We at Rockjumper have an unbeatable reputation in Madagascar, having run more than 100 tours over the past decade to the world’s fourth-largest island. In fact, Madagascar is often referred to as the ‘Eighth Continent’ due to its size and incredible biological diversity. Its exceptional fauna and flora have evolved over millions of years of isolation into a remarkable selection of utterly unique and often spectacular wildlife. This legendary uniqueness is nowhere better reflected than in its birds, and the island hosts no less than five endemic bird families (the ground rollers, cuckoo roller, mesites, Malagasy warblers and vangas)! But the wonder of Madagascar extends well beyond its avifauna and we also spend time seeking out and marvelling at 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, not to mention a region in urgent need of immediate ecological preservation.

Top Birds

Subdesert, Brown & White-breasted Mesites; Cuckoo Roller; Pitta-like, Scaly, Short-legged, Long-tailed & Rufous-headed Ground Rollers; Blue, Giant, Running, Red-capped, Verreaux’s & Red-breasted Couas; Schlegel’s & Velvet Asitys; Common & Yellow-bellied Sunbird-Asitys; Helmet, Crossley's, Bernier's, Nuthatch, Hook-billed, Lafresnaye’s, Red-shouldered, Van Dam's, Chabert, Red-tailed, Blue, & Sickle-billed Vangas; Forest Rock Thrush; Appert’s Tetraka; Madagascar Plover; Thamnornis; Madagascar & Madagascar Sacred Ibises; Madagascar Fish Eagle; Henst's Goshawk; Bernier’s Teal; Madagascar Wood Rail; Brown Emutail.

Top Mammals

Indri; Ring-tailed, Golden-brown Mouse, Hubbard's Sportive Lemurs; Diademed & Verreaux’s Sifakas, Fosa (rare)

Habitats Covered

rainforest, riparian forest, deciduous woodland, spiny desert, mudflats, wetlands

Expected Climate

warm to very hot, cooler evenings in highlands, some rainfall possible

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

moderate to brisk

Accommodation

basic but comfortable hotels and lodges

Ease of Birding

mostly unchallenging but several difficult rainforest skulkers

Number of Species Expected

170 - 180

Other Attractions

spiny forest, Berenty, strange herps & insects, coral reefs, shopping, culture

Photographic Opportunities

incredible

What our clients say about us

Adam Walleyn
JM, Madagascar 2018

Excellent tour overall. Adam Walleyn is probably the best overall bird tour guide I have had the pleasure of touring with. He not only knows the birds and wildlife, but is great at handling all types of people and doing whatever he can to make the tour fun, pleasant, and productive. He was always respectful of participants, and made sure their priorities were the focus of the trip rather than his own.

David Hoddinott
HH, Madagascar

Our Madagascar experience surpassed our wildest dreams. We didn't even realise it was a 'birding trip' but David ensured that we saw much much more. The birds were great anyway, especially the pursuit of the magical Helmet Vanga! An unforgettable experience!

Gregory de Klerk
SC - Madagascar

We had been with Greg before on the Ethiopia tour. We selected this tour because Greg was leading it. Not only does he have excellent birding skills, but he also has excellent people skills. He kept the tour running smoothly, handled problems quickly, and was most anxious that every member of the tour got to see the birds if at all possible. We would definitely travel with him again. We got lots of new birds, had lots of laughs, and enjoyed our fellow birders.

Heinz Ortmann
JT, Madagascar 2015

Just a short note to say that I thought Heinz did a great job with the Masoala extension---he's a a sharp birder, energetic, and very personable with a lot of good stories! I look forward to traveling on another trip with him…

Adam Walleyn
PF & BF, Madagascar 2017

This was our first tour with Rockjumper and it was absolutely fabulous. Adam Walleyn is by far the best bird guide we have ever had the privilege of working with. His combined qualities as the overall tour leader in terms of personality, ability to deal with whatever got thrown at him and interactive skills were all great. He was very good at keeping us informed of what was planned and was happening next. He was very good at imposing a gentle but essential discipline on the group - rotation in the procession, rotation of positions in the buses, ensuring that everyone got to see the bird - all made for a really good functionality in the group. His sharpness in the field, knowledge of bird calls and bird identification were simply remarkable.

Madagascar - Comprehensive II 2024

28 Sep 2024 - 15 Oct 2024 (18 days)

USD8,495 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

Tour price (Per person): USD8,495 * GBP6,817 * EUR7,934 * AUD13,062

Single Supplement: USD1,200 * GBP963 * EUR1,121 * AUD1,845

Flight costs: USD1,530 * GBP1,228 * EUR1,429 * AUD2,353

Can be linked with: Madagascar - Ranomafana Extension II 2024

Madagascar - Comprehensive III 2024

20 Oct 2024 - 06 Nov 2024 (18 days)

USD8,495 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

Tour price (Per person): USD8,495 * GBP6,817 * EUR7,934 * AUD13,062

Single Supplement: USD1,200 * GBP963 * EUR1,121 * AUD1,845

Flight costs: USD1,530 * GBP1,228 * EUR1,429 * AUD2,353

Can be linked with: Madagascar - Ranomafana Extension III 2024

Madagascar - Comprehensive I 2025

12 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025 (18 days)

USD8,795 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Lev Frid

Tour price (Per person): USD8,795 * GBP7,057 * EUR8,214 * AUD13,524

Single Supplement: USD1,350 * GBP1,083 * EUR1,261 * AUD2,076

Flight costs: USD1,700 * GBP1,364 * EUR1,588 * AUD2,614

Can be linked with: Madagascar - Ranomafana Extension I 2025

Madagascar - Comprehensive II 2025

17 Nov 2025 - 04 Dec 2025 (18 days)

USD8,795 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Stuart Elsom

Tour price (Per person): USD8,795 * GBP7,057 * EUR8,214 * AUD13,524

Single Supplement: USD1,350 * GBP1,083 * EUR1,261 * AUD2,076

Flight costs: USD1,700 * GBP1,364 * EUR1,588 * AUD2,614

Can be linked with: Madagascar - Ranomafana Extension II 2025

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