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The pictures taken on this trip are the best that I have achieved. Ollie and Claude were excellent. They had great knowledge and were able to help and guide us at all times. Local guides were also very good, especially their ability to find the species in their location. The abundance of nature revealed at many different sites. The fact that I developed and gained new skills with my photography. I discovered many new areas of photography.
V.A. Staffordshire, Sep 23
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Madagascar: A Wildlife Photography Tour
Tour Code: MDG09A 20-day wildlife photography holiday to the extraordinary island of Madagascar, focusing on photographing the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes, plus a little astrophotography.
20 days
from
£9,995 (Inc flights)
£9,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£9,095
£9,095
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
By any measure, Madagascar ranks amongst the most extraordinary countries on Earth. The fourth largest island in the world, it has been isolated from all other landmasses for some 80 million years. During that time, a dazzling array of endemic birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and plants have evolved, almost all of which are found nowhere else in the world. Madagascar has all of the world’s species of lemurs (of which there are over 100, and still more being discovered!), half of the world’s chameleon species and six out of eight baobab species. The entire native terrestrial mammal fauna has evolved from just four colonists (one primate, one rodent, one insectivore and one carnivore) that are thought to have completed the perilous journey to Madagascar, by chance, on rafts of vegetation. Then, over tens of millions of years, these early pioneers evolved into over 100 living species, filling all manner of ecological niches across the island, and all are found nowhere else on Earth.
This tour has been specifically designed to maximise photographic opportunities, and we will explore and photograph several of the most spectacular locations and endemic species by both day and night. It will be led by an expert wildlife photographer, and our carefully constructed programme will be complemented by detailed guidance on locations and photographic settings to use for each subject.
- Avenue of Baobabs at dusk, dawn and at night
- Astrophotography to capture the stunning night skies of the southern hemisphere and the Milky Way with unique Madagascar landscapes as foregrounds
- Kirindy Forest, one of the most biodiverse environments in the world for primates, where we will search for the island’s largest carnivore, the Fosa, and largest rodent, the Giant Jumping Rat
- Extraordinary landscape of the Tsingy de Bemaraha with its iconic limestone pinnacles
- Dancing Sifakas, friendly Ring-tailed lemurs and spiny forest of Berenty
- Amazing nocturnal wildlife including chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, giraffe-necked weevils and many species of lemurs
- Indri, the largest living lemur, and Aye-aye, the most bizarre of all the lemurs, in their rainforest homes
- Maximum group size of just 5 tour participants
Grading
Grade B/C. Moderate to difficult day and night walks, with optional C/D graded walks around Tsingy de Bemeraha. Some long overland journeys on poor roads. A good level of fitness is required. Please see the detailed itinerary for further details.
Isolated for 88 million years and comprising several distinct vegetation zones, Madagascar has given rise to some of the most spectacular scenery and bizarre species on Earth, making it a must for any keen photographer.
After arriving into Antananarivo (Tana), and a good night’s rest, we spend the following day in the capital to acclimatise to our new surroundings. We will visit Parc Tsarasaotra, an oasis for birdlife in the urban sprawl, as well as the Queen's Palace on top of one of the tallest of 12 hills in Tana, which provides the most spectacular of views over the city. The following day we fly to Morondava and a visit to one of Madagascar’s most famous sights, the Avenue of Baobabs. A vivid sunset will allow for silhouetted shots of the boababs, and as dusk turns to night and the milky way spans the night sky, this unique setting will provide a wonderful opportunity in which to experiment with a little astrophotography.
For the next five days we will explore the fantastic wildlife reserves and dramatic landscapes of western Madagascar. Taking the opportunity to venture out at night as well as in the daylight hours, Kirindy Private Reserve offers us the opportunity to photography a mixture of diurnal and nocturnal creatures, including Fosa (Madagascar’s top carnivore), Narrow-striped Mongoose, Red-tailed Sportive Lemur, Coquerel’s Giant Dwarf Lemur and the quirky Giant Jumping Rat. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, meanwhile, with its jagged ‘tsingy’ peaks, limestone pinnacles and walking trails, will provide the perfect environment in which to indulge in some landscape photography. Humbolt’s Heron, Madagascar Fish Eagle and White-faced Whistling Duck, amongst many other subjects, are all possible here.
After a brief stop in Tana, we next fly south to Fort Dauphin and from there drive to Berenty Reserve. This small reserve is packed full of wonderful wildlife, including large troops of Ring-tailed Lemurs, beautiful birds including Madagascar Paradise Flycatcher and Giant Coua, and a variety of other interesting wildlife such as Madagascar Ground Boa, Radiated Tortoise and Jewel Chameleon. And, of course, a photography trip to Madagascar would not be complete without the opportunity to photograph the famous Verreaux’s Sifakas, or ‘dancing lemurs’, affectionately named due to their sideways hops that they make as they move across the ground. A trip into the nearby spiny forest will provide yet another unique and strange location in which to experiment with different photography techniques, and the drier areas around Berenty provide excellent habitat to explore at dusk in search of nocturnal inhabitants.
After a final morning in the reserve we head back to Fort Dauphin where we will overnight before taking our return flight to Tana. From here, we drive east to the rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park where we will hope to encounter Madagascar’s largest lemur, the teddy bear-like Indri, and beautiful Diademed Sifakas. The trails throughout the park give us the chance to explore at a relaxed pace, keeping an eye open for other lemurs, plenty of rainforest birds, plus fascinating insects, frogs and reptiles including Parson’s and Short-horned Chameleons. Night walks in the forest should also provide plenty of interest, with Madagascar Long-eared Owl, Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko, Eastern Woolly Lemur and Goodman’s Mouse Lemur all possible.
For our final two nights in Madagascar we continue to the east coast and the very special Palmarium Reserve, where wild Aye-ayes can be reliably seen each evening at dusk. The chance to see, and photograph, this extraordinary looking creature is sure to be the final highlight of our tour.
Sadly, we must then return to Tana ready for our flight home, with full memory cards and plenty of evocative photographs to process, which is sure to keep us busy for many months to come!
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Arrive Tana & overnight
Day 3
Morondava
Day 4/5
Kirindy Special Reserve
Day 6/8
Tsingy de Bemeraha National Park
Day 9
Tana
Day 10/12
Berenty Private Reserve
Day 13
Fort Dauphin
Day 14
Tana
Day 15/16
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Day 17/18
The Palmarium / Andasibe
Day 19
Depart Tana
Day 20
Arrive London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in basic, but comfortable, hotels and lodges throughout. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
All food is included in the price.
Reviews
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I was enormously satisfied with the trip and the skills advance and quality of photos I came away with. It was a game-changer for me, opening up interest in different genres of photography going forward I am sure. Being able to photograph animals, insects, reptiles and birds throughout the day and night, with reasonable amounts of free time to explore was exactly what I wanted. Together with some terrific landscape and astrophotography opportunities, we had an amazing variety of subject matters to photograph. The itinerary, tour leadership and content were just superb. Barney was particularly helpful to enable this trip to travel with a small party made my dream come true. The pre-departure info on what camera equipment to take was particularly helpful.
M.D. East Lothian, Sep 23
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 8th Sep – Sat 27th Sep
FULL
£9,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£9,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£1,095
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Oliver Smart
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Mon 10th Nov – Sat 29th Nov
FULL
£9,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£9,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£1,095
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Oliver Smart
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 9th Nov – Sat 28th Nov
5
£9,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£9,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£1,095
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Oliver Smart
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Mammal Watching Holidays
Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Wildlife Photography Workshops with Expert Tuition
Our dedicated wildlife photography workshops are aimed at wildlife photographers of varying levels of experience and ability, including beginners with ambitions to learn and improve, keen amateurs looking to hone their skills, and accomplished photographers seeking exceptional photographic opportunities.
Naturetrek Wildlife Photography Holidays
We work with outstanding photographers who share our goals of spending quality, informed time watching – and capturing – once-in-a-lifetime moments. Joining one of our wildlife photography tours will not only improve your technique and sharpen your reflexes, but will also optimise your chances of capturing memorable, high-quality images of some of the world’s most sought-after species. Group sizes on these holidays are strictly limited, not only to allow you plenty of room in which to work, but, just as importantly, to enable you to benefit from the dedicated time of our expert leaders. Our leaders aim to challenge your approach to photography, giving you the chance to pursue new avenues of creativity. They are also expert naturalists, enabling them to provide insight that will help you see your subjects in a new light, and improve your ability to predict and capture interesting behaviour.
Our tours offer:
- Expert advice on how to get the most out of your equipment
- Expert advice on composition and photographic technique
- Photo editing tuition fills time that is unproductive for shooting
- Extended time in hotspots to allow a focus on target species such as Jaguars, Tigers, bears, puffins and otters
- Picturesque landscapes, visited at optimal times
- Limited group size
- Like-minded travelling companions
Our specialist recommends...
“Our ‘Mull’s Otters and Eagles’ holiday provides fantastic opportunities to photograph charismatic wildlife in a stunning natural setting, allowing plenty of time to hone your technique with the aid of an expert photographer. If you’re looking for a long-haul option, our 16-day photography holiday to Costa Rica has it all with abundant, vibrant wildlife; over 900 species of bird, 250 species of mammal and 1,200 species of butterfly. Combine this with its stunning landscapes, and few countries in the Americas are better suited to a photography holiday!”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Eclipse and Astronomy Holidays
We have launched a programme of astronomically themed holidays that will open up the universe to you. By day we will admire the wildlife and landscapes of the natural world, but by night our attention will be drawn to the celestial realms. Whilst some tours are arranged around a particular event such an eclipse, others will take you to regions of the world where the truly dark skies can be enjoyed. A lot of careful planning and experience goes into operating these tours: to optimise the viewing we draw upon historical weather data and consider factors such as altitude and the phase of the moon.
Over the past two years our Namibian Night and Day tour has provided a wonderful blend of stargazing, tremendous scenery, and wildlife. This tour will run again in 2023 and 2024.
We have teamed up with the DarkSky Alqueva and SPEA, Portugal’s society for the study of birds, to bring you a tour of Portugal’s Alentejo region focusing on nature, culture and astronomy at the dark sky reserve.
After wonderfully successful tour to Chile in 2019 for the total solar eclipse, we have arranged a tour to Mexico’s Pacific coast to witness a total eclipse in April 2024. This will include amazing opportunities to see enjoy the history, culture and wildlife of this vibrant country.
On each of our ‘Eclipse and Astronomy Holidays’ we will aim to offer the following:
- Private vehicles
- Comfortable hotels
- Accompanying astronomy expert for all or part of the tour
- Live Planetarium demonstrations
Our specialist recommends...
"Looking to the skies can reward us with some of the most captivating views in nature. The richness of the Milky Way set against a jet-black sky, the rippling curtains of the Northern Lights over the Arctic or the astonishing spectacle of a total solar eclipse are sights that live long in the memory."
David Phillips - Operations Manager
All Eclipse and Astronomy Tours
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Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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