Itinerary
Fly to Mahajanga and then drive to Ankarafantsika National Park, a haven for birders with species like the Schlegel's asity, Madagascar fish eagle, and white-breasted mesite. Accommodation : TIA ASITY LODGE
Explore Ankarafantsika National Park extensively, discovering its diverse ecosystems and spotting endemic bird species like the Coquerel's coua and Van Dam's vanga.
Ankarafantsika encompasses a variety of habitats, including dry deciduous forests, lakes, rivers, and savannahs. This diversity supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the park's diverse birdlife. Ankarafantsika is home to over 129 bird species, including the rare Madagascar fish eagle, Madagascar coucal, Van Dam's vanga, Schlegel's asity, and the white-breasted mesite. The park's varied ecosystems provide excellent birding opportunities.
One of the highlights of visiting Ankarafantsika is the chance to encounter various lemur species. Keep an eye out for the Coquerel's sifaka, crowned lemur, western woolly lemur, and the elusive aye-aye, among others.
In addition to lemurs, the park is home to a variety of mammal species, including the fossa (Madagascar's largest predator), the red-fronted brown lemur, the mongoose lemur, and several species of tenrecs.
Ankarafantsika is rich in reptile and amphibian diversity. Visitors may spot chameleons, geckos, snakes, frogs, and turtles during their explorations.
The park's flora is characterized by a mix of dry forest vegetation, baobab trees, orchids, and endemic plant species. Botany enthusiasts will appreciate the unique plant life found within the park. Accommodation : TIA ASITY LODGE
Drive back to Mahajanga where you catch the flight back to Tana.
Following an early morning breakfast, we'll be transported to the airport for a flight to Sambava. Upon arriving in Sambava, a local guide will greet us and accompany us on a one-hour drive to reach the Village of Manantenina, where the park entrance office is located. There, we'll arrange our entrance, meet porters and guides, and embark on another 20-minute drive to the village of Mandena. From Mandena, we'll commence the trek to the first campsite, where you'll spend the night camping.
There are shared bungalows (fully equipped but always better to have a light sleeping bag). It also has a large sheltered eating area with an assortment of cooking utensils. A campground is located nearby for those who prefer to pitch a tent. This area of lowland rainforest is a good place to see several species of lemurs, many birds (including the helmet vanga) and many species of amphibians and reptiles. The beautiful Cascade de Humbert waterfall is a short walk (800 m) from the camp.
During two days, we will explore Marojejy National Park, do the maximum for birds and other animals. Exploring the lowland rainforest section of this park.
Marojejy is one of the most strikingly beautiful and wild areas of Madagascar. It is unique in the world, a place of dense, jungly rainforests, sheer, high cliffs, and plants and animals found nowhere else on earth.
Birds check list: Helmet Vanga, Madagascar crested Ibis, Madagascar Buzzard, Madagascar turtle Dove, lesser Vasa Parrot, greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar lesser Cuckoo, blue Coua, Madagascar Coucal, Madagascar Scops Owl, Madagascar Long-eared Owl, Madagascar Kingfisher, Madagascar Flufftail, Broad-billed Roller, Rufous-headed Ground ...
Another night camping
This morning, we will descend from the park to the village of Mandena, where you will reunite with our driver for a journey back to Sambava. While descending, you'll have another opportunity to pause for observing birds and animals until we exit Marojejy National Park entirely. Once in Sambava, we'll spend the night at a hotel. Flight back to Tana are often very early in the morning and this is why we have to spend a night here in Sambava before catching the flight back to Tana on the next day.
Transfer to the airport and catch the flight back to Tana.
Prepare for your departure by transferring to the airport to catch your outbound flight. This marks the conclusion of your tour. Safe travels!
