1- An exceptional rate of endemism
2- A variety of contrasting habitats
3- The ecosystem diversity
Madagascar, nicknamed the Red Island, boasts an incredible variety of birdlife. The country is home to more than 280 species of birds, 65% of which are endemic.
This high rate of endemism ranks Madagascar among the countries with the greatest natural treasures. On the Big Island, the forests serve as true havens for birds. That’s why national parks and nature reserves are perfect for birdwatching.
Over 100 endemic bird species found on the Red Island Madagascar truly abounds with a surprising and unparalleled variety of birds. This little paradise for nature lovers, and especially birdwatchers, is a must-visit destination for your next vacation.
Young and old alike will love observing Madagascar’s endemic birds in their natural habitat.
Madagascar’s avifauna includes more than 280 bird species, over 100 of which are endemic. The famous elephant bird, which went extinct several hundred years ago, is a testament to this.
Among the species found throughout the island are the Vasa parrot, the black parrot, the lovebird, the heron, and the egret. Not to mention the ankoay, the kingfisher, and the flamingos… Large migratory birds from Africa also come to Madagascar to breed during the rainy season. If you’re lucky enough to be there at that time, you’ll have the privilege of watching them.
The long-tailed brachyptérolle, or Uratelornis chimaera, is an endemic species.
The best time for birdwatching in Madagascar is between September and December, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the birds are more active and vocal.
| Morning appointment at your hotel in Toliara; departure (at 05.00 am) to visit the spiny forest in looking for the Brown Capped Coua, Long tailed ground roller, Running Coua, Archbold’s Newtonia, Lefraysne’s Vanga, Sicklebilled Vanga; on the way, stop at Ankisirasira to look for Madagascar Plover; drive to Andatabo to see Red-Shouldered Vanga, Verreaux’s Coua, lunch at your own arrangement; in the afternoon, visit to Reniala Forest, to look diverse baobabs; Lesser Vasa Parrot, Harrier Hawk; drive to the hotel after the visit; dinner and overnight in hotel. |
|
In the early morning, drive to Ranohira through desert landscapes where the vegetation is very poor, consisting of thorny plants; along the way, stop to Mahaboboka to find Madagascar Sandgrouse; after the visit, continuation of the drive and stop to visit the Zombitse-Vohibasia Park, created to preserve the primary deciduous forest and its many inhabitants, including almost half of all endemic bird species of Madagascar like the White Broad Owl, Apert’s Tretraka,
Cuckoo roller; Giant Coua, Coquerel’s Coua; lunch at your own arrangement (picnic lunch recommended); after the visit, continuing until arrival in Ranohira at the end of the day; dinner and overnight at hotel.
| Departure before the breakfast (at 05.30) to find Madagascar Patridge, Benson’s Rock Thrush; then back to the hotel for the breakfast; departure for excursions in the park; Isalo National Park is an unique ecological representation; it is a massive ruinform of continental sandstone from the Jurassic period with its typical geomorphology and endemic rock vegetation (Aloe, Euphorbia, Pachypods, Kalanchoe….) and the specific fauna of this exceptional habitat (rock reptiles, most of which are endemic); the park is also characterized by canyons, rock pinnacles and limestone spiers with the most amazing shapes, streams, natural lakes fed by rivers and waterfalls, where you can swim, forests inhabited by lemurs of various species; picnic lunch during the excursion at your charge; drive back to hotel in the afternoon; dinner and overnight at hotel. |
|
Breakfast at the hotel; departure for Ranomafana through the savannah and Horombe plain; stop at the reserve of Anja which offers the opportunity to spot an important colony of Catta lemurs; lunch at your charge in a restaurant; continuation to Ambalavao and visit of a typical handicraft factory where we will witness the creation of the « Carta Antemoro »; continuation of the journey with arrival at the end of the day at Ranomafana; accommodation at hotel; in the evening, dinner and overnight.
| Early breakfast at the hotel; departure at 05.00 am to join Sahamalaotra; this loop whole day of walking will take us through different landscapes including the Pandanus forest; along the way we will meet Gray Crowned Tretraka, Yellow browed Oxylabes, Dark Newtonia, Spectacle Tretraka, White-throated Rail; lunch at your own arrangement (picnic lunch recommended); then meet with the driver and take the car and continuation a bit to the north of the Park to find the Madagascar Buzzard, Rufous headed Ground-Roller, Velvet Asity, Pollen’s Vanga, Meller’s Duck and other species; turn back to the hotel after the visit; accommodation at hotel; in the evening, dinner and overnight. |
|
After breakfast, drive to Antsirabe; stop in Ambositra to visit this characteristic highland small town, famous for its valuable wooden handicrafts, including that of Zafimaniry people, a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage; lunch at your charge in a restaurant; in the afternoon, continuation of the trip, arriving in the late afternoon at Antsirabe; ride on a rickshaw; accommodation at hotel; dinner and overnight.
| Breakfast at the hotel; visit of the thermal city of Antsirabe, characterized by the many historical houses along wide tree-lined avenues and local artisans producing various artefacts; then, visit of the typical market of Asabotsy, especially to discover various local products, before the road continuation to the capital Antananarivo; along the way, stops will be made in the most interesting places such as the visit of the manufacturing of vases, aluminium working in Ambatolampy; arriving in Antananarivo in the evening; dinner and overnight at hotel. |
|
Breakfast at the hotel; visit of the Croc Farm that is close to the airport; then transfer to the airport to take the international flight.
End of services.
