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 leaders & 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

Robert Williams
TJ & AJ, Madagascar 2018

Our leader, Rob Williams, was extremely knowledgeable, had a good sense of humour and was keen to see as many species as possible. He helped group members locate more difficult species.

Adam Walleyn
RR, Madagascar

Adam Walleyn went above and beyond to find just about everything there was to see. His knowledge of herps, mammals and birds is very comprehensive.

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!

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
MF, Madagascar 2018

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect since this was my first birding specific trip, and it exceeded my expectations. Seeing all the endemic birds, mammals and reptiles was a once in a lifetime experience I will always remember. Adam Walleyn is a great guide who is extremely knowledgeable about most things "Madagascar." And he has balanced the skills of keeping us all on track and being fun to hang around with - so many interesting stories about his travels.

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 * GBP5,842 * EUR6,820 * AUD11,165

Single Supplement: USD1,010 * GBP809 * EUR944 * AUD1,546

Flight costs: USD1,075 * GBP861 * EUR1,005 * AUD1,645

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 * GBP5,842 * EUR6,820 * AUD11,165

Single Supplement: USD1,010 * GBP809 * EUR944 * AUD1,546

Flight costs: USD1,075 * GBP861 * EUR1,005 * AUD1,645

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 * GBP5,842 * EUR6,820 * AUD11,165

Single Supplement: USD1,060 * GBP849 * EUR991 * AUD1,622

Flight costs: USD1,080 * GBP865 * EUR1,010 * AUD1,653

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 * GBP5,842 * EUR6,820 * AUD11,165

Single Supplement: USD1,060 * GBP849 * EUR991 * AUD1,622

Flight costs: USD1,080 * GBP865 * EUR1,010 * AUD1,653

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