Lemur and Birding

Description

15-Day Lemur and Birding Tour in Madagascar

Overview This 15-day tour is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, focusing on the unique lemurs and endemic bird species of Madagascar. The itinerary covers various habitats across the island, providing opportunities to observe a wide range of flora and fauna.

Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo

• Arrive at Ivato International Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel for check-in and orientation.
• Evening briefing about the tour.

Day 2: Antananarivo to Ankarafantsika National Park

• Morning flight to Mahajanga.
• Drive to Ankarafantsika National Park.
• Afternoon birding at Ampijoroa, focusing on endemic birds like the White-faced Whistling-Duck and various Vanga species.

Day 3: Ankarafantsika National Park

• Full day of birdwatching and exploring the park’s dry deciduous forest.
• Target species include Meller’s Duck, Madagascar Fish Eagle, and several ground rollers.
• Night walk to spot nocturnal species.

Day 4: Ankarafantsika to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

• Travel back to Antananarivo and then drive eastwards to Andasibe.
• Visit Analamazaotra Reserve for evening birdwatching.

Day 5: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

• Early morning birding in Analamazaotra Reserve, searching for the Indri lemur and other avian species such as the Madagascar Blue Pigeon and Nuthatch Vanga.
• Afternoon visit to Mantadia National Park for more birdwatching opportunities.

Day 6: Maromizaha Reserve

• Day trip to Maromizaha Reserve, a community-managed forest with rich biodiversity.
• Focus on spotting Helmeted Vanga and other endemic birds.

Day 7: Andasibe to Ifaty

• Travel south towards Ifaty, stopping at various birding spots along the way.
• Evening arrival in Ifaty; relax at your accommodation.

Day 8: Ifaty – Spiny Forest Exploration

• Full day exploring the spiny forests around Ifaty.
• Target rare species like Long-tailed Ground Roller and Sub-desert Mesite.

Day 9: Ifaty to Tsimanapetsotsa National Park

• Drive south to Tsimanapetsotsa National Park.
• Birdwatching around Tsimanapetsotsa Lake, looking for Flamingos and Sandgrouse.

Day 10: Tsimanapetsotsa National Park

• Another full day of exploration within Tsimanapetsotsa NP focusing on its unique ecosystems.

Day 11: Tsimanapetsotsa to Masoala Peninsula

• Travel back north towards Maroantsetra; fly or take a boat transfer to Masoala Peninsula.

Day 12: Masoala Peninsula – Birdwatching & Lemurs

• Explore Masoala’s rainforest ecosystem; focus on spotting Helmeted Vanga among other rare birds.

Day 13: Masoala Peninsula – Marine Reserve Exploration

• Spend time around Tampolo Marine Reserve; look for coastal birds while enjoying marine life observations.

Day 14: Return to Antananarivo via Maroantsetra

• Fly back from Maroantsetra to Antananarivo.

Day 15: Departure from Antananarivo

• Last-minute birdwatching at Tsarasaotra Lake if time allows before transferring to Ivato International Airport for departure.