Madagascar is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world for birdwatching. Isolated for millions of years, the island has developed a unique biodiversity, with an exceptionally high level of endemism that makes it a true paradise for ornithologists. During this 17-day trip, we will explore a wide variety of habitats —from humid tropical rainforests to spiny forests and coastal areas— in search of some of the most emblematic and exclusive species on the planet, such as the Helmeted Vanga, Sickle-billed Vanga, Schlegel’s Asity, Running Coua, and the Madagascar Crested Ibis.
Throughout the journey, we will combine intensive birding sessions with carefully planned transfers, accompanied by expert guides (one Malagasy guide and one Spanish guide) who have in-depth knowledge of the local avifauna. This itinerary is designed both for experienced birdwatchers and for enthusiasts who wish to observe and/or photograph one of the world’s most unique bird faunas, maximizing observation opportunities in an exceptional natural environment.
Beyond birds, Madagascar offers a complete nature experience, with stunning landscapes featuring iconic baobab forests, unique wildlife (lemurs, nocturnal mammals, chameleons), and a local culture that adds value to every stage of the trip. In short, this is an unforgettable expedition for any lover of nature and biodiversity.
You can view the complete itinerary information by downloading the PDF from the website.
Day 1 - Pick-up at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, welcome and transfer to Nosy Manga Hotel
Day 2 - Transfer to Ankarafantsika National Park and overnight at Hotel du Park
Day 3 - Ankarafantsika National Park and surroundings, overnight at Hotel du Park
Day 4 - Ankarafantsika National Park and surroundings, overnight at Hotel du Park
Day 5 - Transfer to Antananarivo with stops along the way, overnight at Nosy Manga Hotel
Day 6 - Transfer to the airport for the flight to Tulear and transfer to Ifaty with overnight at Hotel Nautilus
Day 7 - Birding in Ifaty and surroundings, visit to the Baobab forest and overnight at Hotel Nautilus
Day 8 - Return to Tulear and transfer to Anakao. Overnight at Eden EcoLodge
Day 9 - Birding in Zombitse NP and transfer to Ranohira. Overnight at Isalo Ranch
Day 10 - Transfer to Anja Community Reserve to see ring-tailed lemurs and transfer to Fianarantsoa, overnight at Setam Lodge
Day 11 - Full day birding at Ranomafana National Park. Overnight at Setam Lodge
Day 12 - Full day birding at Ranomafana National Park. Overnight at Setam Lodge
Day 13 - Visit to Ranomafana Park. Overnight at Chambre des Voyageurs
Day 14 - Birding at VOI MMA community park and transfer to Andasibe. Overnight at Feon ny Ala Forest Lodge
Days 15 and 16 - Birding in Andasibe
Day 17 - Transfer to Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo
End of the tour
Accommodation in hotels and lodges every day in a double room (single room supplement: €600)
Domestic round-trip flights (Antananarivo - Tulear / Tulear - Antananarivo)
All ground transportation (minibus and 4x4 vehicles)
Boat to Anakao
All daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Entrance fees to estates, nature reserves, and national parks
Malagasy guide: Armel Andriniaina plus Icaro Birding Experience guide: Luis Mario Arce
Local guides
Personal travel insurance
Checklist of the birds of Madagascar
Shared list with eBird users
International flights
Minibar consumption and room laundry services
Personal expenses and phone calls
Beverages during meals
Cancellation insurance
Anything not expressly specified in the “What’s included?” section
The start times of each day will generally be early in the morning, making the most of the daylight hours.
Some transfers between different areas may be long, but we will always make short stops for restroom breaks, stretching, and, along the way, birdwatching.
We will always travel by minibus and, on some occasions, also by 4x4 vehicles, with ample luggage capacity.
Our walks will be easy, even in mountainous areas. Almost all birding will be carried out along dirt roads and tracks.
Our tour will take place during the dry season transitioning into the wet season, and therefore we will avoid the heavy rains typical outside this time of year. The climate will be warm and humid.
All hotels and lodges have electricity, private bathrooms, and hot water.
In general, Wi-Fi will be available in all hotels and lodges, although sometimes only in public areas.
Meals will usually be taken in restaurants, hotels, or lodges, but also in the field or during excursions.
On some nights we will carry out short night outings to observe nocturnal raptors and mammals.
It is recommended to take antimalarial prophylaxis (such as Malarone), and it is essential to consult a travel medicine clinic or your doctor so they can assess your personal case (duration of the trip, allergies, interactions, etc.).
It is recommended to bring, per person, a backpack to carry optical equipment (binoculars, cameras, etc.) and a suitcase for clothing and other personal items.
We also recommend never checking in the backpack containing optical equipment to avoid unnecessary loss or damage.
Clothing should generally be light to cope with the heat, although it is advisable to always bring long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to avoid insects. It is also important to bring clothing for cooler temperatures, especially in mountainous areas early in the morning and late in the day.
Proper footwear for walking on dirt tracks is essential.
Malagasy plugs are Type C, meaning two round pins (the same as European plugs).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@birdingicaro.com.
The currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy ariary (MGA), and the current exchange rate is approximately 1 euro = 5,000 MGA.
Currency can be exchanged upon arrival at Antananarivo airport, either at exchange offices or ATMs using a credit card.
No declaration form is required for bringing foreign currency into the country in amounts below the equivalent of 10,000 euros.
It will not be necessary to obtain a prior tourist visa, as it will be issued upon arrival at Antananarivo airport.
It is very important to carry a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry into the country.
To reserve a place, you must first pre-register on the website by completing the form and following the indicated steps.
Once you receive a reply email, you will need to provide your full name, surname, date of birth, and passport number to arrange personal travel insurance, and make an initial payment of €700 via bank transfer to the account provided in the email.
The account holder must be Ícaro Birding Experience SL, and you must include your full name as the payment reference.
Once this initial payment has been made (and not before), your place will be fully confirmed.
The remaining balance of €5,295, or if you choose a single room with a €600 supplement, must be paid to the same bank account before the departure of the tour, when instructed by the organizers.
Cancellations must always be communicated in writing, either by email or any other means.
For more information, please consult the cancellation policy set out in the website regulations.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING FLIGHTS
Once the minimum number of participants required to operate the tour has been reached, a notification will be sent to proceed with the purchase of flights. If any participant purchases flights before receiving this confirmation from us, Icaro Birding Experience S.L. will not be responsible for the cost of those flights in the event of tour cancellation. The starting point of the tour will be Antananarivo Ivato International Airport, and the tour will end at the same airport.
Aeropuerto Internacional de Antananarivo IVATO
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