| Destination | Nosy Be – Antsohihy – Majunga – Ankarafantsika – Bombetoka et Mangroves. |
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This tour immerses you in the exceptional biodiversity of Nosy Be, Ambanja, Ankarafantsika National Park, and Mahajanga. Travel through cocoa, coffee, and ylang-ylang plantations, observe birds in wetlands and rice fields, then explore the park, a premier destination for Malagasy ornithology, home to species such as the Blue Coua, Giant Coua, Bernieria, Newtonia, and the colorful Vangas.
Afternoons are devoted to boat rides on Lake Ravelobe, mangrove exploration, and relaxation amid spectacular scenery. The second part of the trip takes you to Mahajanga, where you can observe even more rare species in a natural and mystical setting, surrounded by mangroves, wetlands, and the sacred lake. This journey perfectly blends ecotourism, ecological immersion, and cultural discovery.
The adventure begins early with a transfer from your hotel in Nosy Be to the port, followed by a one-hour boat ride to Ankify.
Upon arrival, take the road in a 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 aquatic birds.
After a lunch on-site or picnic, continue on the RN6 to 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 Madagascar’s premier birdwatching sites. The approximately five-hour drive passes through savannahs, dry forests, and Sakalava villages, with regular stops to spot raptors, coucals, and drongos.
Upon arrival, check in at Blue Vanga Lodge, nestled in a natural setting. In the afternoon, enjoy your first birdwatching session, observing species such as the Abyssinian Roller, multicolored Vangas, and Malagasy Drongo in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Blue Vanga Lodge (or similar) – a nature bungalow in the heart of the forest.
Wake at dawn for the park’s prime birdwatching activity. Accompanied by your ornithologist guide, search for endemic species such as Blue Coua, Giant Coua, Bernieria, Newtonia, as well as coucals, raptors, and other passerine birds.
After lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is devoted to a boat ride on Lake Ravelobe. Observe jacanas, herons, ibises, wild ducks, and other aquatic birds in a peaceful setting, accompanied by birdsong and the gentle lapping of water.
Return and overnight at Blue Vanga Lodge.
A final morning session allows you to spot species active at dawn, such as the Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher and certain hunting raptors. After breakfast, depart for Mahajanga, approximately four hours through typical western Malagasy landscapes.
Upon arrival, check in at Hôtel Roches Rouges (or similar), on the seaside. Late afternoon walk along the Majunga promenade, to admire the giant baobab and sunset over the Mozambique Channel.
After breakfast, depart for the mangroves of the Mahajanga region, true refuges for drongos, bulbuls, vangas, and sacred ibises. Your guide will help you identify the calls and behaviors unique to this ecosystem.
Lunch is a picnic in nature, at the heart of this preserved setting. In the afternoon, explore the Amborovy wetlands, where depending on the season, you can observe flamingos, knob-billed ducks, terns, and various waders.
The day ends with a return to Hôtel Roches Rouges, perfect for relaxation by the pool while enjoying the sea air and coastal landscapes.
The morning starts with a trip to the Sacred Lake, a mystical site known for its ornithological richness. Cattle egrets, kingfishers, egrets, and anhingas inhabit 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 toward Antsohihy, again passing through typical western Malagasy landscapes. Along the way, several stops are planned to observe birds in the wetlands and secondary forests.
A lunch en route allows for a pause before arriving at Antsohihy in the late afternoon. Check in at Hôtel Le Ravoraha, followed by dinner and a relaxing evening.
After breakfast, continue the journey toward Ambanja then Ankify. Boat transfer to Nosy Be, then transfer to your hotel to conclude the tour.
The trip ends with unique birdwatching memories, featuring rare endemic species, wild landscapes, and immersion in one of Madagascar’s richest ecosystems.
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