Madagascar is unlike anywhere else on Earth, and its birds are some of the most sought-after in the world. This island nation is home to around 110 endemics out of over 310 recorded bird species. Over 15 days, our small group travels with an experienced local guide, timed for the best season to find the island’s endemics. We start in the rainforests of Andasibe, then head south to the spiny forest and the coast at Nosy Ve. From there we climb through the highlands to Ranomafana, with time to enjoy the landscapes, lodges and local people along the way.

Private departures can also be arranged.

Target Bird Species

Pitta-like Ground-roller • Rufous-headed Ground-roller • Scaly Ground-roller • Brown Mesite • Subdesert Mesite • Long-tailed Ground-roller • Giant Coua • Running Coua • Sickle-billed Vanga • Lafresnaye’s Vanga • Pollen’s Vanga • Madagascar Sandgrouse • Madagascar Plover • Littoral Rock Thrush • Benson’s Rock Thrush • Cryptic Warbler • Velvet Asity • Nuthatch Vanga • Benson’s (Forest) Rock Thrush • Appert’s Tetraka • Coquerel’s Coua • Rainforest Scops Owl • White-browed Scops Owl • Madagascan Wood Rail

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive on your international flight at night and transfer to the nearest hotel.
Day 2	Early drive to Andasibe National Park, with birding on arrival.
Day 3	Full day birding at the Analamazaotra site.
Day 4	Full day birding at Mantadia.
Day 5	Full day birding at Maromizaha.
Day 6	Morning birding, lunch, then the drive back to Antananarivo.
Day 7	Fly to Tulear and continue to Mangily, birding the spiny forest area.
Day 8	Full day birding in the spiny forest and surrounds.
Day 9	Drive to Tulear, then a boat trip to Nosy Ve, with birding for Littoral Rock Thrush.
Day 10	Short session at Andatabo, then Mahaboboka for sandgrouse, continuing to Sakaraha.
Day 11	Early birding, then Ranohira for Benson’s Rock Thrush before driving to Ambalavao.
Day 12	Drive to Ranomafana National Park and start birding the forest on arrival.
Day 13	Full day birding in Ranomafana National Park.
Day 14	Morning birding, lunch or picnic, then the drive to Antsirabe.
Day 15	Drive to Antananarivo with a short visit to Alarobia lake before your international flight.

Included

• Karoo Birding Safaris tour leader
• Ground transport in four-wheel-drive vehicles with a local English-speaking guide
• Fuel and running costs
• Private speedboat (Tulear to Anakao and Nosy Ve)
• Domestic flight: Antananarivo to Tulear
• Accommodation in bungalows, rooms, gites or camping places
• Full board: breakfast, lunch or picnic, and dinner
• Park entrance tickets and local guides
• Mineral water: 2 bottles per person per day

Not included

• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• International flights
• Travel insurance