Birdwatching expedition

Explore the diverse bird habitats at the following locations:
- RAMSAR Site Tsarasaotra
- Mantadia National Park
- Analamazaotra Reserve
- Ranomafana National Park
- Anja Reserve
- Isalo National Park
- Zombitse National Park
- Antsokay Arboretum
- Tsimanampetsotsa
- Anakao
- Nosy Ve
- Tulear

Day 1: ARRIVAL AT ANTANANARIVO
Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted by our team and transferred to the hotel. You'll then receive a briefing for the tour ahead.

DAY 2: TSARASAOTRA PRIVATE PARK – ANDASIBE
Morning visit of the private park of Tsarasaotra, a RAMSAR site. This tranquil oasis is a nesting site for several bird species such as Squacco Heron, Little Grebe, Black Heron… Then departure to Andasibe (4-hour drive). Visit the Pereyras reserve on the way.

DAY 3: ANDASIBE MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK
Full day of birdwatching in the Mantadia National Park : a medium altitude rainforest and home to more than 109 species of birds, including the Scaly ground roller, Blue Coua, Nuthatch Vanga… The park is also home to Diademed Sifaka.

DAY 4: ANALAMAZOTRA NATIONAL PARK AND BACK TO THE CAPITAL
Breakfast at the lodge then visit of the Analamazaotra National Park. The rainforest shelters the largest lemur, the Indri Indri, easily observable. The park is also home to other bird species like red-fronted Coua, Tylas Vanga, Velvet Asity…

DAY 5: ROAD TRIP ANTSIRABE – RANOMAFANA
Breakfast and departure to Antsirabe (4h). Free lunch in a restaurant and continue the road trip to Ranomafana National Park (5H drive).  

DAY 6: RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK
The rainforest is home to 96 species of birds, some of them are endemic such as the brown Mesite, Pollen’s Vanga, yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity or Henst’s Goshawk.

DAY 7: ANJA RESERVE - RANOHIRA
We leave very early to reach Ranohira (7h). Along the way, expedition to the Anja community forest to observe the ring-tailed lemur. This reserve is a fine example of a successful ecotourism initiative led by the local community.

DAY 8: ISALO NATIONAL PARK
Discover this unique Park. Trekking through the massif to observe the Benson Rock-Trush, Madagascar Cuckoo-Roller, White-Throated Rail… Free picnic lunch in the park. Free dinner.

DAY 9: RANOHIRA – ZOMBITSE NATIONAL PARK - ARBORETUM ANTSOKAY - TULEAR
Early departure to the dry forest of Zombitse National Park (1.5h drive), home to endemic birds such as Appert’s Greenbul, Crested Coua, White-Browed owl. After a short hike through the park, road trip to Tulear (2h). Explore the arboretum Antsokay along the way.

DAY 10: ANAKAO – TSIMANAMPETSOTSA
Boat transfer to Anakao (1h), then drive to Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (2.5h of bumpy road). This site holds significant biological importance, particularly due to its waterfowl population. Out of the 112 bird species present, several are endemic, including the Madagascar plover and Peregrine falcon. Then back to Anakao.

DAY 11: ANAKAO – NOSY VE
Pirogue ride (45mn) to Nosy Ve to observe the Paille en Queue, a rare bird that nests on the island. Enjoy a seafood picnic lunch on the beach before returning to Anakao by pirogue in the afternoon.

DAY 12: ANAKAO – TULEAR- IFATY
Speedboat transfer to Tulear (1h), followed by a drive to Ifaty. En route, we'll visit the Honko Community Reserve, where birding along the mangrove and reeds provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The site offers a chance to observe various wetland birds native to the region, including the little grebe, Little Bittern, Black Heron, purple heron, and Madagascar kestrel.

DAY 13: IFATY
Enjoy breakfast followed by an outing to the spiny bush of Reniala Baobab forest, where we'll observe the long-tailed ground roller, Lafresnaye’s Vanga, Subdesert Mesite, and other unique bird species.

DAY 14: IFATY – TULEAR – ANTANANARIVO
Transfer to Tulear Airport for a domestic flight to Antananarivo.

DAY 15: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Explore the capital of Madagascar, if time permits, visiting attractions such as the Queen’s palace, Haute ville, Analakely market, and more, before heading to the international airport for your flight. This concludes our services.

INCLUDED

• English-speaking local guide drivers
• All transfers and vehicle transportation according to the itinerary
• Local guides available at all national parks
• Standard hotel accommodation, subject to availability
• Visits as outlined in the program
• Shared boat transfers
  
• Ornithologist guide
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Visa fees
• Flights (both international & national) and applicable taxes
• Drinks and gratuities
• Personal insurance
• Excursions and entry fees not specified in the program
• Meals not included in the program

Reservation

Want to book this trip ? We can also tailor it to your preferences, simply fill out the form below or contact us at : info@theodysseytravel.com

Confirmation

Your booking will be effective promptly upon receipt of your completed reservation form along with a 30% deposit payment