Madagascar Wildlife Photo Expedition

A very important feature of our Madagascar photo expedition is the small group size, as nature travel is best experienced with fewer people, in order to enhance intimate encounters with wildlife and nature. With no more than 8 travelers, you’re assured plenty of space and personalized attention when you need it. With a small group, we maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes photo opportunities—we'll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of interest to fully explore its potential, or move on to a new destination. Our expert naturalist-photographer guide is always available to answer your questions, offers tips and share techniques, and help you better understand and photograph this stunning natural region.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides and camp staff all meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on final day, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
  

• Internal air cost includes: All charter flights within the itinerary (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate to Difficult
In order to participate fully in this adventure, guests must be able to hike unassisted for at least 3 miles in a single stretch along dirt trails, up and down steep and sometimes slippery slopes, over or around tree roots that protrude from the trail, up and down tall steps cut into the paths, and occasionally off-trail and into the brush over wet leaves, tree roots and through hanging vines to see wildlife. The group may do multiple hikes during a day, and total distances may exceed 5 miles. Travelers must be comfortable crossing a sturdy bridge over a gorge, walking through sand and into knee-deep water to climb into and out of a boat with assistance, and walking along wooden boardwalks without a railing. All guests must be able to climb stairs unassisted.

Throughout the itinerary we will travel with more than one guide, allowing us to divide the group by varying physical ability level, to accommodate those who prefer more or less demanding hikes. But in all cases, guests must meet the minimum physical requirements as explained here.

Days are often long, as mornings typically start before daybreak with dinner served after sundown. All wildlife-viewing activities happen on foot and require a combination of endurance, balance and a good view of the trail underfoot. Trekking poles can be very helpful, enhancing stability, and we will provide them to anyone who wishes at any point during the trip. Most hikes are considered moderate with regard to exertion level, though some are more difficult, particularly in the rain forests where terrain can be especially rugged and/or slippery. While our longest excursions can last up to four hours, we move at a leisurely pace, interspersing many stops to view wildlife in the trees around us with bursts of more moderate exertion as we trek between wildlife sightings. While all activities are optional, those who can walk longer distances on more strenuous trails will gain the most from this trip and may see more wildlife species that reside deeper within the forest. Longer and more difficult hikes may be offered in certain areas when time permits, though guests have the option of whether or not to seek that extra challenge, since we are able to split the group according to different physical abilities. 

Our private chartered flights utilize unpressurized turbo-prop aircraft that may fly as high as 10,000 feet. Elevations can reach 4,700 feet above sea level during our excursions. Temperatures can be quite cold in some areas, especially during the months of July and August, while heat in other areas can demand greater exertion, particularly on September through November departures. Additionally, roads in Madagascar are bumpy and winding, including dirt roads with many ruts and potholes which may cause you to bounce in your seat. There are several full days of overland travel and guests with back or neck problems or other health issues should take this into consideration. Guests prone to motion sickness are advised to carry medication for such conditions.

On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

Madagascar’s varied ecosystems offer a range of nature encounters. We will hike in rain forests (which can be hot and humid), take boat rides to view wildlife, and we may have the chance to snorkel, for those who desire. Participation in all physical activities is optional. We ask our guests to understand that the accommodations in Madagascar are not, collectively, of the standard that may be found in other more established African safari countries. Some lodgings are relatively luxurious while others are plain but clean and comfortable. In all cases, we have selected the best accommodation available at each location. Changes to the itinerary may occur in order to take advantage of conditions unique to the season and/or to accommodate unexpected internal chartered flight schedule changes; therefore, itineraries may on occasion need to be rerouted or redesigned without notice.

You must arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar by 5 pm on Day 1 for a 7 pm welcome dinner. You are free to depart Antananarivo any time after 2 pm on the final day.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.