madagascar

wildlife

12 days

October 1st-12th 2027/28

Experience one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on Earth on a 12-day expedition across Madagascar.

Home to wildlife found nowhere else on the planet, Madagascar is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and adventurers alike. From the haunting calls of Indri lemurs echoing through ancient rainforest to giant Parson's chameleons hidden amongst the trees, every day offers a new opportunity to discover something truly extraordinary.

This expedition has been carefully designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Madagascar's ecosystems. We'll explore lush eastern rainforests in search of lemurs, chameleons and leaf tailed geckos, venture into remote dry forests in search of tree boas and the elusive fossa, cross rivers by ferry, trek through the breath-taking limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, and watch the sun set over the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs.

You'll be joining one of the UK's most experienced wildlife content creators and expedition leaders as we search for some of the rarest animals on Earth. Throughout the expedition, I'll be teaching guests how to spot elusive wildlife, understand animal behaviour, photograph species in their natural habitat, and where appropriate and under the guidance of our local experts, demonstrate safe and ethical interaction with certain species.

This isn't a holiday.

It's a true expedition.

Why Madagascar?

Around 90% of Madagascar's wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth. It is one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots and offers wildlife encounters unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Throughout the expedition we'll have opportunities to encounter:

  • Indri lemurs

  • Diademed sifakas

  • Brown lemurs

  • Mouse lemurs

  • Giant Parson's chameleons

  • Leaf-tailed geckos

  • Panther chameleons

  • Tree frogs

  • Tree boas

  • Dozens of endemic birds

  • The elusive fossa, Madagascar's top predator

Combined with spectacular landscapes, welcoming local communities and one of the world's most unique ecosystems, Madagascar truly is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Expedition Highlights

  • Search for giant Parson's chameleons in Andasibe rainforest

  • Listen to wild Indri calling through the forest at sunrise

  • Multiple guided night walks searching for reptiles and nocturnal wildlife

  • Visit Analamazaotra, Mantadia, Maromizaha and Mitsinjo reserves

  • Explore the famous Vakona Lemur Island

  • Search for the elusive fossa in Kirindy Forest

  • Cross remote rivers by traditional ferry

  • Trek across the spectacular Small and Big Tsingy

  • Watch sunset at the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs

  • Travel alongside experienced local wildlife guides

  • World-class photography opportunities (all photos in this itinerary taken by @Tarzanwildart during the last expedition)

  • Small exclusive group experience with Tarzan Expeditions

  • A chance to not only see, but safely interact with numerous species found nowhere else on earth! (Something no other Madagascar group expedition offers!)

A tattooed man with light skin, short hair, and a beard holding a wooden stick with a green gloved hand, surrounded by lush green foliage.

£4995 per person

A £500 non-refundable deposit secures your place.

Remaining balance due to be cleared by August 1st 2027

Only one departure each year.

Maximum of 10 guests.

Hosted personally by Tarzan.

Included

  • All 4★ accommodation throughout the expedition

  • All meals

  • All Airport transfers

  • All ground transportation

  • Domestic flights between regions within Madagascar

  • Professional English-speaking wildlife guides

  • All national Park entrance fees

  • All reserve entrance fees

  • Night walks

  • Tsingy entrance fees

  • Avenue of the Baobabs entrance

  • Expedition support from Tarzan Expeditions

  • Dedicated expedition WhatsApp group

  • Pre-departure support and advice

Not Included

  • International flights **

  • Travel insurance **

  • Extra food/drinks

  • Alcohol

  • Personal expenses

  • Medical expenses

  • Laundry services

  • Tips

    **As an ATOL / ABTA licenced travel agent, we can help you arrange flights, visa, and travel insurance at the best prices available.

A rectangular swimming pool with lounge chairs on both sides, surrounded by trees and greenery, under a partly cloudy sky.

October 1st- Day One

Arrival in Antananarivo

You are welcome to arrive as early as you like but we will all meet at Antananarivo airport on this day. Upon meeting the rest of the group, we will begin our journey east into the lush rainforests of Andasibe. As we leave the bustling capital behind, the scenery transforms into rolling hills, dense tropical forest and traditional Malagasy villages, giving you your first taste of this extraordinary island.

Tonight we'll settle into our rainforest lodge, surrounded by the sounds of Madagascar's unique wildlife, enjoy our first meal together and depending on our time of arrival, go for a brief night-walk in the area surrounding our lodge.

Meals: Dinner

A black and white lemur with bright eyes resting on a tree branch among green leaves.

October 2nd- Day Two

Analamazaotra National Park & VOIMMA Night Walk

We’ll wake early for breakfast before spending our first full day exploring the world-famous Analamazaotra National Park, home to Madagascar's largest lemur, the incredible Indri. As we walk beneath towering rainforest trees, we'll search for chameleons, colourful frogs, endemic birds and countless other species found nowhere else on Earth.

Highlights include:

  • Indri lemurs

  • Chameleons

  • Tree frogs

  • Endemic birds

  • Incredible rainforest scenery

As darkness falls, we'll experience our first guided night walk through VOIMMA Reserve, searching for nocturnal lemurs, geckos, sleeping chameleons and other fascinating creatures that only emerge after sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

A person with tattoos holding a green iguana outdoors in a lush, tropical environment.

October 3rd- Day Three

Mantadia National Park & Vakona Lemur Reserve

Today we venture deeper into Madagascar's pristine rainforest as we explore the beautiful Mantadia National Park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and spectacular scenery.

Later in the day we'll visit Vakona Reserve's famous Lemur Island, where you'll enjoy unforgettable close encounters with several species of free-roaming lemurs in a truly unique setting.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Close-up of a tree branch with patches of white lichen and green moss, surrounded by blurred green foliage.

October 4th- Day Four

Maromizaha Reserve & Night Walk

Today we explore the incredible Maromizaha Reserve, one of Madagascar's richest and least-visited rainforest habitats. With expert local guides leading the way, we'll spend the day searching for rare reptiles, colourful amphibians, fascinating insects and an incredible variety of lemurs.

In the evening we'll head back into the forest for another exciting nocturnal wildlife walk, offering even more opportunities to discover Madagascar's remarkable nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

A young mandrill monkey clinging to tree branches in a forested area.

October 5th- Day Five

Mitsinjo Reserve & Return to Antananarivo

Our final morning in the rainforest takes us to Mitsinjo Reserve, a fantastic community-managed conservation area known for its outstanding wildlife and conservation work.

After one last opportunity to spot Andisibe’s incredible wildlife, we'll return to Antananarivo for an overnight stay before continuing our expedition to the island's spectacular western landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

A dirt road lined with tall baobab trees and trash bins, with a vehicle kicking up dust, and a group of people walking in the distance during sunset.

October 6th- Day Six

Fly to Morondava • Avenue of the Baobabs • Kirindy Forest

After breakfast we'll board our domestic flight to Morondava on Madagascar's west coast.

From here we'll travel through the legendary Avenue of the Baobabs before continuing to Kirindy Forest, one of the best places in Madagascar to search for the elusive fossa, Madagascar's largest predator.

As darkness falls, we'll head into the forest for an unforgettable night walk, searching for mouse lemurs, giant jumping rats, geckos, reptiles and countless nocturnal species.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Close-up of a mountain lion with a rocky background.

October 7th- Day Seven

Kirindy Forest to Bemaraha

We'll begin the morning with a wildlife walk through Kirindy Forest, where we'll have another chance to encounter the elusive fossa alongside several species of lemur and unique dry-forest wildlife.

We then continue our adventure towards Bemaraha, travelling through remote western Madagascar and experiencing some of the country's most spectacular and untouched landscapes before arriving at our lodge near Tsingy National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

A black and white ruffed lemur with yellow eyes next to a man with a beard and mustache, in a lush green environment with trees and leaves.

October 8th- Day Eight

Manambolo River & Small Tsingy

Today's adventure begins with a traditional dugout canoe crossing along the beautiful Manambolo River, where we'll explore fascinating caves filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

In the afternoon we'll enter the remarkable Small Tsingy, where razor-sharp limestone formations create one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth and provide our first glimpse of Madagascar's famous stone forest.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

A wooden suspension bridge spans over a narrow canyon with tall, jagged rock formations and sparse vegetation.

October 9th- Day Nine

Big Tsingy National Park

Today is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the entire expedition.

We'll spend the day exploring the breathtaking Big Tsingy, navigating suspension bridges, narrow limestone canyons and dramatic rock pinnacles within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way we'll continue searching for endemic wildlife while taking in some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in Madagascar.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Silhouettes of tall baobab trees against a sunset sky in Africa.

October 10th- Day Ten

Return to Morondava & Sunset at the Avenue of the Baobabs

After breakfast we'll begin our journey back towards Morondava.

Before reaching the coast, we'll stop at one of Madagascar's most iconic locations: the Avenue of the Baobabs. As the sun begins to set behind these ancient giants, you'll have the opportunity to capture one of Africa's most breathtaking landscapes in perfect golden light.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Three women enjoying a sunny day by a swimming pool on a wooden deck, with two lounging chairs, an umbrella, and lush greenery in the background.

October 11th- Day Eleven

Return to Antananarivo

We'll have breakfast and then fly back to Antananarivo where you'll check in to our final accommodation and have time to relax by the pool and enjoy our final evening together, sharing stories and reflecting on an unforgettable expedition through one of the world's most unique wildlife destinations.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A lemur sleeping curled around a tree branch among green leaves.

October 12th- Day Twelve

Lemur park, City Tour & Departure

After breakfast we'll enjoy a short tour of Madagascar's fascinating capital, giving you one final glimpse into the island's rich culture and history, then we’ll visit a lemur sanctuary.

Afterwards, we'll transfer to the airport for your onward international flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories from an expedition unlike any other.

Meals: Breakfast