Madagascar Birding Adventure
Step into the Extraordinary as you Arrive in Enchanting Madagascar, a Captivating Tapestry of Unparalleled Beauty!
Prepare to embark on a truly remarkable birding expedition in one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations. The moment you land at the Ivato International Airport, located just 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Antananarivo, the captivating capital of Madagascar, you'll be greeted by an atmosphere brimming with excitement.
Our dedicated Nature Travel guide eagerly awaits your arrival, ready to extend a warm welcome and assist you with effortless luggage transfer. Together, we'll embark on an unforgettable journey, venturing towards our comfortable city hotel in our air-conditioned vehicle. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of this extraordinary country, where every moment promises to be truly unforgettable.
As the morning sun casts its gentle rays upon the horizon, we'll gather at the hotel for a delightful breakfast, preparing to embark on a thrilling day of birding. Our first stop is none other than the magnificent Tsarasaotra Wetland, a true gem nestled in the heart of the city, cherished by Nature Travel Birding.
This enchanting RAMSAR site, known as Lake Alarobia, unfolds a mesmerizing tapestry of avian wonders. Here, amidst the serene waters, we'll encounter a plethora of captivating species. From the elegant Malagasy Pond and Squacco Heron to the elusive Black Heron, the White-faced Whistling Duck, and the striking Dimorphic and Western Cattle Egret, this haven of biodiversity promises an extraordinary experience. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant Red-billed and Hottentot Teal, the graceful Madagascan Grebe, and the elusive Malagasy Kingfisher. Keep your eyes peeled for the Malagasy White-eye, the elusive Malagasy Brush Warbler, and the charming Madagascan Mannikin, among other charming warblers, ducks, teals, and herons. And who knows, luck may be on our side as we might even catch sight of elusive species like Meller's Duck or Humblot's Heron. With over 3,000 different bird species gracing this sanctuary, the possibilities are endless!
After approximately 2 hours of immersing ourselves in this avian wonderland, we'll embark on a scenic drive to the airport, where an internal flight awaits us. Our journey takes us southward, to the charming town of Toliara, unveiling even more breathtaking birding opportunities along the way. Get ready to uncover the true essence of Madagascar's avian paradise on this exhilarating expedition.
Upon arrival at the airport we will transfer to our hotel, settle in and enjoy lunch. At all the hotels and lodges during our stay on the island we will almost certainly see species like Red Fody, Mascarene Martin, Malagasy Bulbul, Madagascan Magpie-robin, Madagascan Wagtail and unfortunately also the invasive Common Myna.
In the afternoon we will visit the nearby Antsokay Arboretum. Established in 1980 at the initiative of the Swiss amateur botanist Petignat Hermann, this botanical garden (in the middle of an area of natural spiny forest) covers an area of 52 hectares, with more than 920 plant species (90% of them endemic to the island), lemurs, reptiles, birds and chameleons. There is an interpretation centre, a small museum, a display of musical instruments and local crafts, a shop and a restaurant.
About 40 species of birds have been recorded here and we will be looking for specials like Malagasy Bulbul, Stripe-throated Jery, Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, Malagasy Turtle Dove, Crested Drongo, Madagascan Magpie-robin, Subdesert Brush Warbler, Olive Bee-eater, Malagasy Coucal, Madagascan Lark, Madagascan Cisticola, Madagascan Buttonquail and even Madagascan Nightjar. We will also hopefully tick our first couas (members of the cuckoo family but sometimes resembling coucals in their behaviour) in the form of Red-capped and Running Coua. We might also see the green-headed subspecies (olivaceiceps) of the Red-capped Coua. Our first of the vangas (shrike-like, medium-sized birds in their own family) could be Chabert’s Vanga. What a great start to our tour!
Indulge in a Delightful Morning Ritual as We Begin Our Day with a Scrumptious Breakfast at Our Charming Accommodation.
Fueling our senses with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a delectable breakfast spread, we embark on an exhilarating adventure to uncover the hidden treasures of Madagascar's avian realm. Our first destination takes us to a special spot known for its frequent sightings of the elusive Madagascan Sandgrouse.
Afterwards, we will visit Andatabo Forest, a secondary, semi-degraded forest site, also called La Table by some locals. The vegetation in this highly endangered spiny desert zone is characterised by species that are highly adapted to the arid climate and is characterised by succulent plants such as Aloe, Euphorbia, Delonix and Didierea, and also a few small baobabs. Here we will search for Verreaux’s Coua, Red-shouldered Vanga, Thamnornis and possibly Lafresnaye’s Vanga. Other species we could see include Running Coua, Olive Bee-eater, Subdesert Brush Warbler, Stripe-throated Jery, Common Newtonia, Souimanga Sunbird, Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, Sakalava Weaver, Namaqua Dove and Madagascan Magpie-robin.
Following our morning adventure, we'll treat ourselves to a delightful lunch at a charming local spot, immersing ourselves in the authentic flavors of Madagascar.
As we continue our journey, we'll set our compass northwards, tracing the picturesque coastline towards the idyllic destination of Ifaty. Along the way, we'll make strategic stops for birding, ensuring that every moment is filled with captivating discoveries.
Ifaty, once a humble fishing village, has now blossomed into a vibrant haven for beach-loving tourists, enticed by its golden sands and inviting surf. Nestled amidst this coastal paradise, we'll find ourselves surrounded by a remarkable fusion of natural beauty and the rhythmic melodies of avian life.
Some of the more common species we will see as we drive along include Crested Drongo, Madagascan Cisticola, Madagascan Buzzard and Yellow-billed Kite. One of the stops we always make is at a set of roadside ponds and rice paddies where we will look for Greater Flamingo, Dimorphic Egret, Hamerkop, Black-winged Stilt, Western Cattle Egret, Hottentot Teal, African Pygmy Goose, Little Grebe, Madagascan, Three-banded, White-fronted and Kittlitz’s Plover, White-throated Rail, Baillon’s Crake, Greater Painted-snipe, Common Moorhen, Ruddy Turnstone and Common Greenshank.
We will spend the afternoon birding in the famous, otherworldly Mangily spiny forest, also called the Reniala forest private reserve. It is a 60 hectare protected area to the north of Ifaty. Reniala is the malagasy name for baobab; “reny” means mother and “ala” means forest. Reniala thus means “mother of the forest” due to the height and shape of the baobabs dwarfing the other trees in the forest. Apart from some very impressive baobabs (including one that is 1,200 years old), the reserve hosts more than 2,000 plant species, 95% of which are endemic to this rare habitat, including a whole plant family, the alien-like Octopus Tree.
Here we will also look for amazing birds like Running and Red-capped Coua, Red-tailed and Blue Vanga, Thamnornis and Archbold’s Newtonia. However, our two top targets here are Long-tailed Ground Roller and Subdesert Mesite. The ground rollers are a small family of near-passerines with the crow-like size and build of the true rollers, and are actually related to the order that contains kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. The mesites are a family of birds that are part of a clade that contains pigeons, doves and sandgrouse, but some authorities argue they should form an order of their own. The reserve also holds several lemur species and rare endemic reptiles, including two Critically Endangered spider tortoise species.
Once we finish our early morning meal, we'll check out of the hotel and express our gratitude to the amazing hotel staff.
Our next destination is Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, characterized by its arid, deciduous forest and succulent plant life. This park, which obtained full national park status in 2002, serves as a transitional zone between the spiny thicket and dry deciduous woodland ecoregions. It encompasses the forests of Zombitse, Vohibasia, and Isoky-Vohimena, though they are not contiguous. Within the park, you'll find diverse landscapes including forests, woodlands, open grasslands, and some small wetland areas. The terrain is predominantly flat, featuring sandy soils and an average canopy height of 15 meters.
Importantly for us, almost 100 bird species have been recorded in the 363.08 km2 (140.19 sq mi) park, including 38 endemics, and so the park easily qualifies as an Important Bird Area.
Here our main targets are the Vulnerable (on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) Appert’s Tetraka, the distinctive and utterly unique Cuckoo Roller, Rufous Vanga and Giant, Crested and Coquerel’s Coua, Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Spinetail and many more. We might also see White-browed Owl roosting.
Zombitse is also home to over 20 special species of Endangered mammals, including the very localised Hubbard’s Sportive Lemur, Ring-tailed and Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Verreaux’s Sifaka, Coquerel’s Giant Mouse Lemur, Grey mouse-lemur, Lesser Dwarf Lemur, Pale Fork-marked Lemur, Nasolo’s Shrew Tenrec and more.
Reptiles that we could see here include Standing’s Day Gecko, Dumeril’s Boa and Oustalet’s Chameleon. Furthermore Zombitse is home to 40 species of ants, the bizarre Madagascan Flatid Leaf-bug, about 300 plant species, 8 species of amphibians and more.
We will enjoy a packed picnic lunch and then continue to Isalo National Park, about 90 minutes away to the northeast. We might be lucky and see Madagascan Partridge, Madagascan Sandgrouse and Malagasy Harrier on the way.
At dawn, we'll grab a swift coffee and head back to the renowned and peculiar Reniala spiny forest. This unique habitat houses magnificent birds such as the Long-tailed Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite, Running and Red-capped Coua, Sickle-billed, Lafresnaye's, White-headed, Hook-billed, and Red-tailed Vanga, Common and Archbold's Newtonia, Madagascan Lark, Greater and Lesser Vasa Parrot, Grey-headed Lovebird, and Subdesert Brush Warbler.
We will spend the hot part of the day relaxing back at the hotel and head back to the spiny forest where we will bird for the rest of the afternoon looking for better photo opportunities of birds we have seen before and also look for more species like Banded Kestrel, Madagascan Nightjar, Madagascan Sparrowhawk and other species we might have missed this morning.
The forest also boasts two amazing species of baobabs that make for spectacular photographs, so make sure your cameras are charged and ready!
The forest furthermore hosts interesting species of mammals, reptiles and insects like White-footed Sportive Lemur, Grey Mouse-lemur, Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, Panther and Bark Gecko, Malagasy Cat-eyed Snake, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach along with many chameleons and other interesting critters.
In the late afternoon, a brief stroll on the beach could reveal Ruddy Turnstone, Madagascan Plover, Greater Crested, Lesser Crested, and Caspian Tern, as well as Whimbrel and Curlew Sandpiper.
Afterwards, we'll gather for dinner and update our expanding lists of sightings. Then it's off to bed for a restful night's sleep.
When birding at Isalo National Park in Madagascar, you can expect to encounter a diverse array of avian species within the park's unique and stunning landscapes. Some of the bird species you may come across include:
Benson's Rock Thrush: A striking bird with vibrant blue plumage found in rocky areas.
Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher: Known for its long tail feathers and beautiful white plumage.
Rufous Vanga: A medium-sized bird with reddish-brown plumage and a distinctive curved bill.
Nelicourvi Weaver: A weaver bird species with bright yellow plumage and a black face mask.
Madagascar Lark: A ground-dwelling bird with brown plumage, known for its melodious song.
Madagascar Bee-eater: A colorful bird with green, blue, and yellow plumage, often seen perched on branches.
Madagascar Buttonquail: A small, secretive bird with a mottled brown appearance, usually found in grassy areas.
Madagascar Cisticola: A small bird with brown plumage and a distinctive song, commonly found in grasslands.
Benson's Brush Warbler: A small bird with brownish plumage and a short, curved bill, often seen in shrubby areas.
Madagascar Hoopoe: A striking bird with a long, thin bill, black and white plumage, and a distinctive crest.
Keep in mind that Isalo National Park is not primarily known as a birding destination, but rather for its unique geological formations, canyons, and diverse wildlife. However, birders can still enjoy the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species in this remarkable natural setting.
Today, we'll kickstart our day with a hotel breakfast and then get ready to check out and pack up our belongings.
Our journey ahead involves a long but picturesque drive. We'll bid farewell to Isalo and head northeast, passing through the Ihorombe plateau. Along this route, we'll have an opportunity to spot some rare bird species such as the Malagasy Harrier, Madagascan Buzzard, and Madagascan Partridge.
The highlight of our day is a visit to the Anja Community Reserve. This protected area spans 30 hectares and is dotted with large boulders. It was established in 2001 with support from the United Nations and has become a popular rest stop for travelers journeying between Antananarivo and the southern part of Madagascar.
We expect to reach Anja before our lunch break, allowing us ample time to explore and enjoy the reserve's natural beauty.
The main attraction in the park is the 300 or so Ring-tailed Lemurs that live here, and that are very used to visitors. Anja holds the highest concentration of these animals on the entire island, and you are guaranteed some awesome photos of them, especially as they pose on the impressive rock formations.
There are also some interesting insects and reptiles, including Madagascar Girdled Lizard, Barbour’s Day Gecko, Madagascar Iguana and several colourful chameleons. On our two hour walk here we could also see Grey-headed Lovebird and Madagascan Hoopoe, and nearby wetland has given us Malagasy Pond Heron in the past.
After lunch, we'll head northeast and pass the university city of Fianarantsoa. We'll go down a long, winding road to Ranomafana National Park, where we'll stay for the next 3 nights. Our lodge is right by the famous park.
In the late afternoon, we'll reach our fantastic lodge. If there's time, we can take a guided night walk before dinner. During the night walk, we might see the Endangered Golden-brown Mouse-lemur and up to 5 species of chameleons.
Afterward, we'll have dinner together and relax before going to bed for a good night's sleep.
This morning, we'll kick-start our day with a delicious breakfast and a cup of high-quality coffee at the lodge.
During the upcoming days, we'll have the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of Ranomafana. This stunning park is beloved by both tourists and locals due to its delightful weather, numerous waterfalls, abundant lemurs, and a remarkable array of other plant and animal species.
Ranomafana (meaning “hot water” in Malagasy) is undoubtedly one of Madagascar’s best birding and general wildlife destinations. This beautiful and important national park was created in 1991 with the discovery of the Golden Bamboo Lemur in the area 5 years earlier by American scientist Dr Patricia Wright.
The 41,600 hectares (161 sq mi) of tropical rainforest in the park is home to several rare species of other fauna and flora too, including an incredible 130 species of frogs, 62 species of reptiles, 90 butterfly species and 350 different spider species.
We will decide each day which forest areas to explore, depending on which species we still need to connect with. We will return to our lodge for lunch each day and then go birding in the afternoons again.
The park expands over mountainous terrain that is totally covered by dense moist primary and secondary forest area at altitudes between 800m and 1,200 metres (2,600 to 4,000 feet) above sea level. In addition to its densely forested hills, the park is characterised by numerous small streams, which plummet down to the beautiful Namorona River, which bisects the park and produces electricity for the surrounding areas at the hydroelectric power station of Ranomafana. The average annual rainfall in the park and surrounds is 2,600 mm.
There are 5 different trails to explore in this marvellous Park. On one of the mornings, we will definitely make our way to the Sahamalaotra forest. On another day we might explore Talatakely forest or the Varibolomena trail.
The species diversity here is much higher than we have experienced so far on the tour, so be ready for some action! There are at least 115 species of birds recorded for Ranomafana, and 30 are endemic to this part of Madagascar. In all, an incredible 77% of bird species present at Ranomafana are endemic! Our main targets at Ranomafana include Yellow-bellied and Common Sunbird-Asity, Brown Mesite, Pollen’s Vanga, Rufous-headed and Scaly Ground Roller, Red-fronted Coua, Madagascan Ibis, Forest Rock Thrush, Madagascan Yellowbrow, Brown Emutail, Velvet Asity and with a lot of luck, Slender-billed Flufftail.
After an exhilarating day exploring Ranomafana, we'll head back to the lodge to freshen up. We'll gather together to share our experiences and update our lists. As we enjoy a delicious dinner, we might start discussing our next dream destination, somewhere on this vast planet, for our bucket list adventures.
Once more, we'll begin our day by savoring a cup of coffee and a satisfying breakfast at the lodge before embarking into the park. We'll later return to the lodge for a delightful lunch and a brief rest before venturing back into the park for another round of birdwatching and exploration.
Ranomafana is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Rainforests of the Atsinanana”. Adjacent to the park is the state-of-the-art Centre ValBio research station, established in 2003 and managed by New York’s Stony Brook University with a focus on biodiversity research, community health and education, environmental arts and reforestation.
Apart from our target birds we will also look for Henst’s Goshawk, Frances’s Sparrowhawk, Madagascan Buzzard, Malagasy Kestrel, Pitta-like and Short-legged Ground Roller, Pollen’s, Tylas, Red-tailed, Chabert, Blue and Hook-billed Vanga, Greater Vasa Parrot, Olive Bee-eater, Blue Coua, Ward’s Flycatcher, Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Wagtail, Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher, Madagascan Starling, Grey-crowned and Spectacled Tetraka, Madagascan Snipe, Madagascan Swamp Warbler, Dark and Common Newtonia, Souimanga and Malagasy Green Sunbird, Rand’s and Cryptic Warbler, Madagascan Wood Rail, Long-billed Bernieria, Forest Fody, Nelicourvi Weaver, Green and Wedge-tailed Jery, Malagasy White-eye and African Palm Swift among many others.
We will also look to add some special species of mammals to our list; this could include Golden Bamboo Lemur, Red-fronted Brown Lemur, Aye-aye, Greater Bamboo Lemur, Peyrieras’ Woolly Lemur, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Milne-Edward’s Sifaka, Greater and Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur, Ring-tailed Mongoose, Red Forest Rat, tenrecs, bats and many others.
Retiles are also well represented here, and we could see species like Southern Flat-tail Gecko, Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko, Brown Leaf, Nose-horned, Blue-legged and O’shaughnessy’s Chameleon and many others. Amphibians are also plentiful and we could see something like White-lipped Bright-eyed Frog or the beautiful Madagascar Golden Frog. On the inset front we could see the impressive Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth and many others. Many new species of invertebrates are still being discovered in Ranomafana, so take photos of everything; you could have your name put to a new insect or bug someday!
After yet another incredible day, we'll gather at the lodge for a delectable dinner, where we'll have the chance to unwind and engage in delightful conversations well into the evening. The cozy atmosphere will create the perfect backdrop for socializing and creating lasting memories. Finally, when the time comes, we'll retire to our cozy rooms for a well-deserved night's rest, ensuring we wake up refreshed and ready for more adventures.
This morning after breakfast we will choose one more forest trail in Ranomafana, depending on the target birds that we have missed. On a previous trip we had great views of two top birds, Brown Mesite and Pitta-like Ground Roller, on this short walk on the final morning in this amazing park.
Following that, we'll complete the check-out process and express our gratitude to the exceptional lodge staff. Our journey will then take us northward towards the charming town of Ambositra, where we'll have the pleasure of indulging in a delightful lunch at one of the local restaurants. Ambositra holds a significant position as the hub of the country's renowned wood-carving industry. As we explore the town, we'll encounter a multitude of shops and vendors displaying an array of wooden boxes, intricate carvings, exquisite chessboards, and various other captivating wooden crafts.
We then continue towards the town of Antsirabe (approximately another 3 hours away) in the central highlands of the island, where we will have dinner and spend the night. On the way we will scan for Yellow-billed Kite, Malagasy Kestrel and Madagascan Buzzard. At one of the river crossings we could add Striated and Squacco Heron, Western Cattle Egret and Madagascan Wagtail.
Antsirabe, the third-largest city in Madagascar, holds its reputation for several distinguishing features. It stands out with its pleasantly cool climate, numerous hot springs scattered throughout the area, a thriving industry encompassing beverages, textiles, and grain, and the bustling presence of pulled rickshaws adorning the streets.
As the day draws to a close, we'll come together to relish a delightful dinner and take the opportunity to update our trip lists, eagerly sharing our achievements in spotting new families and species along the journey. With contented hearts, we'll then retreat to our beds for a restful night's sleep, preparing ourselves for the exciting final park awaiting us on the upcoming day.
After enjoying an early breakfast at the hotel, we'll proceed to check out and eagerly hop into our awaiting vehicle, ready for the next leg of our journey.
Our path will lead us on a captivating and lengthy drive to Andasibe, located in the northeast, which will take us approximately five to six hours to reach. Throughout this scenic journey, we'll traverse the magnificent Highland Plateau, immersing ourselves in its breathtaking landscapes, en route we will look for Hamerkop, Yellow-billed Kite, Brown-throated Martin and Madagascan Cisticola. We will make a few stops along the way to bird, to stretch our legs as well as a longer stop for lunch somewhere in a good local restaurant.
We are heading for our final reserve of this trip: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. It is a 155 km2 protected forest area, located about 150 km east of Antananarivo. The park’s elevation ranges from 800 to 1,260 metres (2,600 to 4,100 feet) above sea level. The rainforest habitat is home to a vast number of biodiverse species of fauna and flora, including many endemic rare and endangered species, including an incredible 14 different lemur species.
We will arrive at our beautiful lodge late in the afternoon or early evening. The lodge is situated in beautiful gardens, surrounded by forest.
We will freshen up and have some dinner as we chat about our highlights of the trip so far.
Tonight before dinner we will do a guided walk in the nearby local community Park. Here our main targets will be Red-breasted and Crested Coua, Collared Nightjar, White-browed and Madagascan Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, Goodman’s Mouse Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemur, chameleons, tree frogs and even Aye-aye. Afterwards we will be off to our rooms for a good night’s sleep. There is much to see tomorrow!
Today, we have a whole day to discover the wonders of Andasibe-Mantadia. We'll begin with a satisfying breakfast at the lodge before embarking on our adventure in the park. As we explore, we can choose between having a delightful picnic lunch in a picturesque spot within the park or returning to the lodge for lunch and some relaxing downtime. We'll have a discussion about our lunch plans before we begin our exciting excursion for the day.
The park, created in 1989, has two components, namely the northern Mantadia National Park and Analamazoatra Reserve in the south next to Andasibe village, popularly known by the old French name of the nearby town and railway station, Périnet. Due to its proximity to the capital and the good road conditions all year round almost all visitors to the island will at some point visit Andasibe-Mantadia, and with good reason; there is much to see here!
Andasibe-Mantadia contains dense humid forest covered with lichen, ferns and moss. It is a wet place; average annual precipitation is 1,700 mm, with rainfall on 210 days of each year! More than a hundred orchids species bloom here between September and January. Other common plants growing here are pandanus, ravinala palm tree, tambourissa, bamboos and some precious wood trees, like palisander and ebano.
Some truly amazing bird species can be seen here in the park. The bird list is at well over 100 species and we will look for specials such as the gorgeous Red-breasted Coua, Scaly, Rufous-headed and Short-legged Ground Roller, the secretive Madagascan Ibis, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Crossley’s Vanga, Common and Dark Newtonia, Wedge-tailed, Green, Stripe-throated and Common Jery, Cryptic Warbler and Forest Fody. We will also scan across a small forest pond that often holds a pair of Meller’s Duck and Madagascan Grebe.
After an exhilarating day exploring the park, we'll head back to the lodge for a satisfying dinner. Following our meal, we'll embark on another captivating night walk to seek out fascinating fauna species, such as the Lowland Streaked Tenrec, Madagascan Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl, Collared Nightjar, and various geckos. Finally, we'll settle in for a restful night's sleep, recharging ourselves for the adventures that await us tomorrow.
We have another splendid day ahead of us in this exceptional park. Once again, we'll commence the day with a delightful breakfast. We'll have the option to either enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the park's natural beauty or return to the lodge for a satisfying lunch, followed by an engaging birding activity in the afternoon.
Our decision regarding which area of the park to explore will be guided by the remaining bird and mammal species on our trip lists. For example, in the morning, we might venture into the hilly, untamed expanse of the northern (Mantadia) region, with its dense forests. After a fulfilling lunch, we can proceed to the flatter, southern area of Andasibe (or Perinet) for further exploration and sightings.
Apart from the top birds already mentioned, Andasibe-Mantadia is best known for its population of Madagascar’s largest lemur, the Indri, with its distinctive and peculiar call that echoes through the forest in the mornings. The park is by far the best place to observe these animals given that there are a couple of families habituated to humans. It lives in small groups and cannot survive in captivity. There are several legends trying to explain its origins since it is considered a sacred animal in all of Madagascar. Nowadays it is unfortunately endangered due to deforestation and agricultural activities next to the reserves. We will definitely find a family and enjoy their antics for a while; cameras at the ready!
In addition to the remarkable Indri, these forests are home to a diverse array of 13 other lemur species, including the Eastern Woolly Lemur, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Diademed Sifaka, Red-bellied Lemur, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, and many others.
After another remarkable day filled with birding and observing wildlife, we'll make our way back to the lodge to unwind. We'll take the time to update our lists and relish in an authentic Malagasy dinner. Finally, we'll retreat to our beds for a peaceful night's sleep, recharging our energy for the adventures that await us.
Today marks our last full day in the captivating Andasibe-Mantadia region. We'll continue our familiar routine, starting with a satisfying breakfast at the lodge, followed by a morning expedition into the park. For lunch, we have the option of enjoying it within the park or returning to the lodge, depending on the preferences of the group. In the afternoon, we'll embark on another exciting birding adventure within the park, soaking in the natural beauty and diverse avian species.
The Perinet section is home to some fantastic endemic and range-restricted birds, and we will certainly focus our attention there. On our walks we will try and locate Cuckoo Roller, Pitta-like Ground Roller, Madagascan Flufftail, Madagascan Wood Rail, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Red-fronted and Blue Coua, Velvet Asity, White-headed, Chabert, Blue, Red-tailed, Hook-billed, Nuthatch and Tylas Vanga, Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Spinetail, Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher, Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, Madagascan Cuckooshrike, Ward’s Flycatcher, Madagascan Starling, Long-billed Bernieria, Spectacled Tetraka, White-throated Oxylabes, Nelicourvi Weaver and Souimanga Sunbird.
Apart from the wonderful mammals and birds the park also boasts 50 species of reptiles, among them the biggest chameleon in the world (Parson’s Chameleon), the Malagasy Tree Boa, Henkel’s Leaf-tailed Gecko and more than 80 amphibians, such as the spectacular Madagascar Golden Frog. There are also a few local endemic fishes swimming in the small rivers and hundreds of insects, among them some extraordinary colourful and big butterflies, as well as the Giraffe Weevil, a tiny red and black insect named for its unusually long neck.
Following our splendid day in the park, we'll make our way back to the lodge to rejuvenate ourselves. Later, we'll gather together for our farewell dinner, a special occasion as part of our Madagascar birding tour. As we sit down for the meal, we'll engage in lively conversations, reminiscing about the remarkable sightings, the shared laughter, the incredible photographs, and the lifelong friendships we've forged along this unforgettable journey.
To With a touch of bittersweetness, we'll embark on a transfer that will whisk us away to Antananarivo, located approximately four hours to the west. Alas, our extraordinary Madagascar birding tour must draw to a close. At the airport, you'll have the opportunity to arrange your own dinner and overnight accommodation (if your flight departs the following day).
As we bid farewell to one another, we'll exchange warm wishes and heartfelt goodbyes, each of us continuing on our own unique onward journeys or homeward flights. Let us hold onto the hope of reuniting in the not-too-distant future. Until we meet again, may our paths cross once more, filled with more awe-inspiring adventures and unforgettable memories.
