Madagascar offers a birding a wildlife tour like nowhere else on Earth. This unique island is the world’s fourth largest and, due to its size and incredible biological diversity, is often referred to as the “Eighth Continent”. Its fauna and flora have evolved over millions of years of isolation and the remarkable selection of utterly unique and often spectacular wildlife is quite simply mind-blowing. Incredibly Madagascar hosts no less than five endemic bird families and a plethora of other impressive endemic birds, of which many will offer up fabulous photographic opportunities. We will also spend time seeking out and photographing the amazing lemurs, colourful chameleons, and fascinating flora of this appropriately named “laboratory of evolution.” Virtually every plant and animal on the island is endemic; but sadly, most are threatened by continued deforestation, thus making Madagascar one of those “must-visit-soon” destinations.

Highlights

• Madagascar is home to an exceptional variety of wildlife including many endemic birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles! Often referred to as the ‘Eighth Continent due to its incredible biodiversity.
• We will get to see an incredible variety of species during this tour including chances for over 100 endemic birds, over 20 species of lemurs, and over 30 species of reptiles and amphibians
• Our chances of finding at least one representative of the 5 endemic bird families (Asities, Ground Rollers, Mesites, Cuckoo-roller, and Tetrakas & Allies) is excellent and we are likely to get photographs of them as well.
• Spend time photographing the ‘dancing’ Verreaux’s Sifakas at Berenty and other iconic species such as Indri at Perinet and Ring-tailed Lemur at Berenty
• Opportunities to see and take photos of several rare and declining species including a number that are considered endangered or critically endangered such as Madagascar Fish Eagle, Meller’s Duck, Van Dam’s Vanga, Madagascar Grebe, Malagasy Sacred Ibis, Bernier’s Teal, Malagasy Pond Heron, Humblot’s Heron, and Madgascar Jacana
• Night photography is another highlight in Madagascar and the night walks we do are very productive. These often yield several species of nocturnal lemurs (mouse lemurs, dwarf lemurs, sportive lemurs and Avahi’s), frogs, and chameleons
• Spend ample time exploring some of Madagascar’s iconic sites such as Andasibe-Mantadia, Analamazaotra, Ampijoroa, Berenty, and Ifaty