Madagascar

Days 1-2
FLY TO ANTANANARIVO (‘TANA’)
Our birds and wildlife trip to Madagascar begins with an overnight flight to the nation’s capital city, Antananarivo, which is usually simply referred to as ‘Tana’. We are likely to arrive in the late afternoon of day 2 and will transfer to our nearby comfortable hotel.  Night Tana

Day 3
FLY FROM TANA TO MAHAJUNGA.  VISIT BETSIBOKA RIVER ESTUARY
We will fly from Tana to Mahajanga (often referred to as Majunga) and, assuming flight times permit, will visit the Betsiboka River Estuary in the afternoon to search for Bernier’s Teal and the scarce Madagascar Sacred Ibis.  The estuary usually supports good numbers of waders including White-fronted Plovers, Crab-Plovers, as well as a selection of Palearctic shorebirds that winter here, such as Greater Sand Plover, Marsh Sandpiper and Terek Sandpiper. Night Mahajunga

Day 4
DRIVE TO ANKARAFANTSIKA NATIONAL PARK
We will drive to Ankarafantsika National Park (sometimes confusingly referred to as Ampijoroa), a journey that usually takes around 3-4 hours.

The biomes of the western half of Madagascar are quite different to those in the east.  In particular, the dominant forest habitats differ considerably to areas we will visit later in the tour and Ankarafantsika National Park lies within an area dominated by lowland dry tropical forest.

It is the only large area of forest in this part of Madagascar, and is inland, some 80km southeast of Majunga.  The park also encompasses several wetlands, the most easily accessible of which is Lake Ravelobe.  As a result, we will see a different set of birds and mammals here to anywhere else we visit.

Since this will be our first birding in Madagascar, we should see some of the more widespread species such as Madagascar Green-Pigeon, Malagasy Coucal, Madagascar Sparrowhawk, Malagasy Kingfisher, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, White-headed Vanga, Madagascar Bulbul, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Crested Drongo, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Common Newtonia, Madagascar Starling, Madagascar White-eye, Souimanga Sunbird and Madagascar Munia.  Night Ankarafantsika

Days 5-6
ANKARAFANTSIKA NATIONAL PARK
During our visit to Ankarafantsika National Park, we will be searching for some of the most sought-after species in Madagascar such as Schlegel’s Asity, Van Dam’s Vanga, Rufous Vanga, White-Breasted Mesite, Coquerel’s and Red Capped Couas, as well as Coquerel’s Sifaka and Mongoose Lemur.  Birders visiting this area usually find a good selection of other species including Madagascar Blue Vanga, Sickle-billed Vanga, Hook-billed Vanga and White-headed Vanga, as well as the unusual Cuckoo-roller.

After dark, we will hope to see some of the five species of nocturnal lemur that occur in this area, these being Golden-brown Mouse Lemur, Western Woolly Lemur, Milne-Edwards Sportive Lemur, Western Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur and Grey Mouse Lemur.

We may be able to also find Madagascar Scops Owl (note that birds in the west are slightly different and still treated as a separate species, Torotoroka Scops Owl, in some lists).  There are of course, many widespread species here too and we might see species such as Malagasy Turtle-Dove, Frances’s Sparrowhawk, Crested Coua, Madagascar Cuckooshrike and Madagascar Hoopoe.

During our stay at Ankarafantsika NP, we plan to take a short afternoon boat trip on Lake Ravelobe where we hope to encounter the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle and the often-elusive Madagascar Jacana.  More familiar species inhabiting the marshes around the lake include Purple Heron, Black Heron and Glossy Ibis.  The Critically Endangered Humblot’s Heron and more widespread Madagascar Ibis are also sometimes seen here, but they are not here all the time, so easily missed.

As with everywhere we visit on this tour, we will of course also keep an eye out for the many endemic, and often strange, reptiles that frequently hide in plain sight.  Two notable species that occur in Ankarafantsika NP are the Rhinoceros Chameleon and Dwarf or Spiny Leaf Chameleon, the latter being one of the smallest reptiles on the planet.  During our walks, especially when we venture out at night, we hope to encounter a good selection of reptiles, as well as a selection of the 240 species of often colourful or camouflaged amphibians that are found in Madagascar.  Two further nights Ankarafantsika

Day 7
ANKARAFANTSIKA NATIONAL PARK AND MAHAJUNGA
We will spend some final time at Ankarafantsika National Park looking for any species we may have missed (or want better views of) before heading back to Mahajanga where we will spend the night.  Night Mahajunga

Day 8
FLY FROM MAHAJUNGA TO TULÉAR VIA TANA (separate flights)
Today is primarily a travel day, flying to Tuléar (also known as Toliara) in the dry southwest of the country, where we will spend the next few days.

Depending on our arrival time, we will either drive to Ifaty, about an hour to the north, or will visit an area about 30 minutes to the southeast (Tsinjoriake Protected Area) to look for two highly localised species.  This is the only area where one can find the relatively-recently discovered Red-shouldered Vanga, which is one of two key birds that occur here.  The other key species is Verreaux’s Coua, one of the nine species of Coua that are possible on this tour.   Night Ifaty

Days 9-10
IFATY BAOBOB TREE NATURE RESERVE, TSINJORIAKE PROTECTED AREA AND NOSY VE ISLAND
During our stay in the Ifaty area, we will be birding at several sites that have subtly different habitats and, consequently, support slightly different assemblages of birds and mammals.  The most rewarding site in this part of Madagascar is the Ifaty Baobab Tree Nature Reserve, where we will look for birds at the periphery of this unique and wonderful habitat.  The area is dominated by its famous baobabs and overall comprises mainly spiny vegetation.

Here, with the assistance of local guides, we will be looking for several very special birds, most notably the stunning Long-tailed Ground Roller (undoubtedly one of Madagascar’s most iconic bird species), Running Coua, Olive-capped Coua and Subdesert Mesite, all of which belong to families that are endemic to Madagascar.

Other key spiny forest birds we will look for include Banded Kestrel, Archbold’s Newtonia, Sickle-billed Vanga and Subdesert Brush-Warbler.  Also possible are more widespread species such as Crested Coua and Grey-headed Lovebird.

A few species of lemur are still found in the remnant dry spiny forests near Ifaty, and we hope to see Petter’s Sportive Lemur and if we are very fortunate, we could see the cute Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec.

The Tsinjoriake Protected Area to the southeast of Ifaty is the second key site that we will visit during our stay in the dry southwest.  As mentioned above, we may find time to visit this site on our first day in the Ifaty area, but if not, we will make a special trip here on another day.

Along the coast to the south of Ifaty, we will look for the range-restricted Littoral Rock Thrush, whilst wetlands in the Ifaty area support species such as Baillon’s Crake, Olive Bee-eater and Greater Painted Snipe.

Whilst staying in Ifaty, we will also take a boat trip to the tiny island of Nosy Ve, home to a small colony of beautiful Red-tailed Tropicbirds, which breed in small numbers on the island.  Other species we could encounter here or along the way include Crab-Plover, Madagascar and Kittlitz’s Plovers and Lesser Crested and Great Crested Terns.  Littoral Rock Thrush is also occasionally observed on Nosy Ve.  Two further nights Ifaty

Day 11
FLY FROM TULÉAR TO TANA
If there is time before our flight, we will do some final birding in the Tuléar region before flying north to the capital, Antananarivo, where we spend the night.  Night Tana

Day 12
DRIVE FROM TANA TO PÉRINET AND ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK
Situated at 1,300m near the edge of the high plateau of central Madagascar, Tana is relatively close to some excellent areas of natural habitat, and after an early breakfast, we will drive eastwards for around four hours to Périnet.  Although we do not intend to specifically stop anywhere specific on our way to Périnet, we could see birds such as Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar Pratincole, Malagasy Swift, African Stonechat and Madagascar Wagtail.

The Périnet Indri Reserve (also known as the Analamazaotra Special Reserve) is one of Madagascar’s most famous and important protected areas.  Along with Mantadia, these areas protect a significant remnant area of the humid rainforests that now lie within the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.  These rainforests once dominated almost the entire eastern half of the island but are now sadly highly fragmented.

The Andasibe-Mantadia National Park protects an incredible diversity of endemic wildlife including some very special birds and primates, reptiles and amphibians.  Many of the species are threatened and we will spend four nights in this area since there are several different areas to visit.  Lying at slightly different altitudes, and with subtle differences in vegetation, these two reserves support different assemblages of species.

We will spend our first afternoon looking for birds and mammals near our lodge, which is situated at the edge of a large area of forest.  Although we will probably have already seen some of the more widespread species that occur here, a good proportion are commoner in rainforest, so visiting this area will enable us to catch up on species that we may have missed previously.

Endemic birds we could find include Madagascar Harrier-Hawk, Madagascar Blue-Pigeon, Madagascar Green-Pigeon, Malagasy Coucal, Madagascar Sparrowhawk, Madagascar Snipe, Madagascar Rail, White-throated Rail, Madagascar Spinetail, Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher, White-headed Vanga, Madagascar Bulbul, Madagascar Magpie-Robin, Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascar Starling, Madagascar White-eye, Common Newtonia, Common Jery, Malagasy Brush-Warbler, Madagascar Swamp Warbler, Madagascar Cisticola, Malagasy Green Sunbird and Madagascar Munia.  Night Périnet

Days 13-15
ANDASIBE-MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK AND PERINÉT (ANALAMAZAOTRA SPECIAL RESERVE)
During our stay, we plan to spend two full days at Mantadia and the remainder of our time at or near Périnet (Analamazaotra Special Reserve).

Accessible areas of Mantadia and Périnet support mid-altitude rainforest, but due to altitudinal differences, and the location of access points, each have a different set of birds that can be realistically seen.

In terms of endemic Madagascar families, these forests support an impressive four species of Ground Roller (Pitta-like, Short-legged, Scaly, and Rufous-headed), several Couas (Blue, Red-breasted and Red-fronted), two Asities (Velvet Asity and Common Sunbird-Asity), as well as Cuckoo-roller, the only representative of its family and often seen in these reserves.

The other endemic Madagascar bird family, more recently recognised, is the Bernieridae (Tetrakas and allies) which consists of a diverse assemblage of genera. Species in this family predominately occur in the eastern rainforests and Mantadia and Périnet support a good selection of these including Spectacled Tetraka, Long-billed Bernieria, Madagascar Yellowbrow, White-throated Oxylabes, Wedge-tailed Jery, and Rand’s Warbler. The Vangas, Vangidae , is a near-endemic family with all except one species (Comoro Blue Vanga) confined to Madagascar. Red-tailed, Madagascar Blue, Chabert, Pollen’s, Tylas, Crossley’s, Nuthatch and Hook-billed Vangas are all found in the forests of Mantadia and Périnet.

Between them, Mantadia and Périnet support a long list of birds, with more than 160 species having been recorded, but since it is impossible to find them all on any one bird tour, we will concentrate our efforts of finding some of the more iconic endemics, especially those that we haven’t already found. These might include all those species mentioned above, as well as Madagascar Snipe, White-throated and Madagascar Forest Rails, Henst’s Goshawk, Greater Vasa Parrot, Ward’s Flycatcher (a vanga), Brown Emutail, Nelicourvi Weaver, Forest Fody, Forest Rock Thrush, Dark Newtonia and waterbirds such as Malagasy Kingfisher and Madagascar Grebe.

Several species of nightbird occur here too and we might be able to find Madagascar Nightjar, Madagascar Scops Owl and Madagascar Owl after dark, or if we are very fortunate, at roost sites.

Like all the main sites we will visit, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is also home to several species of mammals including the spectacular Indri (for which Périnet  is most famous) and beautiful Diademed Sifaka.  In addition, Black and White Ruffed Lemur, Red Bellied Lemur, Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemur, Woolly Lemur, Common Brown Lemur and Weasel Sportive Lemur are all possible to see here during the daytime.

We plan to have at least a couple of optional excursions to look for endemic nightbirds such as Madagascar Owl, Madagascar Scops Owl and Madagascar and Collared Nightjars.  This will also provide us with an opportunity to hopefully find Brown Mouse Lemur, Goodman’s Mouse Lemur and Greater Dwarf Lemur, all of which are nocturnal.  Other animals that are easier to find at night include various species of chameleon and colourful frogs.  Three further nights Périnet

Day 16
AFTER LUNCH, DRIVE FROM PERINÉT TO TANA AND ONWARD TO TANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
After a final early morning looking for any birds and mammals that we might have missed, or want better views of, we will drive back to Tana with an opportunity to change and shower before we head to the international airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 17
ARRIVE UK
Arrival in the UK, where our birds and wildlife tour to the amazing island of Madagascar concludes.

WHAT TO EXPECT
A 17-day, small group tour to Madagascar exploring National Parks and private reserves, forest reserves and more open subdesert habitats for an exciting range of sought-after Madagascar endemic birds and mammals.

The longest domestic flight we will take will be 2 hours (with one day when we have to take a connecting flight), whilst journeys in vehicle will be up to four hours (Tana to Périnet and Mahajunga to Ankarafantsika).

Early starts are the norm for birding tours in tropical regions, where the daylight hours are relatively short (in Madagascar at this time of year approximately 6am-6pm), and where bird activity peaks early and late but generally dies away during the hotter middle of the day.

It will be important to be in the field at dawn so we can hear the birds singing and calling as the day starts up as in some instances, this may be our only chance to discover if certain species are present or not, so we will naturally want to make the most of this opportunity.

We will be birding in the lowlands and in mid-elevation forests of Madagascar at up to 1,400 metres above sea level, resulting in a pleasant climate but it can be humid in the eastern rainforests.

September and October are an excellent time to visit, when the breeding season for birds is just starting, and when the weather varies from hot, sunny and dry, to more overcast days. Midday temperatures are normally in the range of 17-25C (62-77F) but may be a little higher in low-lying coastal regions during the middle of the day.

Our Madagascar tour is timed to run during the period with maximum bird and other biological activity. Heavy rain does not normally start until December, but rain showers may occur on some days in the eastern rainforests.

In common with all tropical regions, mosquitos are present throughout the year in Madagascar, particularly around dawn and dusk. You are advised to check about the prevention of malaria, which affects the entire island of Madagascar. Terrestrial leeches also occur in the eastern rainforests, but generally only in the wettest areas.

Birds 120-140 species

Mammals 10-15 species

ACCOMMODATION
Fourteen nights’ accommodation in good standard, mid-range hotels and lodges.

WiFi is not widely available in Madagascar outside of the capital.  It is only available in the restaurant in some hotels, and there is no WiFi at any accommodation within the Ankarafantsika NP.  SIM cards are available at the airport on arrival, with the YAS SIM having the best coverage.  There will be no camping on this tour.

We always use the best accommodation option available.  In the Ankarafantsika National Park, it will be more basic than elsewhere, with private ensuite bathrooms but no hot water, however, it is a hot location.

MEALS
All main meals are included in the tour price (and with drinking water also provided), commencing with dinner on arrival in Madagascar on Day 2 and concluding with lunch on Day 16 depending on flight schedules.

Breakfast and dinners will usually be taken at the hotels, but we will have packed lunches on some days (and perhaps the odd packed breakfast) and some meals may be taken at a convenient restaurant along the way.

WALKING
Much of the birding on this tour is along roadsides, tracks and forest trails. The walking effort is mostly easy, with two of the three areas being relatively flat.  There will be some uneven sections in the tracks, although these are usually quite short.  The most difficult walks will be in the more undulating terrain of the eastern rainforests of Ankarafantsika National, in the east, where some wetter areas may also be encountered.

Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes or boots with stout soles and good grip are recommended. In some areas the vegetation is spiny, and guides may refuse to take you into the forest if you wear open sandals or similar unsuitable footwear.

Leeches are found in the rainforests of Madagascar, so leech socks might be useful on some days. Some people may wish to bring gaiters too, since much of the vegetation is spiny in the Ifaty area.

Lightweight, dark-coloured long-sleeved trousers and shirts are also preferable for use in the field.

GROUND TRANSPORT
By air-conditioned vehicles. We will use 4WD vehicles in Ifaty and Perinét-Mantadia. In the area of Mahajunga and Ankarafantsika NP we will use a minivan or bus, depending on the number of clients.

FLIGHTS
Madagascar is a huge island, with a slow road system.  Driving from the capital, Antananarivo, to Ifaty (one of the places visited on this tour), for example, takes about 21 hours without stops.  We will, therefore, be taking four different flights on this tour.  Flight schedules sometimes change at short notice in Madagascar, so the itinerary may have to be altered slightly nearer the time of our departure, but our local agent will do their utmost to ensure that the tour follows the plan as closely as possible.

The land only price includes the cost of the internal flights.