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Madagascar is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, with over 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The island’s isolation from the mainland has allowed unique species to evolve in isolation, resulting in a fascinating range of endemic animals and plants. Among the most iconic of these are the lemurs, a group of primates that includes over 100 species, such as the ring-tailed lemur, nocturnal mouse lemurs, the indri – world’s largest lemur, bamboo lemurs, etc. These primates are a symbol of Madagascar’s wildlife, thriving in the island’s varied ecosystems, from rainforests to dry deciduous forests.
In addition to lemurs, Madagascar is also home to a diverse range of reptiles, including the colorful chameleons that thrive in the island’s unique climates, from rainforests to deserts. The island’s chameleons, including the world’s largest and smallest species, are particularly notable. These creatures play vital roles in the island’s ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of its forests. The island’s flora is equally remarkable, with species like the towering baobab trees and rare orchids adding to its ecological richness.
Join Darter Photography on April 08-19, 2025 on this 12 days long wildlife photography tour to Madagascar. Delve into a land of varied ecosystems and landscapes. Learn the secrets of wildlife photography. And experience wildlife photography like never before in this wildlife wonderland.
Jump to ◆ Tour Highlights ◆ Itinerary ◆ FAQs ◆ Tour Price ◆ Tour Mentor ◆ Sign Up
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Tour Dates
April 08-19, 2025
Tour PriceUSD 4500 (plus taxes)
Tour Highlights
Dates & Itinerary
Tour Dates: April 08-19, 2025
Day 01.Arrive in Antananarivo. Overnight in Antananarivo
Arrive in Antananarivo. Transfer to the hotel. A round of introductions followed by an orientation session.
Day 02. Drive to Andasibe. Overnight in Andasibe.
After breakfast, we will drive slowly to Andasibe (around 5 hours) throughout the eastern slope to get acclimatized of the tropical climate of Madagascar. In the afternoon, we will hike inside VOIMMA reserve to spot endemics species like lemurs, birds and plants. In the evening, a night walk in the forest to spot nocturnal active animals.
Day 03. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Overnight in Andasibe.
After an early breakfast, we will head on a bumpy road to Mantadia National Park, home for other species of lemurs, birds and chameleons. This hike is rather challenging but worth-it to explore the primary rainforest of Mantadia National Park. We can see Diademed sifaka, Black-and-white ruffed lemurs, the insectivorous tenrecs and the rainforest-dependent ground rollers. In the afternoon, we will get closer to lemurs at lemurs’ island, a small reserve managed by Vakona lodge.
Day 04. Analamazaotra National Park. Drive to Antsirabe. Overnight in Antsirabe.
In the morning, we will hike inside Analamazaotra National Park to spot other species of lemurs, birds and plants. Then, our journey will take us southwards, winding through serene rural landscapes adorned with lush rice fields, culminating in our arrival at Antsirabe, aptly known as the “City of Water” after approx. 5 hours. Nestled within a volcanic region, Antsirabe boasts fertile lands that have sustained its
vibrant community for generations, offering a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between nature and civilization.
Day 05. Drive to Ranomafana . Overnight in Ranomafana.
After breakfast, we will continue southwards towards Ambositra. This renowned destination is celebrated for its exquisite woodcarving workshops, where skilled artisans bring intricate designs to life. Prepare to immerse yourself in the artistry and craftsmanship of this unique craft as we explore Ambositra’s renowned workshops firsthand. We will reach Ranomafana at the end of the afternoon.
Day 06. Explore Ranomafana National Park . Overnight in Ranomafana
Ranomafana offers an opportunity to experience more rainforest, home for rare primates amongst other animals and plants. We will hike inside the park through the day. Also, take night walk inside the forest to spot nocturnal animals.
Day 07.Drive to Isalo. Overnight at Isalo
Depart to Isalo after breakfast . On the way, we will visit the silk weavers’ workshops belonged to a local association of women as well as the community-run reserve of Anja – where one can get very closed to the ring-tailed lemurs. Then we will continue on the road through the rocky landscape and savannah scenery. This huge plateau and valley are the area of the Bara, – a conservative farming tribe whose livelihood and rituals are centered on the zebu. Arrive at Isalo at the end of the afternoon.
Day 08. Isalo National Park. Overnight at Isalo
In the morning, we will have leisurely hike in this eroded ruiniform sandstone formations from the Jurassic era. Isalo is a semi-desert area characterized by its huge canyons, oases and lunar landscape – home for lemurs and many other endemic species. This breath-taking spot gives a sensation of an outer-world journey. As the temperature can rise in the afternoon, we will be able spend leisurely time by the natural swimming pool or at the black pool inside the canyon.
Day 09. Drive to Tulear – Ifaty. Overnight at Ifaty.
After breakfast, we will head southwards to Tulear towards the savannah and the baobab areas. Several species of spiny vegetation of this area are endemic to this region. On the way, we will visit the Zombitse National park to observe other species of lemurs like the Hapalemurs. We will pass through villages and the famous decorated tombs of Mahafaly and Antandroy tribes. Here, the Aloalos (funeral sculpted decoration) are considered as messengers between the living and their ancestors. Transfer to Ifaty, a beautiful, gently sloping beach, which lies about 26 km north of Tulear and is protected by a coral reef. We can see various endemic thorn bush species and mangroves on our journey.
Day 10. Ifaty. Overnight at Ifaty.
We will start the day with a visit to the spiny forest of Ifaty and the Reniala Reserve to spot more Baobab tree species, other typical plants, birds, turtles and more.
Day 11. Fly to Antananarivo. Overnight at Antananarivo.
After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Antananarivo. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Free evening to explore the city.
Day 12. Tour Ends.
Today, we head out from Antananarivo, with our memory cards teeming with photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is for wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore and photograph the wildlife of Madagascar. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Due to the small group size, beginners as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on field assistance. Non-photographers, interested in exploring wildlife of Madagascar, are welcome too.
How do we reach Antananarivo?
Ivato International Airport (TNR) is well connected from most international airports. Do let know if you need any help with flight booking. Please note that flights to and from Antananarivo are not part of the tour price.
Are Visa and Vaccination needed for Madagascar?
You can apply for eVisa for Madagascar for Indians at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Two Vaccinations – Yellow Fever Vaccine and and Oral Polio Vaccine are recommend for travel to Madagascar. This are administered in all major cities with different schedules. Please ensure that you take them at least 2 weeks before you travel.
In India, the Yellow Fever Vaccination centre in your city can be found here. Oral Polio Vaccination centres are available state-wise in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Govt. of India) website.
I am not a keen photographer. But I want to visit Madagascar with your group. Can I still join?
Yes. If you are interested to explore Madagascar wildlife, you are welcome to join this tour. You’ll have a great time in the Madagascar wilderness, with tons of memories and exciting experiences to take back with you. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?
Yes, you can. We visit one of the most awesome wildlife destinations in the world on this photography tour. Your partner will enjoy the journey with the group, with tons of memories and exciting experiences to take back from the Madagascar wilderness. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
What photography equipment is needed for the tour?
We recommend
-Macro lenses to capture the reptiles and amphibians.
– Wide-angle lenses/Kit lenses for forest-scapes, landscapes and the valley.
-Telephoto lenses reaching up to 400mm focal length to photograph wildlife at a distance. Please talk to us to decide on the photography equipment that you need to carry for the tour.
Also refer to our tours faq for more information.
Tour Price
Tour Price: USD 4500 per person (plus taxes as applicable)
The tour price includes
The tour price does not include
Cancellation Policy:
-50% of tour fee is charged as cancellation fees for cancellation upto 90 days before the start of tour.
-75% of tour fee is charged as cancellation fees for cancellation between 89 days and 60 days before the start of tour.
-No refund for cancellation within 59 days of the tour start date or for no-show.
Please note:
Wildlife Photography Mentor – Shreeram M V
Shreeram M V is a professional photographer, photography mentor and naturalist. What started off as a fascination for birds in a lake behind his house turned into a journey across the natural world. For this IIM Bangalore graduate, the passion for travel and wildlife enabled him to charter his own course outside the corporate world.
He has explored and photographed places across the world as diverse as the savannahs of Africa, the ice continent of Antarctica, the islands of New Zealand, the rainforests of the Western Ghats, the salt marshes of Kutch, the grasslands of Tal Chapar, the deciduous forests of South and Central India, the high-altitude plateau of Ladakh, the coasts of peninsular India, the forests of North-east India and the islands of Andaman. His approach to wildlife photography has evolved into telling stories about the place and its habitats, biodiversity and human interactions with nature.
He is a well-published and awarded photographer. His articles and photographs have been published in diverse print and digital magazines such as National Geographic Traveller, Sanctuary Asia, Saevus, Lonely Planet India, Terrascape, Nature inFocus and JLR Explore. As a naturalist, he has been associated with Jungle Lodges and Resorts and Karnataka Eco-tourism Development Board in training and certifying naturalists from across the state.
The Western Ghats has played a key role in Shreeram’s understanding of photography and wildlife over the years. His passion for photographing the varied life-forms in the rainforest as well as learning more about their natural history has earned him a lot of appreciation from the hundreds of participants on our Rainforest Rendezvous tours over the past 10 years. See some of his work at Shreeram M V Photography
Herpetologist and Evolutionary Biologist – Achyuthan Srikanthan
Achyuthan is a multifaceted herpetologist and evolutionary biologist with a deep understanding of reptilian taxonomy and evolution. His field experience spans over 20 years across more than 30 countries, from the biodiversity hotspots of Madagascar to the remote forests of Honduras. He has published over 50 scientific papers in reputed journals and 2 monographs, including the first ever book on Skinks of India.
His expertise in reptilian taxonomy, particularly in geckos, skinks, and vine snakes of the Western Ghats, allows him to work on entire evolutionary narratives. He is working on his PhD which reveals the intricate details of scale microstructures and morphological adaptations that will broaden our understanding of biogeographic history and species diversification.
As an ecotourism naturalist and guide, he excels at making complex scientific concepts accessible. His experience in handling venomous snakes and a deep understanding of reptilian behavior is invaluable to his guided experiences. His artistic work spans multiple media – from professional wildlife photography to detailed scientific illustrations in watercolor and digital media. This combination of scientific knowledge and artistic skill enables him to offer unique insights into herpetofaunal diversity and behavior. See some of his work here
Sign Up
Contact us at the email/number below to book the tour.
email: photography@darter.in
Tel/WhatsApp: +91-97400 83260 (Shreeram)
Alternately, fill in the following form to get in touch with us regarding the tour.