18-Day Madagascar Bird Circuit
An 18-day private Madagascar birding circuit through Ankarafantsika, Tsarasaotra, Andasibe, Mantadia, Analamazaotra, Ranomafana and Vohiparara.
About this tour
Travel from Madagascar’s western dry forest to its eastern rainforests on a private birding circuit led by Jean Be Tours. The 18-day route begins and ends in Antananarivo and links several of the island’s most important bird areas, including Ankarafantsika National Park, Tsarasaotra wetland, the Andasibe reserves, Mantadia and Analamazaotra, Ranomafana National Park and Vohiparara.
The journey is designed around Madagascar’s endemic birdlife. Early days in Ankarafantsika focus on dry deciduous forest and lakes, where specialties may include Schlegel’s Asity, Van Dam’s Vanga, White-breasted Mesite and Madagascar Fish Eagle. Tsarasaotra introduces wetland birding before the route continues east to Andasibe. The forests of Mantadia, Analamazaotra and nearby community reserves offer opportunities to search for vangas, couas, rails, ground rollers, owls and other eastern endemics.
The southern section reaches Ranomafana and Vohiparara, combining repeated forest sessions with the chance to seek species associated with humid and montane habitats. Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Brown Mesite and Pollen’s Vanga are among the notable possibilities listed by the operator. Night walks are included at several stops for nocturnal birds and wider wildlife. All sightings depend on season, access, weather and natural bird activity.
Private road transport, a driver and assistant guide, listed park entries and local guides, airport transfers and accommodation with continental breakfast are included in the published program. Lunches, dinners, drinks, international flights, personal expenses, tips and travel insurance are excluded. Long overland drives and some rough roads make this an active circuit that rewards patience and a flexible approach.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Madagascar.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Antananarivo
Meet the Jean Be Tours team at Ivato International Airport and transfer to the hotel in Antananarivo. Use the remainder of the day to settle in and prepare for the overland circuit.
Day 2
Drive to Ankarafantsika and evening walk
Travel northwest on National Road 4 through the central highlands and Maevatanana to Ankarafantsika. After arrival, join an evening walk for nocturnal birds and other wildlife.
Day 3
Ankarafantsika dry-forest birding
Spend the day in dry deciduous forest and lake habitats, searching for localized western endemics. Schlegel’s Asity, Van Dam’s Vanga, White-breasted Mesite, Madagascar Fish Eagle, couas and vangas are among the published possibilities.
Day 4
Second full day in Ankarafantsika
Continue exploring different trails and habitats in the national park. The repeated visit allows more time for endemic forest birds, wetland species and any priorities missed on the first day.
Day 5
Final Ankarafantsika birding day
Use a third field day to revisit productive areas and broaden the search across forest, scrub and wetland edges. The plan remains flexible around current conditions and bird activity.
Day 6
Return to Antananarivo
Drive back to Antananarivo for an overnight stay before the eastern section of the circuit.
Day 7
Tsarasaotra wetland and transfer to Andasibe
Bird the Tsarasaotra Ramsar wetland for herons, ducks, grebes and other waterbirds. Continue east with a stop at the Peyrieras reserve, then reach Andasibe in time for a night walk.
Day 8
Andasibe community reserve and night walk
Explore community-managed rainforest near Andasibe for vangas, couas, rails and other eastern endemics. Return to forest edge after dark for another nocturnal walk.
Day 9
Mantadia National Park
Devote a full day to Mantadia’s mid-altitude evergreen forest, where ground rollers, forest rails, couas, pigeons, parrots and nocturnal species are among the operator’s listed possibilities.
Day 10
Analamazaotra National Park
Bird the trails of Analamazaotra for kingfishers, rollers, vangas, asities, greenbuls and other humid-forest specialties before returning to the Andasibe base.
Day 11
Andasibe to Antsirabe
Leave Andasibe, cross Antananarivo and continue south to Antsirabe. This is a long travel day linking the eastern and southern birding regions.
Day 12
Antsirabe to Ranomafana
Travel through Ambositra and the central highlands to Ranomafana. An optional evening walk near the park may be arranged after arrival.
Day 13
Ranomafana rainforest birding
Begin a series of full forest days in Ranomafana, working through dense understory, forest edge and wet areas for flycatchers, vangas, rails, ducks and other endemics.
Day 14
Second day in Ranomafana
Explore another sector and elevation band for sunbird-asities, ground rollers, warblers and mixed forest flocks. Exact trails are chosen for current access and bird activity.
Day 15
Third day in Ranomafana
Continue the search for Brown Mesite, Pollen’s Vanga, Madagascar Snipe and other difficult specialties, while revisiting productive areas when useful.
Day 16
Vohiparara morning and transfer to Ambositra
Use the morning in the montane forest around Vohiparara for Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Yellow-browed Oxylabes and other highland species, then drive north to Ambositra.
Day 17
Return to Antananarivo
Travel through Antsirabe to Antananarivo and settle into the final hotel.
Day 18
Antananarivo and departure
Spend the final day in Antananarivo according to flight time, with a city visit and handicraft market included in the published plan, then transfer to Ivato International Airport.
Locations & map
- Ankarafantsika National Park - Boeny Madagascar (Western dry deciduous forest and lake habitats.)
- Tsarasaotra Reserve - Antananarivo Madagascar (Urban Ramsar wetland used by herons, ducks and other waterbirds.)
- Andasibe-Mantadia - Alaotra-Mangoro Madagascar (Humid eastern rainforest, community reserves and forest-edge habitats.)
- Ranomafana National Park - Vatovavy Madagascar (Humid rainforest and montane forest around Ranomafana and Vohiparara.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Best time published by the operator: September to November.
Included
- Private vehicle, fuel and driver - Road transport across the published circuit.
- Assistant guide and local park guides - Guiding for listed national parks, reserves and night walks.
- Accommodation with continental breakfast - Published program accommodation across the route.
- Listed entrance fees and airport transfers - Park and reserve visits shown in the itinerary.
Not included
- Lunches, dinners and beverages - Not included in the published price.
- International flights and travel insurance - Travelers arrange these separately.
- Tips, personal expenses and optional activities - Any item outside the confirmed program is paid separately.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle and guided walks Long overland transfers connect the western, eastern and southern birding regions. Several sections use rough or unpaved roads. | Meet: Ivato International Airport or an agreed Antananarivo hotel. | Pickup: Airport arrival and departure transfers are included in the published program.
Accommodations
- Program hotels and park lodges Standard or published program category
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
When is the recommended season?
Jean Be Tours publishes September to November as the best period for this circuit. Availability and exact dates are confirmed after inquiry.
How demanding is the journey?
The program combines repeated forest walks with several long road transfers and rough-road sections. A reasonable level of mobility, patience and flexibility is important.
Are particular birds guaranteed?
No. The route covers strong habitats for Madagascar endemics, but every sighting depends on season, access, weather and natural bird activity.
Can the itinerary be adjusted?
The operator offers private and tailor-made travel. Any requested changes, final route and resulting price are confirmed after inquiry.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.