Madagascar is often referred to as the ‘Eighth Continent’ and its exceptional fauna and flora have evolved over millions of years of isolation. This legendary uniqueness is nowhere better reflected than in its birds, and the island hosts no fewer than five endemic families (the ground rollers, cuckoo roller, mesites, Malagasy warblers and asities), plus the near endemic vangas! But the wonder of Madagascar extends well beyond its avifauna, and we do not neglect the amazing lemurs, colourful chameleons, and fascinating flora of this appropriately named “laboratory of evolution.” For our Madagascar Highlights tour we have cherry-picked the best of Madagascar and offered it in a shorter package, and as a result, this expedition provides a more relaxed pace and less demanding Madagascar experience than our Comprehensive tours. We target all five endemic Malagasy bird families as well as good numbers of lemurs and other representative wildlife, making this ideal for travellers with limited time or less interest in targeting every single endemic bird.

Top Birds

Subdesert Mesite; Cuckoo Roller; Long-tailed, Pitta-like, Rufous-headed, Short-legged & Scaly Ground Rollers; Red-breasted, Red-fronted, Running, Red-capped, Blue & Giant Couas; Velvet Asity; Nuthatch, Lafresnaye’s, Crossley’s & Sickle-billed Vangas; Madagascar & France’s Sparrowhawks; Madagascar Sandgrouse; Madagascar Buttonquail; Madagascar Owl; Madagascar & Collared Nightjars; Madagascar Crested Ibis; Madagascar Wood Rail; Brown Emutail; White-throated Oxylabes; Archbold’s Newtonia; Thamnornis; Nelicourvi Weaver.

Top Mammals

Indri; Ring-tailed & Red-bellied Lemurs; Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur; Diademed & Verreaux’s Sifakas; Madagascar Flying Fox

Habitats Covered

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

Expected Climate

cool to warm, cold evenings in highlands

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

slow to moderate

Accommodation

comfortable hotels and lodges

Ease of Birding

mostly unchallenging but several difficult rainforest skulkers

Number of Species Expected

120-130

Other Attractions

Spiny Desert, Berenty, weird herps & insects, coral reefs, shopping, culture

Photographic Opportunities

incredible

What our clients say about us

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.

Stephan Lorenz
SW, Madagascar 2022

Stephan was an excellent guide and leader. Excellent knowledge, bags of energy, calm and attentive to the needs of the group. Accommodation and food generally very good and local ground agent had logistics well sorted - even internal flights all to plan.

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!

Adam Walleyn
GB & DB, Madagascar 2017

Our guide, Adam Walleyn, was exceptional. His knowledge and enthusiasm is unparalleled.

Madagascar - Highlights I 2024

29 May 2024 - 12 Jun 2024 (15 days)

USD7,295 - 2 Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: André Bernon

Tour price (Per person): USD7,295 * GBP5,857 * EUR6,815 * AUD11,243

Single Supplement: USD1,010 * GBP811 * EUR943 * AUD1,557

Flight costs: USD1,075 * GBP863 * EUR1,004 * AUD1,657

Madagascar - Highlights II 2024

21 Nov 2024 - 05 Dec 2024 (15 days)

USD7,295 - 1 Space Available

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

Tour price (Per person): USD7,295 * GBP5,857 * EUR6,815 * AUD11,243

Single Supplement: USD1,010 * GBP811 * EUR943 * AUD1,557

Flight costs: USD1,075 * GBP863 * EUR1,004 * AUD1,657

Madagascar - Highlights I 2025

06 Jul 2025 - 20 Jul 2025 (15 days)

USD7,295 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland

Tour price (Per person): USD7,295 * GBP5,857 * EUR6,815 * AUD11,243

Single Supplement: USD1,060 * GBP851 * EUR990 * AUD1,634

Flight costs: USD1,080 * GBP867 * EUR1,009 * AUD1,664

Madagascar - Highlights II 2025

02 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 (15 days)

USD7,295 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Lev Frid

Tour price (Per person): USD7,295 * GBP5,857 * EUR6,815 * AUD11,243

Single Supplement: USD1,060 * GBP851 * EUR990 * AUD1,634

Flight costs: USD1,080 * GBP867 * EUR1,009 * AUD1,664

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