Madagascar Birding and Wildlife Tour 2026
Explore Madagascar’s Endemic Wildlife, Rainforests, and Cultural Wonders on a 17-Day Immersive Birding and Nature Tour Including Marojejy National Park.
Including Marojejy Expedition
17 Days
6-8 Pax (Small group)
October
2026
$ TBA *
Price From
Our Madagascar tour is a deep dive into one of the world’s most extraordinary biodiversity hotspots. From primeval rainforests echoing with the call of lemurs to surreal spiny forests and untouched coastlines, this journey celebrates the island’s endemic wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and dramatic landscapes. Expertly guided and thoughtfully paced, the itinerary combines wildlife encounters, local traditions, and immersive experiences that connect you to Madagascar’s natural wonders, its welcoming communities, and the rhythms of life on this remarkable, otherworldly island. You’ll travel through diverse ecosystems, explore sacred landscapes, discover conservation stories, and enjoy meaningful interactions that make this journey both adventurous and deeply enriching from start to finish.
Encounter lemurs up close in Andasibe-Mantadia, where rainforest trails reveal Madagascar’s most iconic primates.
Walk among towering baobabs at golden hour, capturing the magical light of Madagascar’s surreal landscape.
Explore Ankarana’s tsingy formations, venturing into ancient limestone forests and mysterious underground cave systems.
Canoe through rainforest rivers, where vibrant kingfishers, herons, and hidden wildlife create a symphony of life.
Experience the spiny forest ecosystem, rich in unique flora and home to rare, elusive creatures.
Connect with coastal communities, learning fishing traditions and supporting grassroots conservation along remote, pristine shores.
A Comprehensive Birding & Wildlife Tour Itinerary
Explore Madagascar’s Endemic Wildlife and Culture on a 17-Day Adventure Including Rare Marojejy Extension
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1: Oct 2, 2026) Arrival
Arrival in Antananarivo Andasibe
Witness rural Madagascar, with its rice fields and traditional villages.
Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, is a bustling city rich in history and culture. From here, we drive east to Andasibe, a region known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. The journey offers glimpses of rural Madagascar, with rice paddies and small villages along the way. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is renowned for its dense forests that provide sanctuary to the Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, and an impressive array of endemic birds. Upon arrival, we will settle into our lodge and prepare for the next day’s exploration.
Day 2 & 3: (Oct 3 & 4, 2026) Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Torotorofotsy Wetland
Explore Andasibe-Mantadia National Park & Torotorofotsy Wetland
Diademed sifaka and elegant golden-furred lemur
A final morning in Andasibe allows for one last chance to see the remarkable Indri, whose eerie wailing calls define this region. The Diademed Sifaka, an elegant golden-furred lemur, can also be spotted leaping between trees. After a rewarding morning, we drive back to Antananarivo, where the afternoon is spent at leisure or exploring Lac Alarobia, a sanctuary for waterbirds like Meller’s Duck and Malagasy Pond Heron.
Day 4: (Oct 5, 2026) Andasibe National Park – Return to Antananarivo
Land of Indri
Grey emultail and madagascar snipe
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a pristine rainforest ecosystem home to a high concentration of Madagascar’s endemic species. Birdwatchers can expect to see sought-after species such as the Pitta-like Ground Roller and the Madagascar Crested Ibis. The towering trees echo with the haunting calls of Indris, the park’s iconic lemurs. A visit to Torotorofotsy Wetland provides an excellent opportunity to spot the rare Grey emultail and Madagascar Snipe. Night walks reveal a different world, with sightings of chameleons, frogs, and nocturnal lemurs.
Day 5: (Oct 6, 2026) Flight to Tulear – Drive to Ifaty
Ifaty
long-tailed ground roller and Pster's Sportive lemur
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a pristine rainforest ecosystem home to a high concentration of Madagascar’s endemic species. Birdwatchers can expect to see sought-after species such as the Pitta-like Ground Roller and the Madagascar Crested Ibis. The towering trees echo with the haunting calls of Indris, the park’s iconic lemurs. A visit to Torotorofotsy Wetland provides an excellent opportunity to spot the rare Grey emultail and Madagascar Snipe. Night walks reveal a different world, with sightings of chameleons, frogs, and nocturnal lemurs.
Day 6: (Oct 7, 2026) Ifaty- Spiny Forest
Spiny Forest Birding
running Couas and Lafrensnaye's vanga
The morning is spent exploring the spiny forest of Ifaty, a botanically rich yet harsh environment where plants have adapted to arid conditions. Here, we will search for rare endemics such as the Lafresnaye’s Vanga and the elusive Running Coua. The afternoon allows for relaxation or an optional visit to nearby wetlands where waders, including Madagascar Plover, can be seen.
Day 7: (Oct 8, 2026) Ifaty- Spiny Forest
Zombites Forest Birding
Appert's tetraka and vibrant giant coua
Zombitse Forest, a transitional dry forest, is a birdwatcher’s home to the rare Appert’s Tetraka and the vibrant Giant Coua. It also shelters White-browed Owls, making for an exciting birding route to Isalo. The afternoon is spent exploring the rugged, landscapes of Isalo National Park, where Benson’s Rock Thrush can be spotted among towering canyons.
Day 8-10: (Oct 9-11, 2026) Ranomafana National Park & Sahamalaotra Forest
Ranomafana National Park & Sahamalaotra Forest
Scaly Ground Roller and olden Bamboo Lemur,
Ranomafana National Park is one of Madagascar’s premier biodiversity hotspots. The rainforest is alive with the sounds of rare birds and primates, including the Golden Bamboo Lemur. The forest’s misty trails provide a habitat for the Scaly Ground Roller and other elusive species. Night walks reveal an impressive variety of frogs, leaf-tailed geckos, and nocturnal lemurs.
Day 11: (Oct 12, 2026) Ranomafana to Antsirabe via Ambositra
Antsirabe via Ambositra
Malagasy Lunch & Highland Landscape
The drive to Antsirabe takes us through highland landscapes, with a stop in Ambositra, famous for its Zafimaniry woodcarvings. Here, we experience a cultural immersion with a traditional Malagasy lunch accompanied by folk music and dance. The journey continues to Antsirabe is a colonial-era town known for its thermal springs and vibrant local markets.
Day 12: (Oct 13, 2026) Antsirabe to Antananarivo – Tsarasaotra Wetland
Tsarasaotra Wetland
rolling landscaPES AND MELLER'S DUCK
The drive to Antsirabe takes us through highland landscapes, with a stop in Ambositra, famous for its Zafimaniry woodcarvings. Here, we experience a cultural immersion with a traditional Malagasy lunch accompanied by folk music and dance. The journey continues to Antsirabe is a colonial-era town known for its thermal springs and vibrant local markets.
Day 13-16: (Oct 14-17, 2026) Marojejy National Park Extension
Marojejy National Park Expedition
Silky Sifaka and Helmet Vanga
A morning flight to Sambava brings us to the northeastern rainforest of Marojejy National Park, one of Madagascar’s most untouched wilderness areas. The trek to the park’s first camp immerses us in a dense montane forest filled with Helmet Vangas and Short-legged Ground Rollers. Over the next days, we ascend deeper into the park, encountering rare species such as the Silky Sifaka and various amphibians. The nights are spent in simple yet comfortable park cabins, allowing for an immersive rainforest experience. The return journey follows the same route, with a final night in Sambava before flying back to Antananarivo.
Day 17: (Oct 18, 2026) Antananarivo - Departure
CITY BREAK & DEPATURE
Market visit & historical places
A final morning in Madagascar allows for optional birding at Tsarasaotra Wetland, offering a last chance to spot any missed species. The day is otherwise leisurely, with an opportunity to explore Antananarivo’s markets and historical sites. In the evening, we transfer to the airport for our international flights, marking the end of an unforgettable biodiversity tour.
Tour Highlights
Birds, Wildlife and Landscapes
Birds: Pitta-like Ground Roller, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Nuthatch Vanga, Cuckoo-Roller, Grey Emutail, Madagascar Snipe, Madagascar Plover, Subdesert Mesite, Long-tailed Ground Roller, Lafresnaye’s Vanga, Archbold’s Newtonia, Running Coua, Giant Coua, Appert’s Tetraka, White-browed Owl, Benson’s Rock Thrush, Scaly Ground Roller, Pollen’s Vanga, Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Red Owl, Meller’s Duck, Malagasy Pond Heron, Helmet Vanga, Short-legged Ground Roller
Wildlife (Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians): Indri, Diademed Sifaka, Mouse Lemurs, Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur, Peter’s Sportive Lemur, Torotoroka Scops Owl, Ring-tailed Lemur, Golden Bamboo Lemur, Milne-Edwards Sifaka, Silky Sifaka, Warty Chameleon, Leaf-tailed Gecko, Frogs, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, Chameleons, Nocturnal Lemurs.
Tour Cost
USD TBA*
Per person / twin share
- Single Room Supplement: USD 550 If you are joining alone, we will try to find a suitable roommate. However, if we are unable to do so, a single-room supplement will apply.
- Some of the accommodations we will be staying in during the tour may be modest, with basic facilities, but they are comfortable and ideally situated for birding and wildlife activities.
- Tour Leader: An experienced guide/tour manager will accompany you throughout the trip, supported by various local guides
Special Notes
Included & Excluded
Included in the Tour Cost: All accommodations as per the itinerary, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), guide fees, ground transportation, entrance fees, and land permits.
Not Included in the Tour Cost: 3 domestic flights 1. Antananarivo (TNR) → Tulear (TLE) 2. Antananarivo (TNR) → Sambava (SVB) 3. Sambava (SVB) → Antananarivo (TNR), international flight tickets, visa fees, Taxes, travel insurance, additional food and drinks, and tips for guides and staff.
Special Note: Madagascar is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, a destination that every nature enthusiast should visit at least once in their lifetime. However, explorers to this unique land must be prepared to face certain challenges, including: • Potential flight cancellations or delays. • Health risks such as malaria (ensure you take proper medication and precautions). • Logistical issues due to the remote nature of the region. • Unpredictable weather, as rain can occur at any time. • Poor road conditions, making ground travel slow. As a result, last-minute changes to travel plans should be expected. We recommend maintaining flexibility and a spirit of adventure to fully enjoy this extraordinary experience
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
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