Itinerary Highlights
- Aye ayes and Ruffed lemurs at Le Palmarium
- Indri, Diademed Sifaka and various nocturnal Lemurs in Andasibe-Mantadia
- Fosa, Fork-marked lemurs and Baobabs at Kirindy
- Leaftailed geckoes and chameleons at Montagne d'Ambre
- Perrier's black sifakas in Andrafiamena
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Travel Guide
- Transfers

We are proud to offer another of our annual Madagascar Wildlife small group departures with Daniel Austin, author of Madagascar: Bradt Guide and Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitors Guide.
An accomplished tour-leader, Madagascar expert Daniel has been leading very successful small group departures for us for several years now, taking guests to seek a wide variety of Madagascar's most unusual and spectacular protected areas. Through the years these tours have delivered a stunning catalogue of wildlife sightings - the 2023 and 2024 tours should leave participants with a smorgasbord of wonderful memories and lengthy checklists including some of the island's rarest and most sought-after species. (The October 2022 tour - which followed the same itinerary as this - was one of the best ever, with epic sightings throughout).
The tour begins with a visit to Kirindy Forest in the hot Western plains, where sought-after mammal attractions include Fosa, Verreaux's sifaka and Fork-marked lemur, among others. Kirindy also represents an example of the island's most endangered forest type, i.e. its Western tropical dry deciduous forests and what makes this area particularly special is the presence of three of the 6 endemic Malagasy Baobabs. (Uniquely, this tour allows for participants to see ALL of Madagascar's six endemic Baobab species).
The second part of the trip entails travelling by road to the Eastern escarpment, with a stay in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, so guests can explore the wildlife-rich Eastern rainforests and enjoy observing iconic species such as Indri, Parsons chameleon and others. From Andasibe, continue down to the Eastern lowlands where people come to the Palmarium Private Reserve primarily to see Aye ayes, and to photograph numerous other lemurs resident there.
The third leg of the tour starts with a flight up to the far North (Diego Suarez) for the 'Northern Parks Loop': the first stop, Montagne d'Ambre National Park, is especially excellent for herpetologists, with various species of Uroplatus, the famed Leaf-tailed geckoes, being present. After having explored Montagne d'Ambre, continue southwards to the seldom visited Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area, a community-managed initiative where the key mammal attraction is the critically endangered Perrier's black sifaka. We have been the leading specialist tour operator bringing ecotourists to Andrafiamena-Andavakoera to appreciate the rare wildlife and the work being done to protect it.
Still in the Northern parks loop, the tour then continues to the remarkable Ankarana National Park, one of the distinctive raised limestone karst plateaux in the western half of the island, topped with fields of razor sharp pinnacles called 'tsingy'. After having explored this incredible place, the trip continues to remote and secluded Baobab Beach, just opposite Nosy Be island. Here, participants can enjoy a breather with some world class snorkelling at Parc Marin Nosy Tanikely and see the wildlife of the 'Sambirano' Domain, where rainforest and deciduous forest types merge. Also in the programme is a visit to Lokobe Reserve, which protects a fine stand of Sambirano Forest.
With more than one international carrier offering flights from Nosy Be back to UK, Europe, South Africa or USA, it is easily possible to exit Madagascar from Nosy Be rather than having to return to the capital city. So, if you prefer to do so - or if you prefer also to stay on in the Nosy Be region for a few extra nights, do let us know and we can assist with any additional arrangements. (Most of the 2022 and 2023 tour participants chose to do so).
As ever, Daniel will be accompanied by ace Malagasy guide, Harry Rakotosalama, who also has superb experience when it comes to showing natural history enthusiasts around his country's incredible wild places.
Group size is restricted to a maximum of 8 guests.
DATES: 24 September - 15 October 2024
Itinerary
Day 1 24 September 2024: International flight to Antananarivo
Day 2 25 September 2024 - Welcome to Madagascar!
Day 3 26 September 2024: Antananarivo - Morondava (flight) - Kirindy Forest (drive)
Day 4 27 September 2024 : Kirindy and Marofandilia Forests
Day 5 28 September 2024: Kirindy Forest - Morondava
Day 7 30 September 2024: Antananarivo - Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Day 8 01 October 2024: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park - Maromizaha
Day 9 02 October 2024 - Andasibe-Mantadia
Day 10 03 October 2024: Andasibe-Mantadia - Le Palmarium (Pangalanes)
Day 13 06 October 2024: Antananarivo - Diego Suarez - Montagne d'Ambre
Day 14 07 October 2024: Montagne d'Ambre
Day 15 08 October 2024: Montagne d'Ambre - Andrafiamena-Andavakoera
Day 16 09 October 2024: Andrafiamena - Ankarana National Park
Day 17 10 October 2023: Ankarana National Park
Day 18 11 October 2023 - Ankarana National Park - Baobab Beach
Day 19 12 October 2024 - Lokobe Reserve
Day 20 12 October 2024 - Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve
Day 21 14 October 2024: Nosy Be - Antananarivo
Day 22 15 October 2024: Departure

Sarah Frankish
Pricing Information & Dates

Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware