Without a doubt, one of the most prestigious locations for anyone interested in capturing the natural world has to be Madagascar – it’s one of our most requested trips, and I am pleased to announce our visit to this remote and isolated island in July of 2027.

Separated from the Indian Peninsula roughly 88 million years ago, the flora and fauna of this, the world’s fourth-largest island, has been allowed to evolve in seclusion from the rest of the planet, leading to some truly spectacular and unique species. 90% of all life on this island can be found nowhere else on the planet.

We will visit the famous national parks of the region to photograph the bio-diversity to be found here – carnivorous plants, over fifty species of lemur, birds, lizards, and much much more. Our sources on the island will ensure we are seeking out these various anomalous creatures at the best times, with evening walks to capture nocturnally active species as they begin their nightly routines.

I also hope to capture a truly unique animal while we are here – the elusive fossa, Madagascar’s largest mammalian carnivore. Closely related to the mongoose family, fossa are widespread throughout the island, but in very sparse populations. Combined with the thick forested habitat it prefers, it can be a difficult animal to locate, but I think we are up to the task!

Led by Art Wolfe

Assisted by Gavriel Jecan

Limited to 10 participants

Transportation and Accommodation

All meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Antananarivo. You are encouraged to arrive one day prior to the workshop so that there is no worry of flight delays causing any problems.

Itinerary

*This tour is just being finalized now, the itinerary will be adjusted with additional information when it becomes available.

July 19 Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo airport where you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel and dinner together with the group.

Overnight in Antananarivo.

July 20 Antananarivo-Andasibe

After a city tour, we drive to Adasibe for our three nights stay. Vakona Forest Lodge is designed in line with local Malagasy architecture. The bungalows/rooms offer the traveller the desired comfort of en-suite bathrooms and verandas looking out into the forest of Andasibe National Park. Warmed by the central fireplace the dining room offers views outside whilst keeping warm or alternatively one can relax on the veranda that overlooks the lake.

At nightfall, set out for a nocturnal visit at Mitsinjo reserve

July 21 Andasibe

Today we visit Andasibe nature reserve where we may see birds, lemurs such as the Indri indri, Bamboo lemurs, Common brown lemurs and Red-bellied lemurs in the humid tropical forest. In the afternoon we will visit the Vakona lemur island where we will see additional species of lemurs.

Birds likely to be seen: White-throated rail, Madagascar spine tailed swift, Short-legged ground roller, White-headed vanga, Madagascar blue vanga, Tylas, Madagascar kestrel, Madagascar turtle dove, Blue coua, Collared nightjar, Madagascar kingfisher, Madagascar bee-eater, Madagascar wagtail, Long-billed tetraka, Madagascar paradise flycatcher.

July 22 Andasibe-Akanin’ny nofy

This day will begin with a drive to Manambato village where we embark onto boat to go to the Peninsula: Akanin’ny nofy. After check-in, visit of Palmarium reserve to spot some lemurs such as the Black and White ruffed lemurs as well as the sifaka.

At nightfall, we will have a boat excursion to spot the Aye Aye lemurs.

Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar Bulbul, Crested Coucals, Madagascar Green Sunbirds, Madagascar Kingfishers.

July 23 Palmarium Reserve

Today will be spent photographing in the Palmarium reserve to spot some lemurs such as the Black and White ruffed lemurs and the sifaka.

At nightfall, we will have another boat excursion to spot the Aye Aye lemurs.

Birds likely to be seen: Madagascar Bulbul, Crested Coucals, Madagascar Green Sunbirds, Madagascar Kingfishers.

July 24 Akanin’ny nofy-Tamatave-Antananarivo

This morning we have a 3 hour long journey on the Pangalanes canal to get to Tamatave. Then transfer directly to the airport for the flight back to Antananarivo.

Overnight in Antananarivo.

July 25 Antananarivo-Fort Dauphin-Berenty

This morning we will have a very early transfer to Antananarivo airport for the flight to Fort Dauphin. The city is dominated by splendid mountain chain, the chain of Anosy and the Peak St. Louis, on the north side of the city, which offers a unique and unspoiled view of the area. On the north, east and south the bright azure colors of the Indian Ocean take over the magnificent view.

We will be collected at the airport and then drive directly to Berenty. We will see a variety of endemic plants such as the Alluaudia, Pitcher plants, Spiny forests, Sisal plantations, Baobabs and typical villages during the drive to Berenty. We can stop to photograph along the way.

July 26 Berenty Reserve

Full day visit of Berenty reserve. Berenty reserve is a small private reserve set in the semi-arid Spiny Forest of the middle of what used to be Spiny Forest, but is now largely a sea of sisal fields. The reserve was created 70 years ago by the de Heaulme family as a private park to protect 250 hectares encompassing Spiny Forest and dry Tamarind gallery woodland along the Mandrare river. The reserve is home to six species of lemur and the south’s largest colony of Madagascar fruit bats. The easiness to observe sauntering Ring-tailed lemurs and ‘dancing’ Verreaux sifakas has turned this small protected area into one of the prime Madagascar’s primary destination.

July 27 Berenty-Fort Dauphin

Another half day visit of Berenty reserve, then we return to Fort dauphin.

July 28 Fort Dauphin-Antananarivo

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Antananarivo. Afternoon visit of Tsarasaotra park. The park is a classified RAMSAR site (International Convention on Wetlands) and is the smallest and only private site classified to date.

Birds likely to be seen:  Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Blackcrowned Night Heron, Dimorphic Egret, Red-billed Teal, White-faced whistling Duck, Knob-billed duck, Madagascar Kingfisher, Madagascar bee-eater, Madagascar cisticola,  & Madagascar swamp Warbler, Stripe throated jery, Madagascar crested drongo, Nelicourvi weaver, Madagascar red fody.

July 29

Transfer to the airport for international flights home.

End of tour

Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

Closest Airports:

Ivato International Airport located in Antananarivo, Madagascar