The best word to describe Madagascar’s wildlife is unique. The planet’s fourth largest island, Madagascar is often called the eighth continent because it’s nothing like Africa despite being so close to it. Much of Madagascar’s uniqueness stems from its high rate of endemism—not just on a species level but on a family level. Endemic bird families include grounds rollers (all of which you have a chance to see on this trip), mesites, couas, vangas, asities, and the Cuckoo Roller—it’s both a species and its own family! This endemism extends to mammals we’ll encounter, which include a wide variety of lemurs (Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur, Indri, Golden Bamboo Lemur) and possibly tenrecs (you might want to look this one up!) And let’s not overlook the numerous species of chameleons, too, and even unusual insects like the Giraffe Weevil.
Madagascar is also a country of contrasts and these contrasts include its various ecosystems. On the main trip, we’ll visit two different highland rainforest locations, the grassy plains and mixed forest of the country’s central plateau, and the bizarre spiny forest of the southwest. Those who opt to join the Masoala National Park extension will encounter a lowland rainforest with its own additional unique birds, mammals, and reptiles, and a beautiful beach where you’ll have the option to swim.
Price of main trip (14 days)
5670 euros per person sharing, which includes a 300 euro donation to GGAS. Single supplement 730 euros. Plus cost of one internal flight.
Price of Masoala extension (5 additional nights)
If you would like to convert the local currency to USD, please click here.
Click here for a full itinerary.
Click here for description of travel in Madagascar.
Click here for general information on birding tours from Birding Ecotours.
For questions or to sign up, contact Eric Schroeder at travelprogram@goldengateaudubon.