There’s no place on the planet like Madagascar for photographers in pursuit of unique nature images—that’s because 90% of Madagascar’s plant, mammal and reptile species are found nowhere else! On this biologically isolated island in the Indian Ocean, we find a host of intriguing rainforest dwellers, including diademed sifakas, indris, fossas and tenrecs, while baobabs and pachypodia dot its sandstone deserts. Curious about these exotic-sounding names? For even the most well-traveled nature photographer, Madagascar offers a kaleidoscope of discoveries, well beyond its most popular wild resident, the lemur—or lemurs, since there are roughly a hundred different species of them found in Madagascar—and only in Madagascar! On an itinerary seamlessly connected by private chartered flights, photograph a living time capsule that evolved alone in the Indian Ocean—as you discover the wonders of an "eighth continent" you never knew existed!
Trip Highlights
Get Close-Up Images of Abundant Lemurs
Madagascar is home to 100 different lemur species, primitive primates found only this biologically isolated island—you'll get countless exciting encounters
Varied Photo Contexts in Four National Parks
Photograph diverse landscapes and endangered wildlife in settings from rainforest to sandstone desert—plus a private nature reserve on the Indian Ocean
Chartered Flights Allow More Time for Photography
Maximize time in nature and minimize long, rugged drives via private chartered flights that ensure comfortable, timely travel—only with Nat Hab!
There's No Place Like Madagascar for Nature Photographers...and No One to Show It to You Like Nat Hab!
When it comes to unique destinations for nature photography, you can't top Madagascar. More than 90% of the intriguing plants, mammals and reptiles on the world's fourth largest island—and the vast majority of its birds and insects, too—exist nowhere else. A rich photo encounter with this "world apart" requires a very small group and exclusive transportation features between remote locations that are not offered on any other tour we're aware of. Take a look at what sets our Madagascar Photo Expedition apart:
Our Unique Itinerary Maximizes Your Time for Nature Photography
Rather than lose several days crossing the country on long drives, or confining your travels to fewer regions, we ensure you spend more time in distinctly varied wild places, instead of traveling great distances between them. By including chartered flights, we avoid long, tiring days on rough roads, and we access a greater range of rarely visited areas, for more diverse photo opportunities.A Very Small Group (Capped at 10) Ensures Intimate Wildlife Encounters
The best wildlife photography opportunities are always more likely to occur in the presence of fewer people. We travel with no more than 10 travelers, ensuring a quieter, less obtrusive presence in nature.Chartered Flights are Key to a Superlative Experience
When other companies include flights, they typically use the national carrier, Air Madagascar, which frankly has a terrible track record for delays and cancellations. Travelers on Air Madagascar can often wait a full day or more in airports, or be re-routed in a manner requiring a 24-hour drive on very poor dirt roads. To be certain we don’t waste valuable time for wildlife viewing, we have arranged our own private chartered flights. This is a costly commitment, but it ensures we get where we want to be in a convenient and timely manner, so you don't lose out due to airline caprices.Travel in the Company of a Top Photo Expedition Leader, Plus Expert Local Guides
Compare the quality of guides and guest-to-guide ratio: You'll travel with an outstanding photographer guide who is also an expert naturalist— plus a seasoned local guide who knows the country like none other. Our Expedition Leader provides oustanding tour management and the integrated perspective of a professional naturalist, while our Malagasy guide adds in-depth local knowledge, helping to maximize the variety of wildlife you’ll have a chance to shoot. And we're joined by regional park guides in several places, who add even more depth and expertise. Our Expedition Leaders also get training and resources from WWF scientists—a Nat Hab exclusive! See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Unique Accommodations in Nature—Including Anjajavy Lodge
We emphasize secluded lodging on private reserves and/or close to protected national parks, ensuring we're proximate to natural habitats and wildlife. From bungalows tucked in the rainforest to your own eco-villa on a nature reserve accessible only by private airstrip, our focus is on intimate natural settings. Anjajavy Lodge is a special highlight: Madagascar's only Relais & Chateaux property, its guests have access to more than 17,000 acres on a private reserve containing 1,800 floral species and a multitude of rare wildlife. At Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, our stay on a private estate near the park includes a visit to its small lemur preserve, where we get very close to Madagascar’s famous icons.Photograph a Biodiversity Hotspot Before the Rest of the World Gets There
Nat Hab is one of few tour operators offering naturalist-guided photo safaris to this distinctive destination. And our itinerary is as diverse and uncommon as Madagascar itself. We explore dense highland rainforest, moss- and lichen-laden cloud forest, and arid sandstone canyons. On the Indian Ocean coast, search for rare frogs and geckos on night walks, spot several varieties of endangered lemurs in forests, and scan coastlines for pods of dolphins and migrating whales. With Nat Hab and WWF working together to create this unique itinerary, you won’t find a more comprehensive nature adventure.Be Part of a Conservation Success Story
It's not an exaggeration to say that without our presence, and that of other eco-conscious travelers, most of Madagascar's remaining wild habitat would be gone. By demonstrating the economic value of nature tourism, bringing visitors to observe the intriguing species found in Madagascar's remarkably biodiverse forests, we show local communities the value of protecting their wild surroundings. Conservation travel is imperative to the future of nature in Madagascar. And when you travel with us, you're central to that mission.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Photography Adventure
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures Is World Wildlife Fund’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
