Ankarafantsika National Park Birding Tour

Northwest Madagascar, the ‘Boeny region’ is a captivating area that encompasses diverse landscapes, blending dense forests and gorgeous lakes. Anchored by Ankarafantsika National Park, this area is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting an array of endemic species. Renowned for its rich birdlife, the park is home to elusive species such as the White-breasted Mesite, Schlegel’s Asity, Van Dam’s Vanga, Madagascar Ibis, and the elusive Banded Kestrel. The area offers breathtaking scenery, including Lake Ravelobe, which is the best place to find the endangered Humblot’s Heron and the relatively easier-to-spot critically endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle.

*Please see our 15-Day Best of Madagascar – Birds & Wildlife, which can be added as an extension before or after this tour. Our scheduled group tour runs directly before 1st – 7th October 2024.

*Please see our Best of Madagascar – Birds & Wildlife, which can be added as an extension before or after this tour. Our scheduled group tour runs directly before on 15th – 28th October 2024.

Tour Pace:
Slow– this tour has been designed to go at a steady pace, leaving plenty of time to get all the target species at Ankarafantsika. Anyone who has been birding in Madagascar knows that sightings do not come ‘thick and fast’ compared to mainland Africa, although the rewards are much higher.

Tour Difficulty:
Easy/Medium – lots of on-foot birding in quite difficult terrain, but nothing overly enduring. There are a couple of long drives to Ankarafantsika from Mahajanga (max. 4 hours), but it’s well worth the wait. Accommodation in this region of Madagascar is scarce, so please do not expect luxury.

Sustainability:
At Sustainable Birding, our goal is to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. Our determination to promote sustainable travel led us to become founding members of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency. As part of this commitment, we have established the world’s pioneering carbon scoring and offsetting framework for tailor-made holidays. Feel free to request us to carbon score your individual trip!

Deposit:
Secure your place on this trip with a 25% deposit.

Cost:
The above cost is based on a group of 6 people. Please get in touch if you’d like us to arrange a private tailor-made tour

Sustainability:
At Sustainable Birding, our goal is to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. Our determination to promote sustainable travel led us to become founding members of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency. As part of this commitment, we have established the world’s pioneering carbon scoring and offsetting framework for tailor-made holidays. Feel free to request us to carbon score your individual trip!

Tour Leader:
Lalaina, affectionately known as Lala, has been a dedicated birding and wildlife guide in Madagascar since 2000. His close collaboration with our ground agents since 2005 has equipped him with an in-depth understanding of all the requirements essential for birders. Lalaina has extensively explored and visited all the major birding sites in Madagascar, establishing himself as a seasoned professional in the field.

With a background in tourism training in Antananarivo, Lalaina further honed his expertise in wildlife at the Botanical and Zoological Garden of Tsimbazaza. His commitment and knowledge have earned him recognition as one of the premier birdwatching guides in Madagascar. Lalaina is well-versed in English, French, and Malagasy, ensuring effective communication and a seamless experience for birding enthusiasts.