Small-Group Madagascar Standard Birding Tour
A small-group 22-day Madagascar route linking the southwest, Ranomafana, Ankarafantsika, Mahajanga and Andasibe, estimated at 160-190 bird species.
About this tour
This small-group 22-day itinerary joins Madagascar's southern, northwestern and eastern birding regions. The first section flies to Toliara and moves through Arboretum d'Antsokay, Ifaty, Anakao, Nosy Ve, Tsimanampetsotsa, Zombitse and Isalo. It then reaches Ranomafana for intensive birding in the Talatakely and Vohiparara areas before returning through Antsirabe to Antananarivo.
A long northern transfer opens two full days at Ankarafantsika National Park, followed by Lake Amboromalandy and a boat outing on the Betsiboka River and estuary near Mahajanga. After flying back to the capital, the final section visits VOIMMA and Mitsinjo before full days in Mantadia and Maromizaha, concluding at Analamazaotra and Tsarasotra Lake. The estimate is 160-190 bird species, while more than 20 lemur species are described as likely rather than guaranteed.
Pace and difficulty are moderate. The itinerary includes drives of eight to ten hours and demanding rainforest work at Ranomafana, while most other sites are easier. Domestic flights can be delayed or canceled, and the route intentionally limits their use. October and November are the recommended months. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to discuss fitness, logistics, availability and final pricing.
Organizer
Itinerary ▼
Land in Antananarivo and prepare for the birdwatching route to follow. Accommodation for the night is at Relais des Plateaux or similar.
Fly to Toliara. Focus the field session at the Arboretum d'Antsokay near Toliara. make the drive to Ifaty birdwatching along the way. Stay overnight at La Mira Hotel or similar.
Keep the full field program centered at Ifaty. The overnight base is La Mira Hotel or similar.
Use this stage to reach from Ifaty to Anakao. The second half of the day is used to take a boat trip to Nosy Ve. Afterward, travel to Tsimanapetsotsa National Park. Tonight's stay is at Domaine d'Ambola.
Allocate much of the day to birdwatching at Tsimanapetsotsa National Park. Use the final afternoon hours to return to Anakao. The planned overnight is at Prince Anakao or similar.
Move onward Anakao to Zombitse National Park via Toliara. Use this session to explore birdlife there. As the afternoon winds down, proceed to Isalo National Park. Overnight at Relais de la Reine or similar.
Devote the full day to birdwatching in Isalo National Park. The day finishes with accommodation at Relais de la Reine or similar.
Begin the field day with time to make the onward journey to Ranomafana National Park. In the afternoon, focus the field session there. The overnight base is Sejour Centrest or similar.
In the morning, continue birdwatching at Talatakely section of Ranomafana National Park. The afternoon brings time to continue birdwatching around a highland swamp near Vohiparara. Stay overnight at Sejour Centrest or similar.
Use the entire field day for birdwatching at Vohiparara section of Ranomafana National Park. Overnight at Sejour Centrest or similar.
The first part of the day is used to focus the field session at Ranomafana. Later in the day, make the onward journey to the town of Antsirabe. The day finishes with accommodation at Arotel or similar.
Dedicate the morning to make the onward journey to Antananarivo. Reserve the afternoon to focus the field session around Tsarasotra Lake in town. Tonight's stay is at Relais des Plateaux or similar.
Long travel to Beamilaka. The planned overnight is at Asity Lodge or similar.
Allow an uninterrupted day for birdwatching at Ankarafantsika National Park. Stay overnight at Asity Lodge or similar.
Devote the full day to birdwatching at Ankarafantsika National Park. The overnight base is Asity Lodge or similar.
Use the morning session to continue birdwatching at Lake Amboromalandy. Continue after lunch and travel to Mahajanga. The itinerary uses Karibu Lodge or similar for the overnight.
Use a complete day to explore boat outing along the Betsiboka River and into its estuary. Accommodation for the night is at Karibu Lodge or similar.
Open the day with time to take a flight to Antananarivo. The second half of the day is used to continue toward Andasibe, then continue with a visit to VOIMMA community reserve. The program continues with night birdwatching at Mitsinjo Forest Reserve. The planned overnight is at Longoza Lodge or similar.
Allow an uninterrupted day for 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. Accommodation for the night is at Longoza Lodge or similar.
The first part of the day is used to spend time birdwatching at Analamazaotra section of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Later in the day, proceed to Antananarivo. The itinerary uses Relais des Plateaux or similar for the overnight.
Start with the cooler early hours and continue birdwatching at Tsarasotra Lake. Continue after lunch and travel 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