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Ornithological journey with Andasibe and Ankarafantsika

This Madagascar Birding Day captures not only an exceptionally high proportion of the island's rich diversity of endemic birds, but also a wonderful variety of lemurs, ranging from the tiny and nocturnal Mouse Lemurs to the fabulous Indri. Madagascar encompasses a wide range of habitats. The massive cliffs of the East rise to over 2800 m in height and are exposed to the moist trade winds from the Indian Ocean, causing high rainfall. You will experience all of these extremely diverse biotopes on this tour. For most visitors, lemurs are certainly a major attraction, but for birdwatchers, there are more than 120 endemic bird species to see, including six or seven endemic families, including the Mesitornithidae family, the Ground Rollers, the Cuckoo-Roller (Leptosomus discolor), the Madagascan Cuckoo-Hawk, Vangas, Couas, and many others are of equal interest. During our ultimate Madagascar Birding Day, we will explore all of the island's major habitats. This Madagascar birdwatching tour starts and ends in Antananarivo. From the capital, located on the high plateau, we first drive to the over 400 km north Ankarafantsika National Park. Then we head to the eastern rainforest in Andasibe and then in the opposite direction, to the dry west of Madagascar. Accommodation and road transport: The hotels/lodges are mostly of good standard. There are some long drives. Hiking: The hikes during our birdwatching tours are mostly easy, they are always tailored to the level of the guests. Bird/Mammal Photography: The bird tours are often accompanied by Pierre Koval, who is an extremely good photographer.

Services:

For single rooms, we charge a supplement of 690.00 euros.

Services included in the base price:

SUV including diesel and driver

Accommodations (as indicated)

Breakfast (as indicated)

Entrance to the listed national parks

Meals and accommodation costs for the accompanying person

Car insurance and taxes

Transfers

Services not included in the base price:

Tips

Payment for local guides in the national parks

Drinks

Flight tickets

Lunch and dinner

Individual activities

Personal expenses

Day 1 – Arrival in Antananarivo

Your guide and car will greet you at the airport. Transfer to the "Villa Sibylle" guesthouse. Please note that arrivals are typically late in the evening. The proximity of the place allows you to save sleep time in order to be fresh and ready for the next day.

Day 2 - Antananarivo to Ankarafantsika

After breakfast, we will depart for Ankarafantsika National Park, located 450 km away from the capital city, a paradise for birdwatchers. During the drive, we will also take the time to deepen our knowledge of various camera settings. This park is home to 129 bird species, 75 of which are endemic. One of the most renowned is the Madagascar Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), one of the rarest birds of prey in the world. We will arrive on site in the mid-afternoon. After settling in at the "Blue Vanga" hotel, we will explore the surroundings of the park before embarking on a night walk through the park. This is the perfect opportunity to encounter a small nocturnal lemur, as well as several chameleon and reptile species that are easier to spot at night.

Day 3 - Ankarafantsika National Park

Today is dedicated entirely to visiting this park. This primary dry forest is home to diurnal lemurs such as the Sifaka Propithecus verreauxi coquereli or the brown lemur, as well as many birds like the hoopoe, the crested drongo, and chameleons. The morning will be spent observing them, followed by a short walk to the canyon to enjoy the fantastic views. As the cliffs are the nesting sites of bee-eaters, we will be able to observe these birds and their sharp beaks. We will have lunch at the park entrance. The afternoon will be dedicated to a walk around a lake, home to crocodiles, ibises, herons, and especially the fish eagle, the Ankoay. Baobab trees reaching 32 meters in height will also be present. Although the lake is home to crocodiles, fishermen do not hesitate to go into the water with their nets to bring back dinner. In the evening, we will take a night walk in search of the mouse lemur, a small nocturnal lemur living on the edge of the park. Return to the hotel and evening free.

Day 4 – Ankarafantsika National Park

Ankarafantsika National Park is a sanctuary for lemurs and endemic birds. Eight lemur species have been observed in Ankarafantsika, including the famous Microcebus, the smallest primates in the world. 129 bird species nest in the forest of Ankarafantsika, a paradise for bird watchers. 75 of them are endemic, including the Madagascar fish eagle, the only diurnal raptor species classified as critically endangered (CR) in Africa by the IUCN in 2008. As for the herpetofauna, the park is home to chameleons, iguanas, snakes, freshwater turtles, and endemic crocodiles. Ankarafantsika National Park is a national park in the northwest of Madagascar, in the Boeny region. It consists of a mosaic of dense and dry forests. Ankarafantsika is known for its lakes, the last refuge for key species. The dominant ethnic group is the Sakalava people.

Day 5-Return to Antananarivo

Return to the capital in one day for a night stopover before continuing towards the southwest. You will witness various scenes of life and landscapes on our journey and through our lens. The various bridges and rivers offer a variety of experiences.

Day 6 - Antananarivo to Antsirabe

We drive through the winding road, passing the bustling suburbs of Tana through the highlands, before stopping for lunch in Behenjy or Ambatolampy. Antsirabe is located 170km south of Antananarivo, this large city is a significant economic hub and famous for its pleasant highland climate and healing springs. Founded in the 19th century by Norwegian missionaries, Antsirabe appears more "European" than other cities in Madagascar, with its magnificent colonial villas and regular urban layout as evidence. In the hotel garden, you can find countless chameleons hiding in the trees and observe some radiated tortoises on a small island in the middle of the lake. Overnight stay at the "Chambres du Voyageur" hotel.

Day 7 - Antsirabe to Kirindy

After a visit and a few photos of the city, we will head back to Miandrivazo. This town is located in Menabe and is one of the hottest in Madagascar. Our next stop, the Kirindy Reserve, requires an 8-hour drive, including 4 hours on asphalt and one hour on a dirt road. On the way, we will make a stop at the Avenue of the Baobabs, a place rarely visited in the morning. This spot, famous for its sunset, is perfect for amateur photographers during the day. In the late afternoon, we will visit the village next to the hotel. There are some baobab trees in the area, remnants of the once lush forest. In the early evening, we will explore the Kirindy Forest on a night walk using our lamps for light. We will try to spot mouse lemurs, geckos, and other animals in their natural habitat during this approximately 2-hour walk. Return to the hotel for dinner. In the evening, we will take advantage of the seclusion of the place to take night shots.

Day 8- Kirindy Reserve

When you venture into the forest early in the morning, Kirindy boasts the highest primate density in the world. It is also the best western reserve to observe Madagascar's endemic dry forest species. The forest, dominated by majestic baobab trees (Andasonia grandidieri), is home to the smallest known primate in the world as well as dozens of amphibian and reptile species. The Kirindy forests harbor over 60 bird species, including possible endemic species such as Artamella viridis, Chabert Vanga, Leptosomus discolor, Agapornis canus, Caprimulgus madagascariensis, and Falco zoniventris. The dry forest bordering both sides of the sandy road is home to interesting birds like the Coua gigas and Coua coquereli (both easiest to spot on the Forestry Station grounds), Mesitornis variegatus, Falculea palliata, Calicalicus rufocarpalis, the two Vasa parrots, Turnix varius, Otus madagascariensis, and Athene superciliaris. In addition to an amazing variety of unique flora, the Kirindy forest is home to 8 lemur species, a variety of tenrec species, the narrow-striped mongoose, the giant jumping rat, and the fossa. Overnight stay in the same bungalow.

Day 9 – Kirindy to Tsangajoly

After breakfast at dawn, we head towards the Salinen-Lodge, located 60 km from Kirindy and a 1.30-hour drive away. After settling in and having lunch at the hotel, we will go on a canoe-kayak ride in the mangroves of Tsangajoly. This lodge is a bird paradise, home to 134 bird species, 40 of which are endemic to the country. Green herons, Humblot herons, and white stilts are among the residents of the area, so get your binoculars ready. After our walk, we will arrive next to a salt pan. We will visit it, and you can even participate in the harvesting of Fleur de Sel. This essential part of our daily lives will hold no more secrets for you. In the early evening, we will take a 10-minute walk from the restaurant into a forest where you can find mouse lemurs, small nocturnal lemurs weighing 25 grams. The rest of the evening is free, with dinner at the Lodge de la Saline.

Day 10 – Tsangajoly Birds Sanctuary

This morning, we wake up before dawn to sit at a table set near the Baobabs and enjoy the sunrise over the Menabe plains. Just listen and take out your binoculars to realize that we are not alone. Grey-headed parrots, Newtonia brunneicauda, Falco newtoni, both species of Vasa parrot, Coua Cristata, and many others will enjoy the show. After this early breakfast, we will reach the West coast by boat in the Tsiribihina Delta and visit a Vezo village, a nomadic people living by the sea. We will have a picnic on the beach before returning to the lodge to pick up the car and go birdwatching at sunset. We will stay a few moments after sunset to photograph the sand dunes under the stars. Return to the lodge at nightfall and free evening.

Day 11 – Tsangajoly - Baobab Alley-Morondava

The Lodge of La Saline features several ornithological trails where you can observe the Humblot heron, the widowed Dendrocygne, the teal, and flamingos. You may also encounter yellow-billed kites, green-backed herons, white herons, grey herons, and white stilts scattered along your walks. The facility also offers a swimming pool, a pool table, and other amenities to relax and unwind between excursions. In the mid-afternoon, we will drive to Morondava, a journey that will take us about 2.5 hours. We will witness the sunset at the legendary Baobab Alley, where we will spend some time capturing the beauty of the place under the stars after sunset. After a 30-minute drive back on the road, we will arrive at the Kimony Resort.

Day 12 - Morondava to Antananarivo

Enjoy a peaceful day in the city of Morondava before flying to Tana in the afternoon. Free evening and dinner at Villa Sibylle.

Day 13 - Antsirabe to Andasibe

After breakfast, we will depart on the RN2, which connects Tana to Tamatave, heading east towards the Andasibe National Park. Along the way, we will pass through Antananarivo, an anthill of a city under the open sky. Just a few kilometers outside the city, the landscapes will already start to change. The eucalyptus forests for charcoal will give way to a greener and lusher forest. We will arrive at our destination for lunch. Before dinner, we will take a night walk through the park to spot chameleons, insects, reptiles, but most importantly, the mouse lemurs, small nocturnal lemurs weighing about 25 grams, easily spotted thanks to their eyes reflecting the light from flashlights. We will then return to the Eulophiella Lodge for dinner.

Day 14- Andasibe / Mitsinjo National Park

After breakfast, we will head towards Andasibe National Park for bird watching. We will stop at the Mangoro River, where we will look out for the Madagascar Pratincole. Then, we will stop at the Mitsinjo Reserve to spot the following birds: Red-breasted Coua, Collared Nightjar, and Crested Coua. We will also be on the lookout for the Indri, the largest lemurs in Madagascar, which can also be found in this forest. Before dinner, we will go on a guided night walk to look for the Madagascar Scops Owl, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, Goodman's Mouse Lemur, Dwarf Lemur, and Eastern Woolly Lemur. Various chameleon and leaf frog species are also visible. Night walks in the rainforest can be arranged from the lodge. Overnight at the Eulophiella Lodge.

Day 15- Andasibe to Antananarivo

In the morning, you can explore another area of Andasibe National Park or opt for a leisurely drive towards Antananarivo. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to visit various sites based on the interests of the participants. Stay overnight at the "Villa Sibylle".

Day 16 - Antananarivo and Surroundings

On the last day of your exciting journey through Madagascar, the capital city of the island nation is on the agenda: In Antananarivo, there are numerous opportunities for you to go on a discovery tour. To wrap up the bird watching experience, on the way to the private park Tsarasaotra in Antananarivo itself and the visit to this Ramsar site, which is a refuge and breeding ground for freshwater birds in general, other bird species, endemic and endangered bird species, were seen. For this day, we have planned a Day Use at Villa Sybille so you can store your luggage there and freshen up in the evening if needed before we take you to the airport.

Day 17 - The Return Flight to Europe

The final day of your 17-day vacation in Madagascar is all about the journey back home. You will spend this day on a flight to Europe, likely dreaming about the various experiences and impressions from your trip through Madagascar.

List of Bird Species in Andasibe

Accipiter francesii, Accipiter henstii, Accipiter madagascarriensis, Acridorheres tristis, Acrcephalus newtoni, Alcedo vintsioides, Alectroenas madagascariensis, Anas meleri, Apus melba, Ardea humbloti, Ardea purpurea, Ardeola idea, Ardeola ralloides, Asio madagascariensis, Atelornis crossleyi, Atelornis pittoides, Aviceda madagascariensis, Brachypteracias leptosomus, Bubulcus ibis, Buteo brachypterus, Butorides striatus, Calicalius madagascariensis, Canirallus, Caprimulgus enarratus, Caprimulgus madagascariensis, Casmerodius Albus, Centrpus toulou, Cisticola cherina, Copsychus albospecularis, Coracina cinerea, Coracopsis nigra, Coracopsis vasa, Corvus albus, Coua Caerulea, Coua cristata, Coua reynaudi, Cuculus rochii, Cyanolanius madagascariensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Dicrurus forficatus, Dromaeocercus brunneus, Dryolimnas cuvieri, Euryceros prevostii, Eurystomus glaucurus, Eutriorchis astur, Falco concolor, Falco eleonorae, Falco newton, Falco zoniventris, Foudia madagascariensis, Foudia omissa, Gallinago macrodactyla, Gallinula chlorupus, Glareola ocularis, Hartertula flavoviridis, Hartlaubius auratus, Hypossita Corallirostris, Hypsipetes madagascariensis, Ispidina madagascariensis, Leptopterus chabert, Leptopterus virdis, Leptosomus Discolor, Lonchura nana, Lophotibis cristata, Margaropedrix madagascariensis, Merops superciliosus, Mesitornis unicolor, Milvus Migrans, Motacilla flaviventris, Mystacornis crossleyi, Nectarinia notata, Nectarinia souimanga, Neodrepanis coruscans, Neodrepanis hypoxanthus, Neomixis striatigula, Neomixis tenella, Neoximis Viridis, Nesillas typica, Newtonia amphishroa, Newtonia brunneicauda, Numida meleagris, Otis rutilus, Oxylabes madagascariensis inexpectatus, Phalacrocorax africanus, Phedina borbonica, Philepitta Castanea, Phyllastrephus madagascariensis, Phyllastrephus tenebrosus, Phyllastrephus zosterops, Ploceus nelicouvri, Polyboroides radiates, Pseudopias wardi, Pseudocossyphus Sharpei, Randia pseudozosterops, Riparia paludicola, Sarothura insularis, Sarothrura Watersi, Saxicola Torquata, Schetba rufa, Scopus umbretta, Streptopelia picturata, Tachybaptus pelzelnii, Terpsiphone mutate, Trenon Australia, Tylas eduardi, Tyto alba, Tyto soumagnei, Vanga curvirostris, Xenopirostris polleni, Zoonavena grandidieri, Zosterops maderaspatana

List of Bird Species in Ankarafantsika

Anatidae: Nettapus auritus, Podicipedidae: Tachybaptus pelzelnii, Mesitornithidae: Mesitornis variegatus, Columbidae: Nesoenas picturatus, Oena capensis, Caprimulgidae: Caprimulgus madagascariensis, Cuculidae: Coua coquereli, Coua ruficeps, Coua cristata, Centropus toulou, Cuculus rochii, Rallidae: Mentocrex kioloides, Dryolimnas cuvieri, Porphyrio alleni, Threskiornithidae: Plegadis falcinellus, Lophotibis cristata, Ardeidae: Butorides striata, Ardeola ralloides, Ardeola idae, Bubulcus ibis, Ardea humbloti, Ardea purpurea, Ardea alba, Egretta ardesiaca, Egretta gularis, Anhingidae: Anhinga rufa, Charadriidae: Charadrius bifrontatus, Jacanidae: Actophilornis albinucha, Turnicidae: Turnix nigricollis, Tytonidae: Tyto alba, Strigidae: Athene superciliaris, Otus rutilus, Accipitridae: Polyboroides radiatus, Accipiter francesiae, Haliaeetus vociferoides, Buteo brachypterus, Leptosomidae: Leptosomus discolor, Upupidae: Upupa marginata, Meropidae: Merops superciliosus, Coraciidae: Eurystomus glaucurus, Alcedinidae: Corythornis madagascariensis, Corythornis vintsioides, Falconidae: Falco newtoni, Falco zoniventris, Falco peregrinus, Psittacidae: Coracopsis vasa, Coracopsis nigra, Agapornis canus, Philepittidae: Philepitta castanea, Philepitta schlegeli, Campephagidae: Ceblepyris cinereus, Vangidae: Newtonia brunneicauda, Cyanolanius madagascarinus, Vanga curvirostris, Schetba rufa, Xenopirostris damii, Falculea palliata, Artamella viridis, Dicruridae: Dicrurus forficatus, Monarchidae: Terpsiphone mutata, Alaudidae: Eremopterix hova, Cisticolidae: Neomixis tenella, Cisticola cherina, Acrocephalidae: Acrocephalus newtoni, Bernieridae: Bernieria madagascariensis, Hirundinidae: Phedina borbonica, Pycnonotidae: Hypsipetes madagascariensis, Zosteropidae: Zosterops maderaspatanus, Muscicapidae: Copsychus pica, Copsychus albospecularis, Saxicola torquatus, Nectariniidae: Cinnyris notatus, Cinnyris sovimanga, Ploceidae: Ploceus sakalava, Estrildidae: Lepidopygia nana, Motacillidae: Motacilla flaviventris.

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“Embark on an ornithological journey across Madagascar. Discover the rich endemic bird diversity—over 120 species—and a variety of lemurs from tiny Mouse Lemurs to the fabulous Indri. Explore habitats ranging from massive cliffs to diverse biotopes in Ankarafantsika, Andasibe, and Birds Sanctuary. Tours led by expert birdwatcher Pierre Koval, tailored to your level and accommodating photographers. Accommodation in good standard hotels/lodges.”

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