Madagascar Bird Circuit
The island of Madagascar has been celebrated for its extraordinary and rich biodiversity of bird species. Over two hundred species are recorded, of which most are very rare and endemic. Because of deforestation our bird population is threatened. Madagascar is now among the world’s highest priority regions for conservation effort. To assist in their conservation, we offer this birding circuit ‘Madagascar Bird Circuit’ in collaboration with the ASITY Association, which includes Madagascar ornithologist. By opting for this circuit, you make your contribution to the preservation of the avifauna of Madagascar.
Madagascar Bird Circuit
18 days / 17 nights
Antananarivov – Ankarafantsika national park – Tsarasaotra Reserve – Andasibe – Mantadia national park – Analamazaotra national park – “V.O.I” Reserve Andasibe – Ranomafana national park – Sahamalaotra Ranomafana national park – Vohiparara – Antananarivo
Best time: September – November
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
- Schlegel’s Asity (Philepitta schlegeli) – Endemic; forest-dwelling asity with striking facial wattles
- White-breasted Mesite (Mesitornis variegata) – Endemic & vulnerable; shy, terrestrial forest bird
- Rufous Vanga (Schetba rufa) – Endemic; rufous-plumaged vanga of humid forests
- Van Dam’s Vanga (Xenopirostris damii) – Endemic & endangered; rare, localized dry forest species
- Sickle-billed Vanga (Falculea palliata) – Endemic; social and noisy vanga with distinctive curved bill
- Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) – Endemic & vulnerable; red-faced ibis of rainforest
- Madagascar Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) – Endemic & critically endangered; found near large inland lakes
- Coquerel’s Coua (Coua coquereli) – Endemic; ground-dwelling coua of western dry forests
- Hook-billed Vanga (Vanga curvirostris) – Endemic; powerful-billed forest vanga
Day 4: Ankarafantsika National Park
- Blue Vanga (Cyanolanius madagascarinus) – Endemic
- Madagascar Green Pigeon (Treron australis) – Endemic
- Long-billed Tetraka (Bernieria apperti) – Critically endangered; extremely elusive
- Crested Coua (Coua cristata) – Endemic cuckoo with a blue facial patch and crest
- Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) – Widespread in Africa and Madagascar; striking in flight
- Mascarene Martin (Phedina borbonica) – Migrant breeder in Madagascar; from Mascarene Islands
- Madagascar Buzzard (Buteo brachypterus) – Endemic raptor; common across forested areas
- Crested Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus) – Endemic; glossy black bird with forked tail and expressive vocalizations
- Madagascar Magpie-Robin (Copsychus albospecularis) – Endemic; active insectivore with varied subspecies
- Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) – Common endemic bulbul; adaptable to various habitats
Day 5: Ankarafantsika National Park
- Common Newtonia (Newtonia brunneicauda) – Endemic; small and active insectivore
- Souimanga Sunbird (Cinnyris souimanga) – Endemic; colorful nectar-feeder
- Madagascar Hoopoe (Upupa marginata) – Endemic subspecies with distinct call and black-tipped crest
- Madagascar Turtle Dove (Nesoenas picturata) – Common native pigeon species
- Sakalava Weaver (Ploceus sakalava) – Endemic; colonial nester found in dry forests and scrub
- Red-capped Coua (Coua ruficeps) – Endemic; terrestrial cuckoo with red crown
- Madagascar Jacana (Actophilornis albinucha) – Endemic; uncommon wetland specialist
- Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher (Corythornis madagascariensis) – Endemic; very small, forest-dwelling kingfisher
- 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:
- Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) – Regularly roosts and feeds in wetlands
- Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) – Known for its distinctive ‘umbrella’ feeding posture
- White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) – Commonly seen in large flocks on open water
- Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Frequent species, often in large groups
- Hottentot Teal (Spatula hottentota) – Small dabbling duck of calm waters
- Comb Duck / Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) – Scarce visitor; males show prominent bill knob
- Madagascar Pond-Heron (Ardeola idae) – Endemic; rare and endangered species
- Dimorphic Egret (Egretta dimorpha) – Variable plumage; part of local heron colonies
- Malagasy Kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides) – Small kingfisher of freshwater habitats
- Meller’s Duck (Anas melleri) – Endemic; critically endangered; occasionally observed
- Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) – Elusive endemic species; inhabits deep wetlands
- Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Widespread nocturnal heron
- Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) – Ubiquitous; commonly seen near grazing animals
- Little Egret, Dimorphic Egret, Great Egret – Often seen together in mixed heron colonies
- 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
- Malagasy Green Sunbird (Cinnyris notatus) – Endemic nectar-feeding bird with metallic green sheen
- Madagascar Barn Owl (Tyto alba affinis) – Endemic subspecies; found in forest edges and villages
- Madagascar Rail (Rallus madagascariensis) – Secretive, wetland species; endemic and uncommon
- Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii) – Endemic; large-billed forest vanga, striking appearance
- Crested Coua (Coua cristata) – Endemic cuckoo; blue face patch and head crest
- Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Endemic; brilliant blue forest bird, canopy dweller
- Red-capped Coua (Coua ruficeps) – Endemic; ground-dwelling cuckoo with red crown
- Madagascar Grebe (Tachybaptus pelzelnii) – Endemic; elusive diver, prefers deep freshwater lakes
- Dimorphic Egret (Egretta dimorpha) – Variable plumage; forages in wetlands and rice paddies
- Frances’s Sparrowhawk (Accipiter francesiae) – Endemic raptor; agile forest hunter
- Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – Widely distributed; found in marshes and ponds
- 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.
- White-throated Rail (Dryolimnas cuvieri) – Endemic; widespread in freshwater habitats
- Madagascar Forest Flufftail (Sarothrura insularis) – Elusive, ground-dwelling forest rail endemic to Madagascar
- Madagascar Pratincole (Glareola ocularis) – Endemic; often seen near rivers, lakeshores, and rocky islets
- Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) – Introduced; common in urban and agricultural areas
- Madagascar Blue Pigeon (Alectroenas madagascariensis) – Endemic; found in humid forests
- Madagascar Turtle Dove (Nesoenas picturata) – Also known as Malagasy Turtle Dove
- Lesser Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis nigra) – One of two endemic Vasa Parrot species in Madagascar
- Madagascar Coucal (Centropus toulou) – Endemic; skulking cuckoo found in bushy areas
- Madagascar Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) – Also known as the Lesser Cuckoo; familiar breeding visitor
- Red-breasted Coua (Coua serriana) – Endemic; forest-dwelling coua with reddish-pink breast
- Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Large, vivid blue endemic of rainforests
- Madagascar Scops Owl (Otus rutilus) – Endemic; small and nocturnal forest owl
- Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) – Nocturnal insectivore with cryptic plumage
- 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
- African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) – Widespread across Africa and Madagascar; fast-flying and often near palms
- Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) – Striking aerial feeder; common in open woodland
- Madagascar Kingfisher (Corythornis vintsioides) – Endemic; also called Malagasy Malachite Kingfisher
- Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher (Corythornis madagascariensis) – Tiny forest-dwelling endemic; shy and brightly colored
- Madagascar Bee-eater (Merops superciliosus) – Endemic; slender aerial insectivore with green and rufous plumage
- Pitta-like Ground Roller (Atelornis pittoides) – Endemic; highly sought-after species in eastern rainforests
- Mascarene Martin (Phedina borbonica) – Small brown martin; often seen over wetlands and rice fields
- Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) – Common endemic of forest edges and gardens
- Long-billed Greenbul (Phyllastrephus madagascariensis) – Endemic; noisy greenbul of forest understory
- Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) – Rare, endemic forest ibis with shaggy crest and chestnut wings
- 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
- Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata) – Striking endemic; males have long tail streamers (white or rufous morphs)
- Ward’s Flycatcher (Pseudobias wardi) – Endemic; also known as Ward’s Flycatcher-Vanga
- Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) – Introduced species; common near settlements
- Hook-billed Vanga (Vanga curvirostris) – Large endemic vanga with a strongly hooked bill
- Tylas Vanga (Tylas eduardi) – Medium-sized vanga; sometimes mistaken for a bulbul
- Madagascar Brush Warbler (Nesillas typica) – Endemic; found in dense scrub, wetlands, and forest edges
- Common Newtonia (Newtonia brunneicauda) – Small, active forest bird
- Madagascar Wood Rail (Mentocrex kioloides) – Elusive endemic; prefers dense forest undergrowth
- Meller’s Duck (Anas melleri) – Endemic, threatened; resembles a Mallard
- Blue Coua (Coua caerulea) – Large, glossy blue coua; rainforest species
- Grey Emutail (Bradypterus seebohmi) – Also known as Madagascar Swamp Warbler; favors marshy areas
- 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
- White-throated Oxylabes (Oxylabes madagascariensis) – Endemic forest skulker; active in dense undergrowth
- Wedge-tailed Jery (Neomixis flavoviridis) – Endemic; eastern humid forest species, often joins mixed flocks
- Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asity (Neodrepanis hypoxantha) – Rare and local montane endemic; brilliant yellow underparts
- Madagascar Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) – Breeding migrant; heard more often than seen
- Madagascar Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) – Common forest-edge species
- Crested Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus) – Glossy black endemic with a forked tail
- Pied Crow (Corvus albus) – Widespread scavenger; common near human settlements
- Rand’s Warbler (Randia pseudozosterops) – Tiny and restless; forages in eastern humid forest canopy
- Pitta-like Ground Roller (Atelornis pittoides) – Endemic forest ground roller; striking plumage
- Cryptic Warbler (Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi) – Recently described; elusive and little-known endemic
- 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
- Short-legged Ground Roller (Brachypteracias leptosomus) – Endemic; vulnerable; dwells in dense eastern rainforest
- Brown Mesite (Mesitornis unicolor) – Endemic; vulnerable; shy ground-dweller in humid forests
- Rufous Vanga (Schetba rufa) – Endemic; striking forest vanga with rufous plumage
- Pollen’s Vanga (Xenopirostris polleni) – Endemic; near-threatened; large-billed vanga feeding on insects
- Madagascar Snipe (Gallinago macrodactyla) – Endemic; vulnerable; found in wetlands and marshy areas
- Grey-crowned Tetraka (Xanthomixis cinereiceps) – Endemic; near-threatened; often miscalled “greenbul”
- Crossley’s Vanga (Mystacornis crossleyi) – Endemic; forest floor specialist; formerly “Crossley’s Babbler”
- Madagascar Nightjar (Caprimulgus madagascariensis) – Nocturnal insectivore; widespread
- Madagascar Long-eared Owl (Asio madagascariensis) – Endemic forest owl; secretive and rarely seen
- Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) – Endemic; vulnerable; red-faced ibis of humid forests
- Madagascar White-eye (Zosterops maderaspatanus) – Endemic; common in various forest types
- 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
- Rufous-headed Ground Roller (Atelornis crossleyi) – Endemic; near-threatened; specialist of eastern montane rainforest
- Yellow-browed Oxylabes (Crossleyia xanthophrys) – Endemic; skulking understory bird; near-threatened
- Brown Emutelia (Bradypterus brunneus) – Endemic; elusive, warbler-like species of wet forest
- Pollen’s Vanga (Xenopirostris polleni) – Endemic; near-threatened forest vanga with a deep bill
- Grey Emutelia (Possibly Bradypterus seebohmi) – Clarification needed; may refer to Subdesert Brush Warbler
- Cryptic Warbler (Unnamed species or uncertain ID) – Identity unclear; requires further clarification
- Dark Newtonia (Cryptosylvicola randrianasoloi) – Endemic; rare and elusive; described only in 1996
- Common Sunbird-Asity (Neodrepanis coruscans) – Endemic; small nectar-feeding species; male is iridescent green/blue
- Forest Fody (Foudia omissa) – Endemic; forest bird; breeding males show red plumage
- 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.
What is included?
- Transport by private vehicle: Includes fuel, a professional driver, and an assistant guide.
- Antananarivo → Ankarafantsika (including night walk)
- Exploration: Ankarafantsika National Park (multiple days)
- Ankarafantsika → Antananarivo
- Antananarivo → Tsarasaotra → Peyrieras Reptile Farm → Andasibe (including night walk)
- Andasibe → Mantadia National Park → Vakona Lodge → Crocodile Farm
- Andasibe → Maromizaha Reserve → Analamazaotra National Park (with night walk)
- Andasibe → Antsirabe → Ambositra → Ranomafana (including night walk)
- Ranomafana → Vohiparara Tour & National Park (multiple visits)
- Ranomafana → Ambositra → Antsirabe → Antananarivo
- Accommodation with continental breakfast:
- Antananarivo – 3 nights
- Ankarafantsika – 3 nights
- Andasibe – 3 nights
- Antsirabe – 1 night
- Ranomafana – 4 nights
- Ambositra – 1 night
- Park Entrance Fees & Local Guides:
- Ankarafantsika: Night walk and National Park visit
- Tsarasaotra Bird Sanctuary
- Peyrieras Reptile Farm
- Andasibe Region:
- Night walks (2x)
- Mantadia National Park
- Vakona Private Reserve (Ilot de Lodge)
- “V.O.I” Community Reserve
- Analamazaotra National Park
- Ranomafana Region:
- Night walks (2x)
- Ranomafana National Park
- Sahamalaotra Park
- Half-day tour of Vohiparara Reserve
- Transfers by Car:
- Ivato Airport → Antananarivo City
- Cathedral (Tana) → Digue Market → Ivato Airport
Tour Price
- Single traveler: € 7,800
- Two travelers: € 3,400 per person (€ 6,800 total)
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A – What’s Excluded?
- Personal spending money
- Lunch and dinner
- Tips
- Beverages
- Travel insurance (not included – please arrange your own)
- International flights (before and after the tour – to be booked separately)
- Optional activities not listed in the program
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B – Important Information: What to Bring
- Light trousers and long pants
- T-shirts and outdoor clothing
- Shorts and socks
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes & flip-flops
- Rain gear (waterproof jacket, poncho)
- Sunscreen and biodegradable sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent (spray or cream)
- Swimsuit
- Torches or flashlight
- Camera or video camera
- Hat
- Passport
- Snacks and water
- Binoculars
- Anti-malarial tablets
- Weather-appropriate layers
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C – Not Suitable For
- Children under 8 years
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- People over 75 years
- Those prone to altitude sickness
- People over 125 kg (275 lbs)
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D – Know Before You Go
This tour involves long-distance travel across Madagascar, including stretches on rough, unpaved roads.
A sense of adventure, patience, and physical endurance are essential. You will be rewarded with access to some of the country’s most spectacular and remote natural areas.