Madagascar: Enigmatic Birds Extension

Antananarivo, Madagascar

VB
Ventures Birding Tours
  • Email address verified
96 reviews
Oct 13 - 23, 2024
Group size: 6 - 8
Madagascar: Enigmatic Birds Extension
Antananarivo, Madagascar

Ventures Birding Tours
  • Email address verified
96 reviews

Oct 13 - 23, 2024
Group size: 6 - 8

About this trip

Please join us for our enigmatic birds extension, a truly unique opportunity not often offered by many other tour companies. During this extension we will focus on finding some of the most endangered, enigmatic, difficult, and sought-after birds that call Madagascar home. We start this extension with a trip to Kikony Lake and Ampitsopitsoka Wetland, the best locations on Earth for Sakalava Rail, Madagascar Jacana, Bernier’s Teal, and Malagasy Sacred Ibis. We then spend two full days and two partial days in the incredible Bemanevika Forest, home to the legendary Madagascar Red Owl and Endangered Madagascar Serpent Eagle (once thought extinct, as few as 50 individuals may remain). We’ll also spend the better part of a day on the scenic Matsaborimena Lake where the Critically Endangered Madagascar Pochard lurks; this species was also once thought extinct until its rediscovery here in 2006. Our visit to the lake also gives us access to the incredible Marotaolana Swamp that is home to the enigmatic Slender-billed Flufftail, while we’ll also have addition opportunities for the elusive and Endangered Malagasy Harrier. Our last stop of this tour is at the incredible Amber Mountain National Park in northern Madagascar. One of the most biologically diverse locations in all of Madagascar, our main targets here would be the Amber Mountain Rock-Thrush and local distinct subspecies of the Spectacled Tetraka (more work will almost certainly recognize it as distinct), while we’ll also hopefully see some of the endemic lemur species present here. Unfortunately, it will then be time to head back to Antananarivo to celebrate the end of an incredible time in endemic-rich Madagascar. Please note that this extension requires a sense of adventure: our accommodation at Kinkony Lake and in Bemanevika Forest will be in basic though still comfortable tented camps, while the roads getting to these destinations are usually rough and dusty and require patience to navigate!

What’s included

  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Ground transportation
  • Guide services
  • Entrance Fees & Permits

What’s not included

  • International Airfare
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry
  • Gratuities
  • Items of personal nature
  • Domestic flights
  • Tana hotel (last day)

Available Packages

Double Occupancy
Deposit:$700
Available until August 15, 2024

Room-sharing

$3,350
Deposit:$700
Single Traveler
Deposit:$700
Available until August 15, 2024

For those wanting their own room

$3,350
Deposit:$700


Who’s Going

Your Organizer


VB
Ventures Birding Tours
96 reviews
Small travel company based in Asheville, NC, specializing in birding & nature tours both locally & worldwide.

Reviews

Great weather, lots of warblers and grosbeaks. Clifton helped us ID and see the birds. Also enjoyed hawk watching from tower on Mt. Mitchell.
By Barbara R for Ridge Junction 4 on Sep 24, 2024
One of the best trips to date. Spectacular scenery, 13 life birds, close to 170 species total, congenital group, very competent guides. My favorite bids were the Willow and Rock Ptarmigan and the spectacular Steller’s Sea Eagle. I will never forget seeing this stunning bird.
By Alan L for Newfoundland '24 - Puffins, Boreal Birds, & Spectacular Scenery on Sep 16, 2024
This was an exploration for all of us. We had excellent guides and saw many lifers. I have to say I got tired of white rice but at least there was usually tofu (I'm a vegetarian). Leeches in the forest - need more rest stops for ladies!!!!
By Barbara R for Sumatra - Padang on Aug 14, 2024
Fraser's Hill is a leftover from a by-gone era. Very quaint, somewhat run down, but great climate. We had excellent sightings of some rare birds, even in the fog. Steve's place was super-lovely and the food pretty good.
By Barbara R for Fraser's Hill on Aug 14, 2024
Paul is a great guide. Very knowledgeable.
By Cynthia E for High Country Birding on Jul 30, 2024
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