Madagascar Birding tour with Nature Travel Birding

Welcome to Madagascar, one of the world's most remarkable birding destinations and a global biodiversity hotspot. On arrival at Ivato International Airport, you'll be met by your guide before transferring to a comfortable hotel in the Central Highlands. Even the journey from the airport offers your first introduction to Madagascar's unique bird-life, with opportunities to spot Malagasy Kestrel (E), Malagasy Brush Warbler (E), Madagascan Wagtail (E), Red Fody (E), Black Heron and Squacco Heron.

Madagascar's wildlife has evolved in isolation for around 88 million years, creating an extraordinary natural world where more than 90% of the fauna and flora occur nowhere else. The island's remarkable habitats, from lush rainforests and highland grasslands to wetlands, dry forests and the famous spiny forests, support six endemic bird families and over 130 endemic and near-endemic bird species, making it one of the finest birding destinations on Earth.

If time allows, enjoy an introductory birding excursion before gathering for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. It's the perfect opportunity to prepare for an unforgettable journey in search of Madagascar's exceptional birds, unique landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.

After breakfast, begin the day at Tsarasaotra Wetland, a Ramsar-listed reserve in the heart of Antananarivo. This productive freshwater wetland attracts an impressive variety of resident and migratory birds, offering opportunities to find Malagasy Pond Heron (E), Malagasy Kingfisher (E), Malagasy White-eye (E), Malagasy Brush Warbler (E), Madagascan Grebe (E), Madagascan Mannikin (E), Black Heron, Squacco Heron and a selection of ducks and waterbirds. With a little luck, Meller's Duck (E) or the scarce Humblot's Heron may also be seen.

Later, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Toliara, the gateway to Madagascar's extraordinary southwest. After settling into your accommodation, spend the afternoon exploring the renowned Antsokay Arboretum, where endemic spiny forest, remarkable succulent plants and more than 900 plant species create one of the island's most rewarding birding locations.

Search this unique habitat for specialties including Chabert Vanga (E), Running Coua (E), Red-capped Coua (E), Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher (E), Subdesert Brush Warbler (E), Stripe-throated Jery (E), Malagasy Coucal (E), Madagascan Lark (E), Madagascan Buttonquail (E) and Madagascan Nightjar (E). The reserve also supports exceptional wildlife, with opportunities to encounter the Critically Endangered Radiated Tortoise, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, mouse lemurs, colourful chameleons and, if fortune smiles, the elusive Narrow-striped Mongoose. Return to the hotel for dinner and prepare for the remarkable birding that lies ahead.

Begin the morning in open country searching for the distinctive Madagascan Sandgrouse (E), while nearby grasslands and scrub may also produce Common Jery (E), Madagascan Cisticola (E) and Madagascan Mannikin (E). From here, continue to the unique semi-arid spiny forest of Andatabo (La Table), where towering baobabs, aloes and euphorbias provide habitat for some of Madagascar's most localised birds. Key targets include Verreaux's Coua (E), Red-shouldered Vanga (E), Lafresnaye's Vanga (E), Thamnornis (E), Running Coua (E), Stripe-throated Jery (E), Subdesert Brush Warbler (E), Common Newtonia (E), Souimanga Sunbird (E) and Sakalava Weaver (E).

After lunch, travel north towards Ifaty, stopping at wetlands and rice paddies where a variety of waterbirds can be encountered. Greater Flamingo, African Pygmy Goose, Greater Painted-snipe, White-throated Rail, Baillon's Crake, Black-winged Stilt, Hamerkop and numerous herons, plovers and other wetland species provide a rewarding contrast to the dry forests of the morning.

Later, explore the celebrated Mangily Spiny Forest in Reniala Private Reserve, one of Madagascar's finest birding locations. This remarkable habitat is home to iconic baobabs and an exceptional concentration of endemic wildlife. Search for the highly sought-after Long-tailed Ground Roller (E) and Subdesert Mesite (E), together with Red-tailed Vanga (E), Blue Vanga (E), Archbold's Newtonia (E), Running Coua (E), Red-capped Coua (E) and Thamnornis (E). The reserve also supports several lemur species, tortoises, reptiles and colourful chameleons, making every walk a rewarding wildlife experience.

Arrive at your lodge overlooking the Mozambique Channel, where the surrounding gardens often produce additional sightings such as Malagasy Kestrel (E), Madagascan Harrier-Hawk (E), Madagascan Green Pigeon (E), Madagascan Hoopoe (E), Lesser Vasa Parrot (E) and Crested Coua (E). After dinner, head out on a guided night walk in search of Grey Mouse Lemur, White-footed Sportive Lemur, Torotoroka Scops Owl (E), Rainforest Scops Owl (E) and a fascinating variety of endemic chameleons, ending an unforgettable day in one of Madagascar's most extraordinary birding regions.

Spend a full day exploring the exceptional Reniala Private Reserve, where the ancient spiny forest and towering baobabs create one of Madagascar's most celebrated birding habitats. Returning at first light offers the best opportunity to search for some of the island's most sought-after endemics, including Long-tailed Ground Roller (E), Subdesert Mesite (E), Sickle-billed Vanga (E), White-headed Vanga (E), Hook-billed Vanga (E), Red-tailed Vanga (E), Lafresnaye's Vanga (E), Running Coua (E), Red-capped Coua (E), Archbold's Newtonia (E), Grey-headed Lovebird (E), Madagascan Lark (E), Greater Vasa Parrot (E), Lesser Vasa Parrot (E) and Subdesert Brush Warbler (E).

During the warmest part of the day, return to the lodge for a well-earned break before heading back into the reserve for another birding session. The quieter afternoon light provides excellent opportunities for photography while searching for additional species such as Banded Kestrel (E), Madagascan Sparrowhawk (E) and Madagascan Nightjar (E). Reniala's remarkable baobabs and unique vegetation also make this one of the island's most rewarding locations for nature photography.

The reserve supports an impressive variety of endemic wildlife beyond its birdlife. Keep an eye out for Grey Mouse Lemur, White-footed Sportive Lemur, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, Panther Gecko, Bark Gecko, Malagasy Cat-eyed Snake, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach and several colourful chameleon species that thrive within this remarkable ecosystem.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk along the nearby coastline, where mudflats and sandy shores may produce Madagascan Plover (E), Greater Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Caspian Tern, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel and Curlew Sandpiper. Return to the lodge for dinner and reflect on another unforgettable day surrounded by the extraordinary birds and wildlife of southwest Madagascar.

After breakfast, leave the coast behind and travel inland to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, an Important Bird Area where Madagascar's spiny forest gradually gives way to dry deciduous woodland. This transition zone supports an exceptional diversity of endemic birds, making it one of the island's premier birding locations. Search for the highly localised Appert's Tetraka (E), together with Cuckoo Roller (E), Rufous Vanga (E), Giant Coua (E), Coquerel's Coua (E), Crested Coua (E), Madagascan Spinetail (E) and Madagascan Cuckoo (E). A daytime roosting White-browed Owl (E) is always a welcome bonus.

The park is equally rewarding for wildlife, with opportunities to encounter Verreaux's Sifaka, Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Hubbard's Sportive Lemur, mouse lemurs and several tenrec species. With a little luck, Madagascar's largest native predator, the elusive Fossa, may also make an appearance.

After a picnic lunch, continue to the spectacular landscapes of Isalo National Park, where towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, palm-lined oases and open grasslands create one of Madagascar's most iconic protected areas. Bird the rocky valleys and woodland in search of Madagascan Ibis (E), Madagascan Partridge (E), Malagasy Kingfisher (E), Madagascan Cuckooshrike (E), Madagascan Hoopoe (E), Grey-headed Lovebird (E), Littoral Rock Thrush (E), Forest Rock Thrush (E), Malagasy Green Sunbird (E), Madagascan Stonechat (E) and Red Fody (E). Chameleons, endemic frogs and reptiles are frequently encountered, while Ring-tailed Lemurs and Verreaux's Sifakas are often seen among the impressive rock formations. If time allows, end the day at the famous Window of Isalo, renowned for its unforgettable sunset before settling into your accommodation for the evening.

After breakfast, leave the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Isalo behind and travel northeast across the open grasslands of the Ihorombe Plateau. Keep watch for soaring raptors and highland species along the way, including Malagasy Harrier (E), Madagascan Buzzard (E) and Madagascan Partridge (E), as the scenery gradually changes on the journey towards Madagascar's eastern rainforests.

The day's highlight is a visit to the renowned Anja Community Reserve, a conservation success story managed by the local community. The reserve is famous for its thriving population of Ring-tailed Lemurs, offering some of the finest opportunities on the island to observe and photograph these charismatic primates among spectacular granite outcrops. During your walk, look for Grey-headed Lovebird (E), Madagascan Hoopoe (E), Malagasy Pond Heron (E), Barbour's Day Gecko, Madagascar Girdled Lizard and a colourful variety of endemic chameleons and reptiles.

After lunch, continue through Madagascar's Central Highlands, passing Fianarantsoa before descending into the lush montane rainforest of Ranomafana National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, where, if time permits, an introductory night walk provides the chance to discover the forest after dark. Search for the Endangered Golden-brown Mouse Lemur together with remarkable chameleons, frogs and other nocturnal rainforest wildlife before returning for dinner, ready to explore one of Madagascar's finest birding destinations over the coming days.

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich montane rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar's most rewarding birding destinations. Birding takes place along a network of forest trails, including areas such as Talatakely, Sahamalaotra and Varibolomena, with the day's route selected according to recent sightings and target species. Morning and afternoon sessions maximize opportunities in this remarkable rainforest, with a relaxing break at the lodge during the warmest part of the day.

The park protects more than 41,000 hectares of pristine rainforest and supports an exceptional diversity of endemic wildlife. Search for some of Madagascar's most sought-after forest birds, including Brown Mesite (E), Scaly Ground Roller (E), Rufous-headed Ground Roller (E), Pollen's Vanga (E), Velvet Asity (E), Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity (E), Common Sunbird-Asity (E), Red-fronted Coua (E), Madagascan Ibis (E), Forest Rock Thrush (E), Madagascan Yellowbrow (E) and Brown Emutail (E). With patience and a little luck, the elusive Slender-billed Flufftail (E) may also reveal itself.

Beyond its exceptional birdlife, Ranomafana is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Forest streams, waterfalls and densely vegetated slopes provide habitat for a fascinating variety of lemurs, reptiles, colourful chameleons, frogs and countless other rainforest specialists, ensuring every walk offers something new to discover. Return to the lodge in the evening to share the day's highlights and prepare for another rewarding day in this outstanding rainforest sanctuary.

Another full day is spent exploring the magnificent rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. Morning and afternoon birding sessions take you along carefully selected forest trails, with routes chosen according to recent sightings and seasonal activity. A midday break at the lodge provides time to relax before returning to the forest in search of more of Madagascar's remarkable endemic wildlife.

The park's dense rainforest, crystal-clear streams and steep mountain slopes support an outstanding diversity of birds. Today's highlights may include Pitta-like Ground Roller (E), Short-legged Ground Roller (E), Blue Coua (E), Pollen's Vanga (E), Tylas Vanga (E), Blue Vanga (E), Red-tailed Vanga (E), Chabert Vanga (E), Grey-crowned Tetraka (E), Spectacled Tetraka (E), Long-billed Bernieria (E), Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher (E), Ward's Flycatcher (E), Forest Fody (E), Nelicourvi Weaver (E), Malagasy White-eye (E), Madagascan Wood Rail (E), Madagascan Snipe (E) and Madagascan Swamp Warbler (E).

Ranomafana is equally celebrated for its exceptional mammals. Keep watch for Golden Bamboo Lemur, Greater Bamboo Lemur, Milne-Edwards' Sifaka, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur and Woolly Lemur, while the elusive Aye-aye remains a highly prized sighting. The rainforest also shelters an extraordinary variety of reptiles and amphibians, including Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko, Nose-horned Chameleon, Blue-legged Chameleon, O'Shaughnessy's Chameleon and a colourful array of endemic frogs. Return to the lodge in the evening after another rewarding day immersed in one of Madagascar's finest rainforest ecosystems.

Enjoy a final morning exploring the remarkable rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, giving you another opportunity to search for any remaining target species. This last walk through the montane forest can produce memorable sightings of sought-after endemics such as Brown Mesite (E), Pitta-like Ground Roller (E), Scaly Ground Roller (E) and other rainforest specialists before leaving one of Madagascar's richest biodiversity hotspots.

After the morning's birding, travel north through Madagascar's scenic Central Highlands. A stop in Ambositra provides time to enjoy lunch and explore the town, renowned for its traditional woodcarving. Continuing towards Antsirabe, keep watch over grasslands, rivers and wetlands where Yellow-billed Kite, Madagascan Buzzard (E), Malagasy Kestrel (E), Madagascan Wagtail (E), Striated Heron, Squacco Heron and Western Cattle Egret may all be encountered.

Arrive in the cool highland town of Antsirabe, an ideal stop before continuing to Madagascar's final birding destination. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy dinner while reviewing the growing trip list and looking ahead to the exceptional rainforest birding still to come.

After an early breakfast, journey northeast across Madagascar's Central Highlands towards the renowned Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of the island's finest rainforest birding destinations. The scenic drive includes regular birding stops through highland grasslands and wetlands, where Hamerkop, Yellow-billed Kite, Brown-throated Martin, Madagascan Cisticola (E) and a variety of wetland birds may be encountered.

Arrive in the lush eastern rainforest during the late afternoon and settle into your lodge, surrounded by forest, tranquil gardens and a small lake. Protecting more than 150 km² of humid evergreen rainforest, Andasibe-Mantadia is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and is home to around 14 lemur species, as well as an outstanding diversity of endemic birds, reptiles and amphibians.

After dinner, venture into the nearby V.O.I. Reserve on a guided night walk to experience the rainforest after dark. Search for nocturnal specialties including Red-breasted Coua (E), Crested Coua (E), Collared Nightjar (E), White-browed Owl (E), Madagascan Owl (E), Rainforest Scops Owl (E), Goodman's Mouse Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemur and a remarkable variety of chameleons and tree frogs. With a little luck, the elusive Aye-aye may make a memorable appearance, providing a fitting introduction to one of Madagascar's most extraordinary wildlife regions.

Spend a full day exploring the magnificent rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar's most celebrated birding destinations. Depending on recent sightings and target species, birding takes place in the renowned Analamazaotra Reserve (Périnet), Mantadia National Park or both, with a picnic lunch in the field or a relaxing midday break back at the lodge.

The humid eastern rainforest is characterized by towering trees draped in mosses and ferns, dense bamboo thickets and an abundance of orchids, creating the ideal habitat for an exceptional diversity of endemic birds. Search for Red-breasted Coua (E), Scaly Ground Roller (E), Rufous-headed Ground Roller (E), Short-legged Ground Roller (E), Crossley's Vanga (E), Madagascan Blue Pigeon (E), Madagascan Ibis (E), Common Newtonia (E), Dark Newtonia (E), Green Jery (E), Wedge-tailed Jery (E), Stripe-throated Jery (E), Cryptic Warbler (E) and Forest Fody (E). Wetland edges may also reward patient observers with Meller's Duck (E) and Madagascan Grebe (E).

After dinner, experience the rainforest from a different perspective on a guided night walk. Search for Lowland Streaked Tenrec, Collared Nightjar (E), Rainforest Scops Owl (E), Madagascan Owl (E), along with an impressive variety of geckos, frogs and other nocturnal rainforest wildlife before returning to the lodge for another peaceful night surrounded by Madagascar's extraordinary eastern forests.

Enjoy another full day immersed in the remarkable rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, with birding routes adapted to recent sightings and remaining target species. Explore the pristine forests of Mantadia National Park and the renowned Analamazaotra (Périnet) Reserve, spending the day on well-maintained forest trails with either a picnic lunch in the field or a relaxing break back at the lodge.

The rich evergreen rainforest continues to deliver exceptional birding, with opportunities to search for eastern Madagascar specialties including Scaly Ground Roller (E), Rufous-headed Ground Roller (E), Crossley's Vanga (E), Nuthatch Vanga (E), Red-breasted Coua (E), Blue Coua (E), Green Jery (E), Wedge-tailed Jery (E), Stripe-throated Jery (E), Common Newtonia (E) and other sought-after rainforest endemics.

Andasibe is equally celebrated for its remarkable mammals and is the best place to encounter the iconic Indri, the world's largest living lemur, whose haunting calls echo through the forest each morning. Other possible sightings include Diademed Sifaka, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur and Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, together with colourful chameleons, frogs and other rainforest wildlife. Return to the lodge in the evening to relax, update your bird list and reflect on another unforgettable day in one of Madagascar's finest wildlife sanctuaries.

Make the most of your final full day in the exceptional rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park as you continue exploring the species-rich trails of the Analamazaotra (Périnet) Reserve. Morning and afternoon birding sessions focus on locating remaining target species, with routes adapted to recent sightings and the group's priorities. Lunch is enjoyed either in the forest or back at the lodge before returning to the park for another rewarding afternoon.

The ancient rainforest provides outstanding opportunities to encounter many of Madagascar's most celebrated endemic birds, including Pitta-like Ground Roller (E), Cuckoo Roller (E), White-headed Vanga (E), Hook-billed Vanga (E), Blue Vanga (E), Red-tailed Vanga (E), Chabert Vanga (E), Nuthatch Vanga (E), Tylas Vanga (E), Red-fronted Coua (E), Blue Coua (E), Madagascan Blue Pigeon (E), Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher (E), Madagascan Flufftail (E), Madagascan Wood Rail (E), Madagascan Cuckoo (E), Madagascan Spinetail (E), Ward's Flycatcher (E), Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher (E), Madagascan Cuckooshrike (E), Madagascan Starling (E), Long-billed Bernieria (E), Spectacled Tetraka (E), White-throated Oxylabes (E), Nelicourvi Weaver (E), Souimanga Sunbird (E) and Velvet Asity (E).

The rainforest is equally remarkable for its wildlife, with opportunities to encounter Parson's Chameleon, Henkel's Leaf-tailed Gecko, Malagasy Tree Boa, Madagascar Golden Frog and the remarkable Giraffe Weevil among a rich diversity of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. If key targets remain, there may also be time to visit the nearby Antavolobe Community Reserve in search of Helmet Vanga (E), Bernier's Vanga (E), Pollen's Vanga (E), Brown Emutail (E), Pitta-like Ground Roller (E) and Madagascan Rail (E). Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner and celebrate an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most extraordinary birding destinations.

After breakfast, enjoy a final birding excursion at the remarkable Torotorofotsy Marsh, the largest intact natural wetland in eastern Madagascar. This mosaic of marshes, peatlands, sedges, marsh forest and forest-edge habitat supports an exceptional diversity of endemic birds and provides a fitting finale to your Madagascar birding adventure.

Spend the morning exploring this internationally important wetland in search of some of the island's most sought-after species, including Slender-billed Flufftail (E), Madagascan Flufftail (E), Meller's Duck (E), Madagascan Rail (E), Madagascan Snipe (E), Blue Coua (E), Red-fronted Coua (E), Madagascan Blue Pigeon (E), Ward's Flycatcher (E), Grey Emutail (E) and Forest Fody (E), together with a variety of wetland and forest-edge specialists.

After this final birding session, return to the lodge for lunch before checking out and traveling back to Antananarivo. On arrival, transfer to Ivato International Airport where the tour concludes. Depart with unforgettable memories of Madagascar's extraordinary landscapes, remarkable endemic birds and unique wildlife, having experienced one of the world's most rewarding birding destinations.