Small-Group Madagascar Basic Birding Tour
A small-group 17-day Madagascar circuit through the arid southwest, Ranomafana rainforest and Andasibe reserves, estimated at 130-150 bird species.
About this tour
This small-group 17-day circuit introduces three contrasting Madagascar regions. After Antananarivo, a flight reaches Toliara and the spiny forest at Ifaty. The southern route continues by way of Anakao, Nosy Ve and Tsimanampetsotsa, then visits Zombitse and Isalo before turning toward the rainforest at Ranomafana.
Two full days cover the Talatakely and Vohiparara areas of Ranomafana, followed by the return through Antsirabe and a visit to Tsarasotra Lake. The eastern section is based around Andasibe, with VOIMMA, night birding at Mitsinjo, Mantadia, Maromizaha and Analamazaotra. Red-tailed Tropicbird, island endemics and lemurs all form part of the wildlife focus. The estimate is 130-150 bird species, and around 20 lemur species may be seen, depending on conditions.
The pace and difficulty are moderate. Several ground transfers take eight to ten hours, and locating key birds at Ranomafana can require strenuous hiking or bushwhacking; most other sites use easier trails or roadsides. October and November are the recommended months. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to discuss fitness, domestic-flight reliability, availability and final pricing.
Organizer
Itinerary ▼
Arrive in Antananarivo and settle in before the field program continues. Tonight's stay is at Relais des Plateaux or similar.
Fly to Toliara, then make the drive to Ifaty birdwatching along the way. The day finishes with accommodation at La Mira Hotel or similar.
Devote the day to birdwatching around Ifaty. Overnight at La Mira Hotel or similar.
Travel Ifaty to Anakao. Reach Nosy Ve by boat. Afterward, travel to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. Accommodation for the night is at Domaine d'Ambola.
The first part of the day is used to explore Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. Later in the day, proceed to Anakao. The itinerary uses Prince Anakao or similar for the overnight.
Make the onward journey Anakao to Zombitse National Park via Toliara. Focus the field session there. After midday, continue to Isalo National Park. The overnight base is Relais de la Reine or similar.
Explore Isalo National Park throughout the day. Stay overnight at Relais de la Reine or similar.
The initial field period is used to proceed to Ranomafana National Park. Use the post-lunch period to spend time birdwatching there. Overnight at Sejour Centrest or similar.
Spend the full day birdwatching at Ranomafana National Park/Talatakely. The day finishes with accommodation at Sejour Centrest or similar.
Set aside the entire field day for Ranomafana National Park/Vohiparara. The itinerary uses Sejour Centrest or similar for the overnight.
Open the day with time to visit Ranomafana National Park. The second half of the day is used to continue to Antsirabe. Accommodation for the night is at Arotel or similar.
The first part of the day is used to make the onward journey to Antananarivo. Later in the day, spend the session at Tsarasotra Lake. Stay overnight at Relais des Plateaux or similar.
The initial field period is used to proceed to Andasibe/VOIMMA. Use the post-lunch period to spend time birdwatching there. The field plan calls for night birdwatching at Mitsinjo Forest Reserve. The overnight base is Longoza Lodge or similar.
Keep the day open for sustained birdwatching at Mantadia section of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Tonight's stay is at Longoza Lodge or similar.
Allow an uninterrupted day for birdwatching at nearby Maromizaha Reserve. The planned overnight is at Longoza Lodge or similar.
In the morning, explore birdlife at Analamazaotra section of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The afternoon brings time to continue to Antananarivo. Overnight at Relais des Plateaux or similar.
Early in the morning, focus the field session at Tsarasotra Lake. In the afternoon, make the onward journey to the airport for international flight home. The tour concludes at the airport.
Locations & map
- Antananarivo - Madagascar
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: October-November