Wildlife Wonders of Madagascar is a 12-day, 11-night tour in northern Madagascar, designed for lovers of mammals and birds. By the end of the journey, travelers will have the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

The tour begins with airport pickup in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and ends in Nosy Be. The itinerary combines daytime exploration with several night walks in key wildlife areas.

Highlights:

• Rainforest and dry deciduous forests of northern Madagascar
• Bird and mammal habitats
• Nocturnal wildlife experiences
• Malagasy daily life and culture
• Gold mining sites in Betsiaka and Daraina
• Unique geological formations: Red and Grey Tsingy

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Antsiranana – Transfer to Joffreville & Night Walk

• Upon arrival at Antsiranana Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you. The hotel in Joffreville is about one hour away. Before leaving the city, there is time to explore Antsiranana or purchase any necessities.
• A night walk before dinner is planned near the entrance of Amber Mountain National Park, offering opportunities to see Microcebus tavaratra, Uroplatus species, and other nocturnal wildlife.

Day 2: Exploring Amber Mountain National Park

• Amber Mountain is one of the oldest national parks in Madagascar and home to exceptional biodiversity. Species found here include Crowned Lemurs, Sanford’s Brown Lemurs, and several nocturnal lemur species.
• You may also encounter the tiny Blue-Nosed Chameleon. Around 70 bird species inhabit the park. Along the trail to the natural pools, species such as Lophotibis cristata, Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, and Malagasy Kingfisher can often be seen. The guide will adjust the visit based on your specific interests.

Day 3: Tsingy Rouge Visit – Drive to Andrafiamena

• After a two-hour drive, visit the Tsingy Rouge, a rare geological phenomenon unique to Madagascar. This peaceful site is ideal for observation and photography, with bee-eaters commonly seen nearby. The canyon opens toward Irodo village.
• After approximately two hours at the site, continue to Ankiba Lodge. A night walk is planned before dinner.

Day 4: Analamera Special Reserve

• Thanks to conservation efforts led by NGO Fanamby, Analamera is now a refuge for the Perrier’s Sifaka (Propithecus perrieri), a critically endangered species listed by the IUCN.
• Explore the forest for 2–3 hours, with options to continue to a natural swimming pool or scenic viewpoint. Birds of prey can sometimes be spotted from the lodge veranda or restaurant. The lodge itself offers a peaceful and scenic setting.

Day 5: East Ankarana National Park – Drive to Daraina

• East Ankarana National Park is a dry deciduous forest covering over 18,000 hectares. It contains nine caves, two of which are accessible from the eastern entrance. The park is home to hundreds of bird species and impressive Jurassic limestone formations.
• A highlight is the Tibetan suspension bridge. Along the trail, there is a chance to see Cryptoprocta ferox (the fossa), the main predator of lemurs.
• Ankarana is part of the heritage of the Antakarana dynasty and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• After the hike, drive to Daraina along National Road 5A. Along the way, pass through Betsiaka, a well-known gold-mining village where miners work by hand and families participate in gold sorting. Gold production can reach approximately 17 kg per month.
• Birdwatching at a nearby lake at sunset.

Day 6: Loky–Manambato Reserve – Drive to Maromandia

• After breakfast, accompanied by a local guide, explore the dry forest and baobab landscape of the Loky–Manambato Reserve, home to Crowned Lemurs and Golden-crowned Sifaka (Tattersall’s Sifaka).
• Local legends suggest that the presence of these golden-colored sifakas led villagers to believe gold was hidden in the area. This species is found only between the Loky and Manambato rivers.
• The total population is estimated at around 100 individuals. Thanks to conservation and ecotourism initiatives, their numbers are slowly increasing.

Day 7: Maromandia

• After a three-hour drive on a newly paved road, arrive in Maromandia.
• This region is home to the Blue-eyed Black Lemur (Eulemur flavifrons), the only wild mammal species in the world with naturally blue eyes. These sacred lemurs are protected by the local community.
• You may also encounter the nocturnal Lepilemur sahamalasiensis, which is endemic to this area.

Day 8: Cacao Plantation – Nosy Tanikely – Transfer to Nosy Be

• A day of relaxation begins with a visit to spice and cacao plantations, showcasing Madagascar’s famous aromas. Learn about the process from tree nursery to export, including cacao and vanilla.
• Transfer to Ankify Harbor for a 30-minute boat ride to Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve. Enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles and a fresh lunch.
• In the afternoon, transfer by boat and vehicle to your hotel in Nosy Be.

Day 9: Nosy Iranja Bivouac

• After breakfast, depart by speedboat to Nosy Iranja (approximately two hours). Spend the night on this idyllic island.
• Enjoy the white sandbanks, swimming on both sides of the island, and a spectacular sunset. At low tide, walk to Iranja Hely, known for sea turtle nesting. Observing hatchlings making their way to the sea is a memorable experience.
• Sunset and overnight at Iranja Be.

Day 10: Nosy Antsoha

• Visit Nosy Antsoha, a small island between Nosy Be and Port Ankify. The island is home to several lemur species protected by the local community.
• Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 11: Free Day

• Free time at leisure in Nosy Be.

Day 12: Airport Transfer

• Transfer to the airport. Check-in is required at least two hours before departure.
• We are proud to have been your partner on this journey and hope to welcome you again in Madagascar.

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation with breakfast
• Hotel taxes
• Full board on Days 3, 4, and 9
• Lunches on Days 3–10
• Entrance fees (all parks and reserves listed)
• Professional tour guides
• Private boat services on Days 8–10
• Airport transfer on Day 12
• Daily mineral water

Not Included:

• Domestic and International Airfare
• Dinners on Days 1–2, 5–8, and 10–11
• Tips and personal expenses
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance

Languages:

• English, Italian, French & Malagasy