Magical Madagascar Group Tours
May 31st - June 12th 2023 (Sold Out, Request Waitlist)
August 9th - August 21st 2023 (Sold Out, Request Waitlist)
From East to West
Don't forget to check out the Madagascar Tropical Paradise Extension!
Our travel club has been to many African countries but this one has been on the list forever and we're thrilled to finally offer a one-of-a-kind small group adventure to Madagascar! Famous for its isolation off the coast of Africa allowing evolution to showcase her masterpiece, Madagascar is home to countless endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The most well-known are the numerous species of lemurs who have enjoyed millions of years of evolution in this unique microbiome. But so many more colorful creatures can be encountered and photographed here, like the giant Panther Chameleon, one of the largest in the world, the Fossa, Madagascar's apex predator and largest carnivore on the island, & the highly endangered Blue Coua bird, renowned for their striking deep blue feathers. And as you can see from the picture above, the country has 
absolutely stunning landscapes with unique rock formations, giant baobab trees (one of the largest species in the world), tropical rainforests, & stunning coastlines with offshore islands home to pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs teeming with sea life.
We've crafted a unique itinerary from scratch aiming to experience all of the magical Madagascar wonders described above. Sign up and get your deposits in ASAP because this one will be sold out in a hot minute!
Madagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island where you will "discover an extraordinary storehouse of natural and cultural riches. Separated from Africa and Asia at the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar's animal life has evolved in a startling myriad of forms, with endemic species found nowhere else on earth. - Rough Guides
E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
The East: The green corridor of Madagascar (5 Days)
"Eastern Madagascar is travel the way it used to be. There is a wildness here of primordial allure, from the misty mountains of Masoala, down the huge coastline with its pounding sea and overhanging palms, to the lush waterways of the Pangalanes Lakes. Travelers often feel a constant sense of coming upon undiscovered locales, including entire national parks...." -Lonely Planet
Antananarivo (3 Nights)
"Tana, as the capital is universally known, is all about eating, shopping, history, and day trips. Bypassing the city would be a mistake: Tana has been the home of Malagasy power for three centuries and there's a huge amount of history and culture to discover, as well as some unexpected wildlife options." - Lonely Planet
- Sunset over Upper Town: A panoramic view over the entire city. A photographic motif not to be missed.
- Fortified Palace of Ambohimanga: The proper term for a fortified palace in Malagasy is "Rova", and this one is truly stunning. Comprised of two inner palaces and open-air baths, the 225-year-old is a must-see and just outside of the city proper.
- Free time to explore the city: Highlights include Lac Anosy (Antananarivo’s heart-shaped lake), the Presidential
Palace, Musee de la Photo (fantastic photography museum & the capital's best overall), and the Andravoahangy, the Open-Air Market with local merchants' stalls full of arts and crafts created by skilled artisans, including wood carvings, fossils, petrified wood, and locally made clothing (Barter is the name of the game!)
- Peyrieras Private Farm "Madagascar Exotic": En route to Andasibe, this must-stop farm is home to 3000 species of butterflies, including the Comet, the largest butterfly on earth! Also here are almost all the chameleon species of Madagascar as well as lizards, snakes, bats & more.
Andasibe (2 Nights)
This heavily rainforested region is known for its National Park of the same name. Easily one of the best lemur experiences in the world, the park is the ideal place to spot the Indri, the largest living lemur. Countless beautiful flora and fauna thrive here; a feast for our eyes & cameras.
- Parc National Analamazaotra: The most popular park within Andasibe, the highlight of this reserve is the rare indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, whose unforgettable wail can be heard emanating from the misty forest throughout the day.
- Manjakandriana Workshop & Beekeeping Center: Check out the small local workshop where we'll learn about the process of making zebu carts; ox-drawn carriages used to transport people and goods. Nearby we stop at a local beekeeping center and experience the
hospitality of the Malagasy.
- Perinet Reserve & Guided Evening Nature Walk: Numerous species of lemurs can be encountered here, finishing off with a night walk through the forest in search of nocturnal animals including frogs, chameleons, & tenrecs, small hedgehog-like creatures known for their spikes & diversity.
The West: Adventureland (8 Days)
"Madagascar’s western region is filled with adventurous possibilities and it's from here that so many iconic Madagascar 
images originate. From the otherworldly limestone spikes and crippled spires of the Tsingy de Bemaraha to the stomping ground of the fossa at the Réserve Forestière de Kirindy. Throw in the Allée des Baobabs and so many opportunities to go out into the wilderness and you have a region that showcases all that's memorable about this remarkable country. Your rewards are priceless traveling epics you'll never forget." - Lonely Planet
Kirindy (2 Nights)
The Malagasy word itself translates to "dense forest with wild animals" and this privately managed forest is in one of Madagascar's most threatened ecosystems. The dry deciduous forests found here are famous for the giant jumping rat, but are
also home to seven species of lemur, and a number of endemic reptiles. It would be a mistake to pass over the unusual flora we'll encounter here, like the large and bizarre-shaped baobabs, also known as African monkey trees that reach heights up to 130 ft!
- Nocturnal Nature Walk: Our guide will help us spot and discover several species of microcebus (mouse lemurs), snakes, and the famous Hypogeomys Antimena also known as Vositse (Giant Rat), endemic to the western part of Madagascar.
-The Reserve: So many incredible fauna & flora to discover and photograph here. Highlights include the famous Cryptoprocta ferox, also known as the Fossa, Madagascar's apex predator and largest carnivore on the island, the Crested Coua bird with its brilliant blue and purple coloring around the eyes, Paradise Flycatcher, baobabs, & young palissandre (rosewood trees).
Tsingy of Bemaraha (3 Nights)
"If you visit one place in western Madagascar, make it Parc National Bemaraha. A Unesco World Heritage Site, its highlights are the jagged, limestone pinnacles known as tsingy and the impressive infrastructure – via Ferrata (mountain route equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges), rope bridges, and walkways. Formed over centuries by the movement of wind and water, and often towering several hundred meters into the air, the serrated peaks would definitely look at home in a Dalí painting." - Lonely Planet
- Night Nature Walk in Search of Mouse Macaws: Not to be confused with the colorful bird, the mouse macaw is also known as the Gray Mouse Lemur. At only three inches tall, gray mouse lemurs are one of the smallest in the world, only "outsmalled" by its close cousin, the pygmy mouse lemur (the smallest mammal in the world). Our local guide will help us spot and photograph these adorable little animals.
- The Grand & Petit Tsingys: - “Tsingy” is an indigenous Malagasy word that roughly translates as “where one cannot walk barefoot”, and is the name for the unique, limestone pinnacles that formed 200 million years ago throughout the park. While the limestone pinnacles of the Grand Tsingy can reach up to 300 feet in height; in Petit Tsingy, the pinnacles are only about 60 ft tall. We'll have the opportunity to explore and hike through one of these magnificent geological formations:
- Option 1, The Grand Tsingy via Ferrata: This challenging but once-in-a-lifetime experience is well worth the "sweat-
equity" for the incredible views & vantage points we'll get to experience. For those who are fit enough to make the trek, we'll hike through canyons and underground caves created by the transgression & regression of the sea over millions of years. Small stairs and suspended bridges have been built on the rocks to trek through & photograph these impressive limestone cathedrals. The trek ends with stunning panoramic views of the Grand Tsingys to take in and photograph before making the trip back down. *Difficulty: Hard | This is an optional difficult hike with advanced techniques required including steep climbs via step ladders and using harnesses, ropes, & carabiners to complete near vertical ascents. It is fully guided and all the safety equipment is provided. More details can be found in the daily itinerary which you can request via the form at the top of this trip page.
- Option 2, The Petit Tsingy: This is one of the relatively easier trails in the park. It takes about four hours but doesn't require any ropes or advanced technical climbing. We'll walk through canyons, caves, and rocky labyrinths, and it's ideal for getting a taste of everything in the park. A great view of the Petit Tsingy from a beautiful viewpoint allows for peaceful contemplation and excellent photographs!*Difficulty: Moderate | 100 Ft elevation gain. More details can be found in the daily itinerary which you can request via the form at the top of this trip page.
- Explore & Canoe the Manambolo Gorge & River: The dramatic and steep walls of the Manambolo Gorge reach heights over 250 ft and the awe of floating down the river in between these behemoths is an experience not to be missed. Mystical Caves with beautiful limestone formations are found at the base of the gorge and we'll end at a stunning viewpoint overlooking the river and iconic Tsingys with fantastic panoramic views and photographs. *Optional: This activity is not included in the main program. Price and details found in the daily itinerary.
Morondava (2 Nights)
This lazy seaside town serves as the springboard for the nearby gems of Kirindy & Tsingy of Bemaraha. Sandy streets and gently decaying clapboard houses add to its laid-back ambiance and make Morondava an excellent start or end point to 
adventures in the west. Notably, Morondava's own claim to fame is the Allée des Baobabs outside of town. This iconic group of "upside-down" trees draws photographers, filmmakers, & painters from all over the world!
Avenue of the Baobabs: The most beautiful road in Madagascar
Flanked on both sides by majestic Adansonia grandidieri baobabs, the "avenue" is actually part of the main road linking the west to national parks, villages, and nature reserves. Many of the trees here may be 1000 years old with huge, gnarled branches stretching out at the top – it’s no wonder the locals call them the ‘roots of the sky’ ; A setting so beautiful and unique that it may become the country’s first official natural monument. We'll spend ample time here to wander and take in the majesty of these otherworldly trees, many with trunks over 150 ft around! The experience only gets better
as the sun begins to set so don't miss this chance to capture awesome photographs from a variety of vantage points and perspectives!
- Discover a local fishing village: The village of Betania offers a glimpse of the local atmosphere for this region's inhabitants. Discover life as it really is for the Vezo fisherman and observe their unique fishing techniques which have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.
* PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop-style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!
Price: $2,995.00
Single Supplement: $795.00 *LIMITED Single Supplements Available
The adventure doesn't have to end here!
Paradise Island Extension
(Optional)
June 12th - 16th 2023
August 21st - 25th 2023
It would be a shame to travel all the way to Madagascar and not experience the incredible white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, & coral reefs teeming with fish. The beautiful island chains and coral atolls that surround the massive island contrast the experience of the "mainland" perfectly. We've chosen an accessible but peaceful island with a low-key atmosphere and tropical beauty; the perfect way to finish off this adventure of a lifetime!
E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Nosy Be: 3 Nights (plus 1 night Antananarivo)
The name means "Big Island" and "Madagascar’s number-one beach destination, has all the ingredients you'd expect: soft white 
sand, turquoise waters, and wonderful seafood. A paradise for water-based activities with its sunny climate most of the year, there is plenty of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. A little pricey compared to the mainland, but most visitors find the lack of major development and relaxed, mora mora (slowly, slowly) lifestyle worth the extra money." - Lonely Planet
- Lemur's Park: A perfect *optional visit on our free day before flying to paradise, this private reserve west of the capital is home to nine species of lemurs in the wild and is ideal for lemur lovers and nature photographers because of the ample opportunities to observe them up close. *Optional: This activity is not included in the program. Price and details are found in the daily itinerary.
- Free Time to Explore the Island: Discover volcanic lakes, lazy lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations, and intricate coral reefs that are practically begging to be explored. A lazy day on Madagascar's best beach may also be in order.
- Artisanal Fishing Village on Nosy Komba: A short boat ride takes us to Ampangoriana Village on nearby Nosy Komba with their traditional pirogues (fishing boats), embroidery, and woodcraft market. Take the chance to see and photograph the local culture and their way of life. Who knows? We may even find some cool things to buy and bring home to family and friends.
- Discovery Park: A cool opportunity to get up close and personal with the native creatures on Nosy Komba, including boa constrictors, chameleons, and land turtles. But the Macaco Lemurs and their large "sideburns" are the main attraction and not to
be missed. Great nature photography opps here!
- Snorkel Nosy Tanikely Underwater Reserve: This protected underwater oasis is chock-full of magnificent corals, sea anemones, multicolored fish, crustaceans, & sea turtles. After our undersea exploration on the reef, we'll stroll to a nearby lighthouse where the unique dogfish like to hang out in the shallow waters with lemurs perched overhead in the trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch before wandering around in search of lizards, chameleons, and butterflies to photograph and admire.
- The Best Beach in Madagascar (Optional): An optional adventure to Nosy Iranja is a no-brainer for the beach bums in our group. The gorgeous island has been tagged the 8th
most beautiful in the world and is actually formed by two small islets (Nosy Iranja Kely & Nosy Iranja Be) connected by a long white sandbar 1.5 miles across. It's this sandbar that connects the bigger islet to the deserted smaller one which makes the landscape so unique and stunning. At low tide, we can walk across the sand bar from one islet to the other where sea turtles and palm crabs are the primary residents and the ocean glistens with shades of light blue to cobalt. *Optional: This activity is not included in the main program. Price and details found in the daily itinerary.
* PhotoFly Travel Club adventures are laid back when it comes to photography. They are not workshop-style based tours and you do not need to be an avid photographer to join. All are welcome!
Price: $1,395.00
Single Supplement: $335.00
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
*There is a $100.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days (January 31st, 2023 first departure, April 11th, 2023 second departure) or more prior to trip departure date are fully refundable except for the $100 fee. Cancellations less than 120 days (February 1st, 2023 first departure, April 12th, 2023, second departure) prior to the trip departure date will receive no refund of the full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. Credit card fees and paypal processing fees cannot be refunded. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Travel insurance strongly encouraged (ask us about policy options). *Hotels subject to change based on availability
COVID Cancellation Policy – Local Planet Travel Services OR Guest may cancel this reservation if the USA or country(s) we are visiting mandates a country-wide closure due to COVID. If this happens, you would receive a full refund. If guest chooses, the funds can remain on file and be applied for any future tour with PhotoFly Travel Club. *Please note bank merchant service fees when using a credit card are non-refundable.
MANDATORY VACCINE REQUIREMENT: The safety of all our guests is a top priority regardless of where our adventures take us. All travelers are required to have an approved COVID-19 vaccination to participate in this tour. Travelers that meet this mandatory requirement can join our adventures after 14 days have elapsed since their final dose. Proof of vaccination must be provided by emailing a copy of the participant's COVID-19 vaccination card to joinus@photoflytravel.com upon sign-up. *Guests who are not vaccinated for medical reasons are exempt from this mandatory vaccine policy with proof from a certified medical professional.
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Paradise Island Adventure