Madagascar Bird Circuit – day to day program

Day 1: Ivato airport – Antananarivo city – Hotel (20 km – 1 hour drive)

Arrival at Ivato International Airport. You will be warmly welcomed by the Jean Be Tour team for a personalized meet and greet service.

After clearing customs and immigration, your guide will assist you with the rest of the arrival process – including currency exchange, setting up a local SIM card, and attending to any immediate needs. You will then be transferred directly to your hotel in town for check-in and rest.

Overnight at Chalet des Roses hotel, standard room.

Day 2: Antananarivo – Mahevatanana – Ankarafantsika – Night walk – Ankarafantsika – Hotel (320 km – 10 hours drive)

We begin our journey by heading northwest along National Road 4, toward the island’s northwest coast. Along the way, we take in the varied and expansive landscapes of the Tampoketsa plateaus, known for their striking beauty and open vistas.
A short stop in Maevatanana—the warmest region of Madagascar and renowned for its gold mining activity—offers a glimpse into the lives of local gold diggers and the region’s economic heritage. After lunch, we continue on to Ankarafantsika, where we settle into our hotel.

As evening falls, we embark on a night walk to search for small mammals, reptiles, and nocturnal birds, taking advantage of the park’s rich and diverse nighttime wildlife.

Overnight at Gite d’Ankarafantsika hotel, standard bungalow.

Day 3: Ankarafantsika National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the dense deciduous forest of the park, a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity. During our walk, we may encounter several rare and endemic species, including the striking Van Dam’s Vanga, the elusive Schlegel’s Asity, and the majestic Madagascar Fish Eagle.

Overnight at Gite d’Ankarafantsika hotel, standard bungalow (3 nights).

Checklist of Birds in Ankarafantsika National Park

1. Schlegel’s Asity (Philepitta schlegeli) – Endemic; forest-dwelling asity with striking facial wattles
2. White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegata) – Endemic & vulnerable; shy, terrestrial forest bird
3. Rufous Vanga (Schetba rufa) – Endemic; rufous-plumaged vanga of humid forests
4. Van Dam’s Vanga (Xenopirostris damii) – Endemic & endangered; rare, localized dry forest species
5. Sickle-billed Vanga (Falculea palliata) – Endemic; social and noisy vanga with distinctive curved bill
6. Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) – Endemic & vulnerable; red-faced ibis of rainforest
7. Madagascar Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) – Endemic & critically endangered; found near large inland lakes
8. Coquerel’s Coua (Coua coquereli) – Endemic; ground-dwelling coua of western dry forests
9. Hook-billed Vanga (Vanga curvirostris) – Endemic; powerful-billed forest vanga

Day 4: Ankarafantsika National Park

12. Blue Vanga (Cyanolanius madagascarinus) – Endemic
13. Madagascar Green Pigeon (Treron australis) – Endemic
14. Long-billed Tetraka (Bernieria apperti) – Critically endangered; extremely elusive
15. Crested Coua (Coua cristata) – Endemic cuckoo with a blue facial patch and crest
16. Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) – Widespread in Africa and Madagascar; striking in flight
17. Mascarene Martin (Phedina borbonica) – Migrant breeder in Madagascar; from Mascarene Islands
18. Madagascar Buzzard (Buteo brachypterus) – Endemic raptor; common across forested areas
19. Crested Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus) – Endemic; glossy black bird with forked tail and expressive vocalizations
20. Madagascar Magpie-Robin (Copsychus albospecularis) – Endemic; active insectivore with varied subspecies
21. Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) – Common endemic bulbul; adaptable to various habitats

Day 5: Ankarafantsika National Park

21. Common Newtonia (Newtonia brunneicauda) – Endemic; small and active insectivore
22. Souimanga Sunbird (Cinnyris souimanga) – Endemic; colorful nectar-feeder
23. Madagascar Hoopoe (Upupa marginata) – Endemic subspecies with distinct call and black-tipped crest
24. Madagascar Turtle Dove (Nesoenas picturata) – Common native pigeon species
25. Sakalava Weaver (Ploceus sakalava) – Endemic; colonial nester found in dry forests and scrub
26. Red-capped Coua (Coua ruficeps) – Endemic; terrestrial cuckoo with red crown
27. Madagascar Jacana (Actophilornis albinucha) – Endemic; uncommon wetland specialist
28. Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher (Corythornis madagascariensis) – Endemic; very small, forest-dwelling kingfisher
29. Humblot’s Heron (Ardea humbloti) – Endemic; rare and endangered wetland heron

Day 6: Ankarafantsika – Antananarivo – Hotel (320 km – 10 hours drive)

We depart from Ankarafantsika and begin our drive back to Antananarivo.
Overnight at Chalet des Roses hotel, standard room.

Day 7: Antananarivo – Tsarasaotra reserve – Peyrieras reptiles – Andasibe – Night walk – Andasibe – Hotel (150 Kms – 4 hours drive) – Hotel

In the morning, we visit the private park of Tsarasaotra, a designated RAMSAR site (Wetland of International Importance, especially for waterfowl habitat). This peaceful urban sanctuary serves as a vital nesting and feeding ground for numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Checklist of Birds at the private Park of Tsarasaotra Alarobia:

1. Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) – Regularly roosts and feeds in wetlands
2. Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) – Known for its distinctive ‘umbrella’ feeding posture
3. White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) – Commonly seen in large flocks on open water
4. Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Frequent species, often in large groups
5. Hottentot Teal (Spatula hottentota) – Small dabbling duck of calm waters
6. Comb Duck / Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – Scarce visitor; males show prominent bill knob
7. Madagascar Pond-Heron (Ardeola idae) – Endemic; rare and endangered species
8. Dimorphic Egret (Egretta dimorpha) – Variable plumage; part of local heron colonies
9. Malagasy Kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides) – Small kingfisher of freshwater habitats
10. Meller’s Duck (Anas melleri) – Endemic; critically endangered; occasionally observed
11. Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) – Elusive endemic species; inhabits deep wetlands
12. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Widespread nocturnal heron
13. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) – Ubiquitous; commonly seen near grazing animals
14. Little Egret, Dimorphic Egret, Great Egret – Often seen together in mixed heron colonies
15. Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – Regularly observed in open water and reeds

We depart for Andasibe, with a stop along the way to visit the Peyrieras Reptile Reserve, a private sanctuary known for its impressive collection of chameleons, geckos, frogs, and other endemic reptiles and amphibians. By late afternoon, we arrive at our hotel and settle in.

At around 6:30 PM, we set out on a nocturnal walk in Andasibe, where we have the chance to spot nocturnal lemurs such as the mouse lemur, along with various frogs, insects, and other night-active wildlife. After the walk, we return to the hotel to relax for the evening.

Overnight at Feon,ny Ala hotel, standard lodge bungalow (3 nights).

Day 8: Andasibe – “V.O.I” Reserve – Andasibe – Night walk – Andasibe – Hotel

Checklist of Birds at  at “V.O.I” Reserve at Andasibe

1. Malagasy Green Sunbird (Cinnyris notatus) – Endemic nectar-feeding bird with metallic green sheen
2. Madagascar Barn Owl (Tyto alba affinis) – Endemic subspecies; found in forest edges and villages
3. Madagascar Rail (Rallus madagascariensis) – Secretive, wetland species; endemic and uncommon
4. Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) – Endemic; large-billed forest vanga, striking appearance
5. Crested Coua (Coua cristata) – Endemic cuckoo; blue face patch and head crest
6. Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Endemic; brilliant blue forest bird, canopy dweller
7. Red-capped Coua (Coua ruficeps) – Endemic; ground-dwelling cuckoo with red crown
8. Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) – Endemic; elusive diver, prefers deep freshwater lakes
9. Dimorphic Egret (Egretta dimorpha) – Variable plumage; forages in wetlands and rice paddies
10. Frances’s Sparrowhawk (Accipiter francesiae) – Endemic raptor; agile forest hunter
11. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – Widely distributed; found in marshes and ponds
12. Madagascar Kestrel (Falco newtoni) – Endemic; small and widespread falcon

Day 9: Andasibe – Mantadia national park – Ilot de lodge Vakona – Andasibe – Hotel

Today is dedicated to birdwatching in Mantadia National Park, a lush, mid-altitude evergreen forest that is home to 109 recorded bird species, including several endemic and rare ones.

11. White-throated Rail (Dryolimnas cuvieri) – Endemic; widespread in freshwater habitats
12. Madagascar Forest Flufftail (Sarothrura insularis) – Elusive, ground-dwelling forest rail endemic to Madagascar
13. Madagascar Pratincole (Glareola ocularis) – Endemic; often seen near rivers, lakeshores, and rocky islets
14. Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) – Introduced; common in urban and agricultural areas
15. Madagascar Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas madagascariensis) – Endemic; found in humid forests
16. Madagascar Turtle Dove (Nesoenas picturata) – Also known as Malagasy Turtle Dove
17. Lesser Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis nigra) – One of two endemic Vasa Parrot species in Madagascar
18. Madagascar Coucal (Centropus toulou) – Endemic; skulking cuckoo found in bushy areas
19. Madagascar Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) – Also known as the Lesser Cuckoo; familiar breeding visitor
20. Red-breasted Coua (Coua serriana) – Endemic; forest-dwelling coua with reddish-pink breast
21. Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Large, vivid blue endemic of rainforests
22. Madagascar Scops Owl (Otus rutilus) – Endemic; small and nocturnal forest owl
23. Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) – Nocturnal insectivore with cryptic plumage
24. Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba) – Widespread swift; non-breeding visitor to Madagascar

Day 10: Andasibe – Analamazaotra national park – Andasibe – Hotel

Checklist of birds in Analamazaotra national park

25. African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) – Widespread across Africa and Madagascar; fast-flying and often near palms
26. Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) – Striking aerial feeder; common in open woodland
27. Madagascar Kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides) – Endemic; also called Malagasy Malachite Kingfisher
28. Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher (Corythornis madagascariensis) – Tiny forest-dwelling endemic; shy and brightly colored
29. Madagascar Bee-eater (Merops superciliosus) – Endemic; slender aerial insectivore with green and rufous plumage
30. Pitta-like Ground Roller (Atelornis pittoides) – Endemic; highly sought-after species in eastern rainforests
31. Mascarene Martin (Phedina borbonica) – Small brown martin; often seen over wetlands and rice fields
32. Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) – Common endemic of forest edges and gardens
33. Long-billed Greenbul (Phyllastrephus madagascariensis) – Endemic; noisy greenbul of forest understory
34. Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) – Rare, endemic forest ibis with shaggy crest and chestnut wings
35. Velvet Asity (Philepitta castanea) – Endemic; male has glossy black plumage and bright blue-green facial wattles

Day 11: Andasibe – Antananarivo – Antsirabe – Hotel (300 Km – 10 hours drive)

In the morning, we drive back to Antananarivo city center, then continue our journey southward toward Antsirabe.
Overnight at Flower Hotel, standard room.

Day 12: Antsirabe – Ambositra – Ranomafana – Night walk – Ranomafana – Hotel (260 km – 7 hours drive)

After visiting the highlights around Antsirabe, including a precious stone workshop, the natural hot spring source at the thermal bath, and the scenic Lake Andrakiba, we begin our journey to Ranomafana National Park. Approximately 89 km south of Antsirabe, we pass through Ambositra, the renowned center of Malagasy hand-sculpted wooden crafts. This charming town is filled with artisan shops offering beautiful marquetry at reasonable, local prices—an excellent stop for souvenirs.
From there, we continue our drive through ever-changing landscapes until we reach the lush rainforest of Ranomafana. The total journey takes about 8 hours.

Upon arrival at Ranomafana, you can choose to relax or take a leisurely walk around the park and the nearby village. In the evening, a nocturnal visit (night walk) can be arranged with your personal guide to discover the park’s fascinating nightlife and wildlife.

Overnight at Thermal Hotel, comfort room (4 nights).

Day 13: Ranomafana – Ranomafana national park – Ranomafana – Hotel

Checklist of Birds in Ranomafana national park

1. Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata) – Striking endemic; males have long tail streamers (white or rufous morphs)
2. Ward’s Flycatcher (Pseudobias wardi) – Endemic; also known as Ward’s Flycatcher-Vanga
3. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) – Introduced species; common near settlements
4. Hook-billed Vanga (Vanga curvirostris) – Large endemic vanga with a strongly hooked bill
5. Tylas Vanga (Tylas eduardi) – Medium-sized vanga; sometimes mistaken for a bulbul
6. Madagascar Brush Warbler (Nesillas typica) – Endemic; found in dense scrub, wetlands, and forest edges
7. Common Newtonia (Newtonia brunneicauda) – Small, active forest bird
8. Madagascar Wood Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) – Elusive endemic; prefers dense forest undergrowth
9. Meller’s Duck (Anas melleri) – Endemic, threatened; resembles a Mallard
10. Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Large, glossy blue coua; rainforest species
11. Grey Emutail (Bradypterus seebohmi) – Also known as Madagascar Swamp Warbler; favors marshy areas
12. Yellow-browed Oxylabes (Crossleyia xanthophrys) – Endemic; tiny, fast-moving insectivore of forest undergrowth

Day 14: Ranomafana – Ranomafana national park – Ranomafana – Hotel

Checklist of Birds in Ranomafana national park

13. White-throated Oxylabes (Oxylabes madagascariensis) – Endemic forest skulker; active in dense undergrowth
14. Wedge-tailed Jery (Neomixis flavoviridis) – Endemic; eastern humid forest species, often joins mixed flocks
15. Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity (Neodrepanis hypoxantha) – Rare and local montane endemic; brilliant yellow underparts
16. Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) – Breeding migrant; heard more often than seen
17. Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) – Common forest-edge species
18. Crested Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus) – Glossy black endemic with a forked tail
19. Pied Crow (Corvus albus) – Widespread scavenger; common near human settlements
20. Rand’s Warbler (Randia pseudozosterops) – Tiny and restless; forages in eastern humid forest canopy
21. Pitta-like Ground Roller (Atelornis pittoides) – Endemic forest ground roller; striking plumage
22. Cryptic Warbler (Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi) – Recently described; elusive and little-known endemic
23. Rufous-headed Ground Roller (Atelornis crossleyi) – Montane forest specialist; near-threatened endemic

Day 15: Ranomafana – Ranomafana national park – Ranomafana – Hotel

Checklist of Birds in Ranomafana national park

24. Short-legged Ground Roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus) – Endemic; vulnerable; dwells in dense eastern rainforest
25. Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) – Endemic; vulnerable; shy ground-dweller in humid forests
26. Rufous Vanga (Schetba rufa) – Endemic; striking forest vanga with rufous plumage
27. Pollen’s Vanga (Xenopirostris polleni) – Endemic; near-threatened; large-billed vanga feeding on insects
28. Madagascar Snipe (Gallinago macrodactyla) – Endemic; vulnerable; found in wetlands and marshy areas
29. Grey-crowned Tetraka (Xanthomixis cinereiceps) – Endemic; near-threatened; often miscalled “greenbul”
30. Crossley’s Vanga (Mystacornis crossleyi) – Endemic; forest floor specialist; formerly “Crossley’s Babbler”
31. Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) – Nocturnal insectivore; widespread
32. Madagascar Long-eared Owl (Asio madagascariensis) – Endemic forest owl; secretive and rarely seen
33. Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) – Endemic; vulnerable; red-faced ibis of humid forests
34. Madagascar White-eye (Zosterops maderaspatanus) – Endemic; common in various forest types
35. Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) – Breeding migrant; secretive forest species

Day 16: A half day visit at Vohiparara – Ambositra – Hotel (215 Km – 04 hours drive)

After a final morning visit to Vohiparara, we head north, enjoying the beautiful Betsileo landscapes, characterized by stunning terraced rice fields along the way. We arrive in Ambositra by late afternoon.

Checklist of Birds at Vohiparara

1. Rufous-headed Ground Roller (Atelornis crossleyi) – Endemic; near-threatened; specialist of eastern montane rainforest
2. Yellow-browed Oxylabes (Crossleyia xanthophrys) – Endemic; skulking understory bird; near-threatened
3. Brown Emutelia (Bradypterus brunneus) – Endemic; elusive, warbler-like species of wet forest
4. Pollen’s Vanga (Xenopirostris polleni) – Endemic; near-threatened forest vanga with a deep bill
5. Grey Emutelia (Possibly Bradypterus seebohmi) – Clarification needed; may refer to Subdesert Brush Warbler
6. Cryptic Warbler (Unnamed species or uncertain ID) – Identity unclear; requires further clarification
7. Dark Newtonia (Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi) – Endemic; rare and elusive; described only in 1996
8. Common Sunbird-Asity (Neodrepanis coruscans) – Endemic; small nectar-feeding species; male is iridescent green/blue
9. Forest Fody (Foudia omissa) – Endemic; forest bird; breeding males show red plumage
10. Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Endemic; striking blue, cuckoo-like bird; lives in the forest canopy

Overnight at Artisan hotel, standard room.

Day 17: Ambositra – Antsirabe – Antananarivo – Hotel (260 km – 9 hours drive)

This morning, we depart from Ambositra and return to Antananarivo. We arrive in Antananarivo by late afternoon and proceed to check in at our hotel.

Overnight at Samsara Hotel, suite room.

Day 18: Antananarivo – Tana city tours – Digue Market – Ivato airport – Fly out

After breakfast, we explore the Upper Town and visit out the Rova (Queen’s Palace), which majestically overlooks the city and offers a breathtaking panoramic view. Later, we enjoy shopping at the Digue handicraft market, a perfect place to pick up souvenirs and local crafts.

Finally, we transfer to the airport for your flight back home.