| Destination | Nosy Be – Antsohihy – Majunga – Ankarafantsika – Bombetoka et Mangroves. |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED |
|
| NOT INCLUDED |
|
This itinerary immerses you in the heart of Madagascar’s exceptional biodiversity across Nosy Be, Ambanja, the Ankarafantsika National Park, and Mahajanga. Travel through cocoa, coffee, and ylang-ylang plantations, observe birds in wetlands and rice fields, and explore the park, a top destination for Malagasy ornithology, home to Blue Coua, Giant Coua, Bernieria, Newtonia, and colorful Vangas.
Afternoons are dedicated to canoe trips on Lake Ravelobe, mangrove exploration, and relaxation amid spectacular landscapes. The second part of the trip takes you to Mahajanga to observe even more rare species in a mystical and natural setting, including mangroves, wetlands, and the sacred lake. This journey combines ecotourism, ecological immersion, and cultural discovery.
The adventure begins early in the morning with a transfer from your hotel in Nosy Be to the port, followed by about a one-hour boat crossing to Ankify.
Upon arrival, travel by 4x4 through Ambanja, famous for its aromatic plantations and lush landscapes. Several stops in wetlands and rice fields allow you to observe your first species: kingfishers, cattle egrets, drongos, and other waterbirds.
After lunch on-site or a picnic, continue along the RN6 towards Antsohihy. Check in at Hôtel Le Ravoraha (or similar), simple and comfortable, with air-conditioned rooms and an on-site restaurant.
After breakfast, depart for Ankarafantsika National Park, one of the best birdwatching sites in Madagascar. The five-hour journey crosses savannahs, dry forests, and Sakalava villages, with regular stops to observe raptors, coucals, and drongos.
Upon arrival, check in at Blue Vanga Lodge, nestled in nature. In the afternoon, enjoy your first birdwatching session to observe Abyssinian Roller, colorful Vangas, and Malagasy Drongo in their natural habitat.
Overnight at Blue Vanga Lodge (or similar), in a nature bungalow surrounded by forest.
Wake up at dawn to enjoy the park’s peak bird activity. Accompanied by your ornithologist guide, search for endemic species: Blue Coua, Giant Coua, Bernieria, Newtonia, coucals, raptors, and passerines.
After lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is dedicated to a canoe ride on Lake Ravelobe. Observe jacanas, herons, ibises, wild ducks, and other waterbirds in a peaceful setting, accompanied by bird songs and the gentle lapping of water.
Return and overnight at Blue Vanga Lodge.
A final morning session allows observation of species active at dawn, such as the Malagasy Coucal and hunting raptors. After breakfast, depart for Mahajanga, about a four-hour drive through typical western Madagascar landscapes.
Upon arrival, check in at Hôtel Roches Rouges (or similar), on the seaside. In the late afternoon, enjoy a walk along the Majunga promenade, admiring the giant baobab and the sunset over the Mozambique Channel.
After breakfast, head to the mangroves of the Mahajanga region, true refuges for drongos, bulbuls, vangas, and sacred ibises. Your guide will help you recognize the songs and behaviors specific to this unique ecosystem.
Lunch is a picnic in nature, in the heart of this preserved setting. In the afternoon, explore the Amborovy wetlands, where depending on the season you can see flamingos, knob-billed ducks, terns, and various waders.
The day ends with a return to Hôtel Roches Rouges for relaxation by the pool, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and coastal scenery.
The morning begins with an excursion to the Sacred Lake, a mystical site known for its rich birdlife. Cattle egrets, kingfishers, egrets, and anhingas move through this impressive natural setting, offering unique photography and observation opportunities.
After this immersion, return to Mahajanga for a seaside lunch, with views of turquoise waters and traditional fishing boats.
The afternoon is free: enjoy the beach, stroll along the promenade, or admire the sunset over the Mozambique Channel once more. Overnight at Hôtel Roches Rouges.
Early departure towards Antsohihy, again crossing typical western Madagascar landscapes. Several stops are planned along the route to observe birds in wetlands and secondary forests.
A lunch stop allows for a break before reaching Antsohihy in the late afternoon. Check in at Hôtel Le Ravoraha, followed by dinner and a relaxing evening.
After breakfast, resume the journey towards Ambanja then Ankify. Boat crossing to reach Nosy Be, then transfer to your hotel to conclude the tour.
The trip ends with unique birdwatching memories, including rare endemic species, wild landscapes, and an immersion into one of Madagascar’s richest ecosystems.
Submit review