
Day 13 – Kirindy Forest & Avenue of the Baobabs
Depart early in the morning for Kirindy Forest, one of Madagascar’s most remarkable dry forest ecosystems and an exceptional destination for wildlife.
During guided walks through the forest, we search for endemic dry forest birds and other unique species adapted to this environment. Kirindy is also renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity, with opportunities to encounter the famous Fossa, several lemur species and a variety of reptiles.
After exploring the forest, return towards Morondava and enjoy a spectacular sunset visit to the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs. This iconic landscape, with its ancient giant baobab trees silhouetted against the evening sky, offers one of Madagascar’s most unforgettable photography moments.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Morondava
Day 14 – Morondava to Antsirabe
After breakfast, begin the return journey east towards Antsirabe by the same road, crossing the diverse landscapes of western and central Madagascar. The route offers impressive views of the changing scenery, from dry forests and open plains to the rolling hills of the Malagasy Highlands.
Along the way, enjoy scenic stops for photography, observe traditional villages, and experience the everyday life of local communities.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Antsirabe
Day 15 – Antsirabe to Ambalavao
Continue south through the spectacular landscapes of Madagascar’s southern highlands. The journey takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, winding roads, rice fields, and traditional villages surrounded by dramatic hills.
Arrive in Ambalavao, a charming town famous for its traditional architecture, local crafts, and cultural heritage. This area is also the gateway to some of Madagascar’s most interesting wildlife sites.
Overnight: Ambalavao
Day 16 – Ambalavao to Ranomafana
This morning, visit Anja Community Reserve, a successful community-managed conservation area located among impressive granite formations. The reserve is well known for its population of ring-tailed lemurs, which can often be observed at close range in their natural habitat.
Continue the journey towards Ranomafana National Park, passing through beautiful highland landscapes before arriving in the rainforest region.
In the evening, enjoy a guided nocturnal walk around Ranomafana to search for night-active species, including frogs, chameleons, geckos, and nocturnal mammals.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ranomafana
Day 17 – Ranomafana
Spend a full day exploring the humid rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Morning and afternoon forest walks focus on searching for endemic rainforest birds and other wildlife species. The park offers excellent opportunities to observe unique birds, while also providing chances to encounter the famous golden bamboo lemur, reptiles, amphibians, and remarkable rainforest plants.
In the evening, another optional night walk can be arranged to discover Madagascar’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ranomafana
Day 18 – Ranomafana
Continue exploring different sectors and trails of Ranomafana National Park to discover more of its exceptional biodiversity.
Each forest area offers different habitats and opportunities to observe additional endemic bird species, rainforest specialists, lemurs, reptiles, and amphibians. The slower pace allows more time for careful observation, photography, and enjoying the atmosphere of this incredible rainforest ecosystem.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Ranomafana
Day 19 – Ranomafana to Antsirabe
After breakfast, leave Ranomafana and travel north through the scenic Malagasy Highlands back towards Antsirabe. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the route, including mountain valleys, rice terraces, and traditional villages. Discover the famous Zafimaniry artisan traditions, known for their detailed wood carving and unique artistic heritage. Upon arrival in Antsirabe, relax and enjoy the cooler climate of this charming highland town after several days exploring the rainforest.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Antsirabe
Day 20 – Antsirabe to Tana
After breakfast, depart Antsirabe and continue your journey north towards Tana through the beautiful landscapes of Madagascar’s central highlands.
Continue the drive through scenic highland landscapes, passing rolling hills, rice fields, and traditional villages before arriving in Antananarivo.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Antananarivo
Day 21 – Antananarivo: Farewell to Madagascar
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Madagascar before your transfer to Ivato International Airport for your international departure.
As this unforgettable birding expedition comes to an end, take with you the memories of Madagascar’s extraordinary landscapes, endemic birds, ancient forests, unique wildlife, and the incredible encounters shared throughout the journey.
From the rainforests of the east to the dry forests of the west and the spectacular highlands in between, this adventure has revealed the remarkable natural heritage of one of the world’s most unique destinations.
Depending on your flight schedule, additional nights, cultural experiences, or wildlife extensions can be arranged to continue your discovery of Madagascar.
End of Services – Thank you for sharing this unforgettable journey with us.
