Madagascar Birding

Day 1: Arrival in Madagascar and transfer to the hotel.
Welcome to Madagascar, one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations and a true biodiversity hotspot.

Your Madagascar Birding Tour begins on arrival at Ivato International Airport near Antananarivo (Tana), the capital city. After meeting your Nature Travel guide, we transfer to our comfortable hotel in the Central Highlands, situated at approximately 1,280 m (4,200 ft) above sea level.

Birding starts immediately, and even the drive to the hotel can produce some of our first Malagasy endemics and specials. Potential sightings include Squacco Heron, Black Egret, Malagasy Kestrel, Madagascan Wagtail, Malagasy Brush Warbler, and Red Fody. Depending on our arrival time, there may also be an opportunity for a short birding excursion or cultural activity in the city.

Madagascar separated from the Indian subcontinent around 88 million years ago, allowing its wildlife to evolve in remarkable isolation. Today, more than 90% of the island’s wildlife occurs nowhere else on Earth. The country is famous for its endemic birds, lemurs, chameleons, reptiles, frogs, and unique plant life.

The island contains a diverse range of habitats, including eastern rainforests, western dry forests, southern spiny forests, wetlands, and highland grasslands. These ecosystems support an exceptional concentration of endemic wildlife and make Madagascar one of the world’s premier birding destinations.

For birders, Madagascar is unrivalled. Although the island hosts around 305 bird species, it boasts six endemic bird families — Mesites, Asities, Cuckoo Roller, Tetrakas, Vangas, and the spectacular Ground Rollers — along with more than 130 endemic and near-endemic species.

This remarkable isolation has also resulted in the absence of many animal groups common elsewhere in Africa, contributing to Madagascar’s reputation as one of the planet’s most unique natural environments.

This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner, meet our fellow travellers, and discuss the exciting birding and wildlife encounters that lie ahead.

Day 2: Morning birding, flight to Toliara, afternoon birding.
After breakfast, we check out and begin our Madagascar birding adventure with a visit to Tsarasaotra Wetland (Lake Alarobia), a RAMSAR-listed wetland in the heart of Antananarivo. This productive birding site regularly hosts thousands of birds and offers excellent opportunities to see species such as Malagasy Pond Heron, Squacco Heron, Black Heron, White-faced Whistling Duck, Red-billed Teal, Hottentot Teal, Madagascan Grebe, Malagasy Kingfisher, Malagasy White-eye, Malagasy Brush Warbler, and Madagascan Mannikin. With luck, we may also find sought-after species such as Meller’s Duck or Humblot’s Heron.

After exploring the wetland, we transfer to the airport for our domestic flight south to Toliara (Tuléar), gateway to Madagascar’s famous spiny forest region.

Following lunch and check-in at our hotel, we visit the Antsokay Arboretum, a renowned reserve combining botanical diversity with excellent birding. Established within natural spiny forest habitat, the reserve protects more than 900 plant species, the majority of which are endemic to Madagascar.

Birding here can be superb, with target species including Subdesert Brush Warbler, Stripe-throated Jery, Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, Malagasy Turtle Dove, Olive Bee-eater, Malagasy Coucal, Madagascan Lark, Madagascan Cisticola, Madagascan Buttonquail, and Madagascan Nightjar. We will also search for our first couas, including Red-capped Coua and Running Coua, while Chabert’s Vanga may provide our first introduction to Madagascar’s remarkable vanga family.

The reserve is also excellent for wildlife, and possible sightings include the Critically Endangered Radiated Tortoise, mouse lemurs, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, chameleons, and, with luck, Narrow-striped Mongoose.

After an exciting first day in southern Madagascar, we return to the hotel for dinner, bird list updates, and a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Andatabo Forest and Ifaty.
After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to an area known for Madagascan Sandgrouse, while also searching for species such as Common Jery, Madagascan Cisticola, and Madagascan Mannikin.

We then explore Andatabo Forest (La Table), a semi-arid spiny forest habitat dominated by aloes, euphorbias, baobabs, and other drought-adapted plants. This highly threatened ecosystem is home to several southern Madagascar endemics, including Verreaux’s Coua, Red-shouldered Vanga, Thamnornis, and Lafresnaye’s Vanga. Other possibilities include Running Coua, Subdesert Brush Warbler, Stripe-throated Jery, Common Newtonia, Souimanga Sunbird, and Sakalava Weaver.

After lunch, we travel north along the coast to Ifaty, making birding stops at wetlands and rice paddies along the way. These productive sites can produce Greater Flamingo, African Pygmy Goose, Hamerkop, Black-winged Stilt, White-throated Rail, Baillon’s Crake, Greater Painted-snipe, and a variety of plovers, herons, and waterbirds.

In the afternoon, we explore the renowned Mangily Spiny Forest (Reniala Reserve), one of Madagascar’s most iconic habitats. Famous for its ancient baobabs and extraordinary endemic flora, the reserve is also one of the country’s premier birding sites.

Our main targets here include the highly sought-after Long-tailed Ground Roller and Subdesert Mesite, two of Madagascar’s most distinctive endemic bird species. Other specialties include Red-tailed Vanga, Blue Vanga, Archbold’s Newtonia, Thamnornis, Running Coua, and Red-capped Coua.

The reserve also supports a variety of reptiles, tortoises, and lemurs, adding to the exceptional wildlife experience.

Later, we arrive at our accommodation overlooking the Mozambique Channel. The lodge grounds often produce additional species such as Madagascan Harrier-Hawk, Malagasy Kestrel, Lesser Vasa Parrot, Madagascan Green Pigeon, Crested Coua, and Madagascan Hoopoe.

After dinner, we enjoy a guided night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife, including Torotoroka Scops Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, Grey Mouse Lemur, White-footed Sportive Lemur, and several fascinating chameleon species.

Lemurs are among Madagascar’s most famous wildlife attractions, with around 100 species found nowhere else on Earth. Sadly, many are threatened, making Madagascar one of the world’s most important conservation priorities.

Day 4: Reniala Forest Private Reserve.
We begin the day at first light with another visit to the remarkable Reniala Spiny Forest, one of Madagascar’s premier birding destinations and home to a wealth of endemic species.

Our targets include Long-tailed Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite, Running Coua, Red-capped Coua, Sickle-billed Vanga, Lafresnaye’s Vanga, White-headed Vanga, Hook-billed Vanga, Red-tailed Vanga, Archbold’s Newtonia, Madagascan Lark, Grey-headed Lovebird, Greater and Lesser Vasa Parrot, and Subdesert Brush Warbler.

During the hottest part of the day, we return to the lodge to relax before heading back into the forest for an afternoon birding session. This gives us another opportunity to improve sightings and photographs of key species while searching for additional birds such as Banded Kestrel, Madagascan Nightjar, and Madagascan Sparrowhawk.

Reniala is also famous for its spectacular baobab trees, including some ancient giants that provide outstanding photographic opportunities.

Beyond the birdlife, the reserve supports a fascinating variety of endemic wildlife, including White-footed Sportive Lemur, Grey Mouse Lemur, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, Panther Gecko, Bark Gecko, Malagasy Cat-eyed Snake, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, and several species of chameleons.

A late-afternoon walk along the nearby coastline may produce Madagascan Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, Greater Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, and Caspian Tern.

This evening, we enjoy dinner while reviewing the day’s sightings and updating our growing trip lists.

Day 5: Zombitse Forest & Isalo National Park.
After an early breakfast, we depart Ifaty and travel inland to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, an important transition zone between Madagascar’s spiny forest and dry deciduous woodland habitats.

Recognised as an Important Bird Area, Zombitse supports nearly 100 bird species, including 38 endemics. Our main targets include the highly localised Appert’s Tetraka, one of Madagascar’s most sought-after endemic birds, as well as Cuckoo Roller, Rufous Vanga, Giant Coua, Crested Coua, Coquerel’s Coua, Madagascan Cuckoo, and Madagascan Spinetail. We may also encounter a roosting White-browed Owl.

The park is equally impressive for mammals, with possibilities including Verreaux’s Sifaka, Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur, and several species of mouse lemurs and tenrecs. With luck, we may even encounter the elusive Fossa, Madagascar’s largest native predator.

After a picnic lunch, we continue to Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular protected areas. Known for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, palm-lined valleys, and vast grasslands, Isalo offers some of the island’s finest scenery and photography opportunities.

Birding in Isalo can be excellent, with potential sightings including Madagascan Ibis, Madagascan Partridge, Malagasy Kingfisher, Madagascan Cuckooshrike, Madagascan Hoopoe, Littoral Rock Thrush, Forest Rock Thrush, Malagasy Green Sunbird, Madagascan Stonechat, Grey-headed Lovebird, and Red Fody.

The park is also home to Ring-tailed Lemur, Verreaux’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, and a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians, including several species of chameleons and endemic frogs.

If time permits, we may end the day at the famous Window of Isalo (La Fenêtre), one of Madagascar’s most iconic sunset viewpoints.

After arriving at our accommodation, we enjoy dinner and review the day’s exciting sightings.After an early breakfast, we depart Ifaty and travel inland to Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, an important transition zone between Madagascar’s spiny forest and dry deciduous woodland habitats.

Recognised as an Important Bird Area, Zombitse supports nearly 100 bird species, including 38 endemics. Our main targets include the highly localised Appert’s Tetraka, one of Madagascar’s most sought-after endemic birds, as well as Cuckoo Roller, Rufous Vanga, Giant Coua, Crested Coua, Coquerel’s Coua, Madagascan Cuckoo, and Madagascan Spinetail. We may also encounter a roosting White-browed Owl.

The park is equally impressive for mammals, with possibilities including Verreaux’s Sifaka, Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur, and several species of mouse lemurs and tenrecs. With luck, we may even encounter the elusive Fossa, Madagascar’s largest native predator.

After a picnic lunch, we continue to Isalo National Park, one of Madagascar’s most spectacular protected areas. Known for its dramatic sandstone formations, deep canyons, palm-lined valleys, and vast grasslands, Isalo offers some of the island’s finest scenery and photography opportunities.

Birding in Isalo can be excellent, with potential sightings including Madagascan Ibis, Madagascan Partridge, Malagasy Kingfisher, Madagascan Cuckooshrike, Madagascan Hoopoe, Littoral Rock Thrush, Forest Rock Thrush, Malagasy Green Sunbird, Madagascan Stonechat, Grey-headed Lovebird, and Red Fody.

The park is also home to Ring-tailed Lemur, Verreaux’s Sifaka, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, and a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians, including several species of chameleons and endemic frogs.

If time permits, we may end the day at the famous Window of Isalo (La Fenêtre), one of Madagascar’s most iconic sunset viewpoints.

After arriving at our accommodation, we enjoy dinner and review the day’s exciting sightings.

Day 6: Anja Reserve and transfer to Ranomafana National Park.
After breakfast, we depart Isalo and begin our scenic journey northeast across the Ihorombe Plateau. Along the way, we will keep an eye out for species such as Malagasy Harrier, Madagascan Buzzard, and Madagascan Partridge.

Our main stop today is the renowned Anja Community Reserve, a successful community-managed conservation area famous for its large population of Ring-tailed Lemurs. Home to around 300 individuals, Anja offers some of the best opportunities in Madagascar to observe and photograph these iconic primates against a backdrop of impressive granite outcrops.

During our walk through the reserve, we may also encounter Grey-headed Lovebird, Madagascan Hoopoe, colourful chameleons, Madagascar Girdled Lizard, Barbour’s Day Gecko, and other endemic reptiles. Nearby wetlands can also produce species such as Malagasy Pond Heron.

After lunch, we continue through the highlands, passing Fianarantsoa before descending into the lush rainforest region of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s premier wildlife destinations.

We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon. If time permits, we will enjoy an introductory night walk, searching for nocturnal wildlife including the Endangered Golden-brown Mouse Lemur, several species of chameleons, frogs, and other rainforest specialists.

This evening, we enjoy dinner and prepare for the exciting birding and wildlife encounters awaiting us in Ranomafana over the coming days.

Day 7: Ranomafana National Park.
After breakfast, we spend a full day exploring the exceptional rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, one of Madagascar’s premier birding and wildlife destinations.

Established in 1991 following the discovery of the Golden Bamboo Lemur, Ranomafana protects over 41,000 hectares of montane rainforest and is recognised as one of the island’s most important conservation areas. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic birds, lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, and plants.

Over the next few days, we will explore a variety of forest trails, including renowned sites such as Sahamalaotra, Talatakely, and Varibolomena, selecting areas based on target species and recent activity. Birding is conducted in both the morning and afternoon, with a break at the lodge during the middle of the day.

Ranomafana supports more than 115 bird species, with an exceptionally high level of endemism. Key targets include Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity, Common Sunbird-Asity, Brown Mesite, Pollen’s Vanga, Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Scaly Ground Roller, Red-fronted Coua, Madagascan Ibis, Forest Rock Thrush, Madagascan Yellowbrow, Brown Emutail, and Velvet Asity. With luck, we may even encounter the elusive Slender-billed Flufftail.

The park’s lush forests, streams, waterfalls, and mountainous terrain also provide habitat for an impressive range of wildlife, making every walk an opportunity for new discoveries.

After an exciting day in the rainforest, we return to the lodge to review our sightings, enjoy dinner, and prepare for another day in one of Madagascar’s finest birding locations.

Day 8: Ranomafana National Park.
After breakfast, we return to the forests of Ranomafana National Park for another full day of birding and wildlife viewing. We will bird during the morning and afternoon, returning to the lodge for lunch and a midday break.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Ranomafana is one of Madagascar’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The park is also home to the renowned Centre ValBio Research Station, a leading centre for conservation and biodiversity research.

Today’s birding may produce a remarkable variety of Malagasy endemics, including Pitta-like Ground Roller, Short-legged Ground Roller, Blue Coua, Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher, Ward’s Flycatcher, Pollen’s Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Red-tailed Vanga, Blue Vanga, Chabert’s Vanga, Grey-crowned Tetraka, Spectacled Tetraka, Long-billed Bernieria, Forest Fody, Nelicourvi Weaver, Malagasy White-eye, Madagascan Wood Rail, Madagascan Snipe, and Madagascan Swamp Warbler.

Ranomafana is equally famous for its mammals. Possible sightings include Golden Bamboo Lemur, Greater Bamboo Lemur, Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Woolly Lemur, and, with considerable luck, the elusive Aye-aye. Other wildlife may include mongooses, tenrecs, bats, and numerous small mammals.

The park is also a paradise for reptile and amphibian enthusiasts. Species may include Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko, Nose-horned Chameleon, Blue-legged Chameleon, O’Shaughnessy’s Chameleon, and a variety of colourful endemic frogs.

With its extraordinary diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, every visit to Ranomafana offers new discoveries.

After another rewarding day in the rainforest, we return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of sharing highlights from the day.

Day 9: Ranomafana to Antsirabe.
After breakfast, we enjoy a final birding session in Ranomafana National Park, focusing on any remaining target species. This last opportunity in the rainforest often produces memorable sightings, with previous visits yielding excellent views of specialties such as Brown Mesite and Pitta-like Ground Roller.

We then depart Ranomafana and travel north through Madagascar’s central highlands. Along the way, we stop in Ambositra, the country’s renowned centre for traditional woodcarving, where we enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to browse local handicrafts.

Continuing towards Antsirabe, we keep watch for species such as Yellow-billed Kite, Malagasy Kestrel, and Madagascan Buzzard, while rivers and wetlands may produce Striated Heron, Squacco Heron, Western Cattle Egret, and Madagascan Wagtail.

Situated in Madagascar’s Central Highlands, Antsirabe is known for its cool climate, thermal springs, colonial architecture, and vibrant local culture. It serves as an attractive stopover before the final stage of our Madagascar birding adventure.

This evening, we gather for dinner, review our growing bird lists, and prepare for our final national park visit.

Day 10: Transfer to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.
After an early breakfast, we depart Antsirabe and travel northeast through Madagascar’s Central Highlands towards Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, our final major birding destination of the tour.

The scenic drive takes approximately five to six hours, with birding stops along the way. Possible sightings include Hamerkop, Yellow-billed Kite, Brown-throated Martin, and Madagascan Cisticola, along with a variety of wetland and highland species.

Located east of Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park protects over 150 km² of rainforest and is one of Madagascar’s most famous wildlife reserves. The park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and supports numerous endemic birds, reptiles, amphibians, and approximately 14 species of lemurs.

We arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon. Set amidst beautiful gardens, forest, and a tranquil lake, it provides the perfect base from which to explore the region’s remarkable wildlife.

After dinner, we enjoy a guided nocturnal excursion in the nearby V.O.I. Reserve, searching for some of Madagascar’s fascinating night-active species. Targets may include Red-breasted Coua, Crested Coua, Collared Nightjar, White-browed Owl, Madagascan Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, Goodman’s Mouse Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemur, chameleons, tree frogs, and, with luck, the elusive Aye-aye.

Following our evening wildlife walk, we return to the lodge for a well-earned rest ahead of a full day exploring Andasibe’s famous rainforests.

Day 11: Lusaka for departure.
Today we spend a full day exploring the exceptional rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar’s most accessible and biodiverse protected areas.

After breakfast, we depart the lodge and explore both Analamazaotra Reserve (Périnet) and Mantadia National Park, depending on conditions and target species. A picnic lunch may be enjoyed inside the park, or we may return to the lodge for a midday break.

Created in 1989, Andasibe-Mantadia protects humid eastern rainforest characterised by dense vegetation, moss, ferns, and lichen-covered trees. The region receives high annual rainfall and supports a rich diversity of orchids, palms, bamboo, and endemic hardwood species.

This is one of Madagascar’s premier birding sites, with over 100 recorded species. Key targets include Red-breasted Coua, Scaly Ground Roller, Rufous-headed Ground Roller, Short-legged Ground Roller, Madagascan Ibis, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Crossley’s Vanga, Common Newtonia, Dark Newtonia, Wedge-tailed Jery, Green Jery, Stripe-throated Jery, Cryptic Warbler, Forest Fody, and more. We will also scan wetland edges for Meller’s Duck and Madagascan Grebe.

After a rewarding day in the rainforest, we return to the lodge for dinner.

Later, we head out on a guided night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife, including Lowland Streaked Tenrec, Collared Nightjar, Rainforest Scops Owl, Madagascan Owl, and a variety of geckos and amphibians.

We then return to the lodge for our final full night in Madagascar’s eastern rainforest.

Day 12: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.
We spend another full day exploring the outstanding rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, tailoring our birding routes based on remaining target species and recent sightings.

After breakfast, we head into the park with flexibility to explore both the wilder, hillier Mantadia section and the more accessible Analamazaotra (Perinet) Reserve, depending on conditions and objectives. Lunch will be taken as a picnic in the field or back at the lodge, followed by an afternoon birding session.

Andasibe is best known as the stronghold of Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri, famous for its powerful, haunting calls that echo through the forest each morning. Several habituated groups allow excellent viewing opportunities. The Indri is deeply rooted in Malagasy culture and is now endangered due to ongoing habitat loss.

In addition to Indri, the park supports at least 13 other lemur species, including Diademed Sifaka, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, and others.

Birding remains excellent, with continued opportunities to encounter key Madagascar endemics such as forest ground rollers, vangas, jerys, and other eastern rainforest specialists.

After a rewarding final full day in Andasibe, we return to the lodge to relax, update our trip lists, and enjoy a traditional Malagasy dinner.

Day 13: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.
Today is our final full day exploring Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, with another full schedule of morning and afternoon birding in this exceptional rainforest reserve.

After breakfast, we head into the park, focusing primarily on the productive Analamazaotra (Perinet) section, known for its outstanding diversity of endemic and range-restricted species. Lunch will be taken either in the park or back at the lodge, depending on group preference.

Key birding targets include some of Madagascar’s most sought-after species such as Cuckoo Roller, Pitta-like Ground Roller, Madagascan Flufftail, Madagascan Wood Rail, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Red-fronted Coua, Blue Coua, Velvet Asity, White-headed Vanga, Chabert’s Vanga, Blue Vanga, Red-tailed Vanga, Hook-billed Vanga, Nuthatch Vanga, Tylas Vanga, Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Spinetail, Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher, Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascan Cuckooshrike, Ward’s Flycatcher, Madagascan Starling, Long-billed Bernieria, Spectacled Tetraka, White-throated Oxylabes, Nelicourvi Weaver, and Souimanga Sunbird.

The park is equally rich in other wildlife, with over 50 reptile species, more than 80 amphibian species, and an extraordinary diversity of invertebrates. Notable highlights include the world’s largest chameleon, Parson’s Chameleon, along with Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Gecko, Malagasy Tree Boa, and iconic species such as the Madagascar Golden Frog and Giraffe Weevil.

If time allows and target species remain outstanding, we may consider an optional visit to the nearby Antavolobe Community Reserve, a primary forest site known for the rare and elusive Helmet Vanga, as well as Bernier’s Vanga, Pollen’s Vanga, Brown Emutail, Pitta-like Ground Roller, and Madagascan Rail.

After our final afternoon in the forest, we return to the lodge to freshen up before gathering for our farewell dinner. We reflect on the incredible journey through Madagascar’s unique habitats, unforgettable sightings, and shared experiences.

Day 14: Torotorofotsy Marsh, return to Antananarivo & Departure.
After breakfast at the lodge, we visit the remarkable Torotorofotsy Marsh, the largest and most intact natural wetland in eastern Madagascar.

This extensive marsh system is characterised by permanently waterlogged peat soils, sedges, spike-rushes, and ferns, with marsh forest and palm-rich edges transitioning into degraded evergreen forest and savanna. It forms one of Madagascar’s most important wetland ecosystems and supports exceptional biodiversity.

Over 70 bird species have been recorded here, including 33 endemics. Key targets include Slender-billed Flufftail, Madagascan Flufftail, Meller’s Duck, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Red-fronted Coua, Blue Coua, Madagascan Rail, Madagascan Snipe, Ward’s Flycatcher, Grey Emutail, Forest Fody, and other wetland and forest-edge specialists.

After our final birding session, we return to the lodge for lunch, check out, and begin our drive back to Antananarivo (approximately four hours).

On arrival in the capital, we transfer to the airport where arrangements end. Dinner and any overnight accommodation (if required due to flight schedules) are at your own expense.

This marks the conclusion of our Madagascar Birding Tour. We say farewell, carrying home unforgettable memories of Madagascar’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and endemics.