Wildlife Ankarafantsika · Masoala · Andasibe

Ultimate Birding & Photography — Masoala & Beyond

An exclusive 20-day birding adventure across three of Madagascar's finest regions: the dry deciduous forests of Ankarafantsika, the vast lowland rainforest of Masoala and the montane paradise of Andasibe-Mantadia. From river deltas and mangroves to dense rainforest, this itinerary offers a chance to see over 150 endemic species — some of the rarest birds on Earth — alongside lemurs and chameleons, with immersive hikes and scenic boat trips throughout.

Highlights

Exclusive rare-bird access
Diverse forests, unique birds
Lemurs in the wild
Nighttime rainforest adventures

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Antananarivo
Highlights: Warm welcome at Ivato and transfer to your city hotel; relax after your long flight. Overnight at Le Chalet des Roses.
Day 2
Tsarasaotra & fly to Mahajanga
Highlights: Early birding at the urban Tsarasaotra Lake reserve (whistling-ducks, herons, Dimorphic Egret), then a flight to the coastal town of Mahajanga. Overnight at Coco Lodge.
Day 3
Betsiboka Delta → Ankarafantsika
Highlights: A motorised boat ride on the Betsiboka Delta in search of the endangered Bernier's Teal and Malagasy Sacred Ibis, then a scenic 4-hour drive to Ankarafantsika. Overnight at Tia Asity Lodge.
Days 4–6
Ankarafantsika National Park
Highlights: Three full days on the park's trails — White-breasted Mesite, Van Dam's and Hook-billed Vanga, Schlegel's Asity — plus Coquerel's sifaka and other lemurs, with an afternoon boat trip across the lake. Overnight at Tia Asity Lodge.
Day 7
Ankarafantsika → Mahajanga → Antananarivo (flight)
Highlights: Birding stops at Lake Amboromalandy and rice fields (Madagascar Jacana, Humblot's Heron), then an evening flight to Antananarivo. Overnight at Avamada Lodge.
Day 8
Fly to Maroantsetra
Highlights: Flight to Maroantsetra, gateway to the wild north-east; relaxed evening at your hotel. Overnight at Manga Beach Hotel.
Day 9
Boat transfer to Masoala
Highlights: A scenic 2.5-hour boat crossing of Antongil Bay to the Masoala Peninsula and its vast rainforest; first trails for Brown Mesite, Blue Coua and vangas, with an optional night walk. Overnight at Hippocampe Lodge.
Days 10–13
Masoala National Park
Highlights: Four days birding Madagascar's largest rainforest — Helmet and White-headed Vanga, Short-legged Ground Roller, coastal Madagascar Pratincole — with chances of Red Ruffed and White-fronted Lemur. Overnight at Hippocampe Lodge.
Day 14
Boat to Nosy Mangabe
Highlights: By boat toward Maroantsetra with a stop at the rainforest island reserve of Nosy Mangabe; overnight camping on this remote island. Overnight camping.
Day 15
Fly to Antananarivo → Andasibe
Highlights: Return by boat to Maroantsetra, fly to Antananarivo, then the 4-hour drive east to Andasibe. Overnight at Feon'ny Ala.
Day 16
Birding at Analamazaotra
Highlights: A full day in Analamazaotra — the Indri and its haunting call, colourful ground rollers and the elusive Collared Nightjar — with a VOIMMA night walk. Overnight at Feon'ny Ala.
Day 17
Birding at Mantadia
Highlights: Venture deeper into the primary rainforest of Mantadia for the Red-breasted Coua and Short-legged Ground Roller. Overnight at Feon'ny Ala.
Day 18
Iaroka Forest
Highlights: A challenging six-hour trek into the community-run primary forest of Iaroka for the Helmet Vanga and other high-value specialities. Overnight at Feon'ny Ala.
Day 19
Maromizaha Reserve
Highlights: Birding Maromizaha (Frances's Sparrowhawk, Madagascar Kestrel) and an evening night walk at Mitsinjo. Overnight at Feon'ny Ala.
Day 20
VOIMMA / Mitsinjo → Antananarivo
Highlights: A last morning session at VOIMMA or Mitsinjo, then the drive back to Antananarivo with a stop at the Mangoro River Bridge for the Madagascar Jacana; transfer to your hotel.