Madagascar is far more than just an island – it is a microcontinent in its own right, brimming with natural wonders. Around 90 per cent of all animal and plant species are found exclusively here. Nowhere else on Earth do these lemurs, birds, chameleons, geckos and frogs live. For nature and wildlife photographers, there is hardly a more fascinating destination. But extraordinary images cannot be captured under time pressure. That is why this expedition focuses on one thing above all else: time.
Time to observe animals behaving naturally.
Time to wait for the perfect light.
Time to experience unique encounters.
Together, we’ll explore some of the most spectacular national parks and reserves in northern Madagascar. From the mist-shrouded rainforests of the sacred Marojejy Mountains to the rugged limestone formations of Ankarana, from the dry forests of Daraina to the mysterious rainforest of the Amber Mountains – Everywhere we go, we can look forward to immersive experiences of nature, day and night excursions, and countless opportunities for photography. From the rare helmet vanga to the critically endangered silky sifaka and rarely photographed chameleons such as Krystal’s chameleon or Betsch’s leaf chameleon – we seek them out and find them all.
Here at Tanalahorizon, we place particular emphasis not only on finding the animals, but also on ensuring there are plenty of opportunities to photograph them. That is why this trip is limited to a maximum of four to six guests, plus a Tanalahorizon tour guide. This ensures that every guest has plenty of time and peace and quiet to capture each individual subject. This exclusive photography tour visits lush rainforests and barren dry forests to make the most of what they have to offer: During the breeding and courtship season, birds such as the Amber Mountain rock-thrush, the white-breasted mesite, the crested ibis and the iconic helmet vanga are at their best for observation. At the same time, the baby lemurs begin to make their first forays. And last but not least, the rainy season begins, which literally brings Madagascar’s amphibians and reptiles to life after many months of the dry season.
Experience the trip of a lifetime and come with us to Madagascar!
Stage 1: Antananarivo – Sambava
Welcome to Madagascar! After landing at Ivato Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team and taken to your hotel. After the long journey, there’ll be plenty of time to relax and look forward to the weeks ahead. The very next morning, we’ll take a domestic flight to the north of Madagascar, to Sambava, the ‘vanilla capital’. We check into a small hotel, where we spot our first panther chameleons in the garden. In Sambava, we also organise our meals for the camping trip together, sort out our luggage and prepare for the challenging climb into one of Madagascar’s most spectacular rainforests.
Stage 2: Marojejy – Camp Mantella
We set off for Marojejy National Park before sunrise. It’s about 70 km to Manantenina. At the park office, we meet our local guides and the porters who will carry our luggage up the mountain. We then follow them on foot through picturesque rice fields and hills. After six kilometres, we reach the park entrance. We follow a narrow path through the jungle to Camp Mantella, at an altitude of around 450 metres. There, we pitch our tents right in the heart of the rainforest. Even around the camp, extraordinary sights await us: paradise flycatchers, bamboo lemurs, white-fronted lemurs and numerous species of reptiles live right here in the immediate vicinity. Anyone who wishes can take a refreshing dip in the river before we set off on our first night walk after dark. Now the forest is really coming to life – frogs, geckos, snakes and chameleons are just waiting to be discovered.
Stage 3: Marojejy – Camp Marojejya
After breakfast, we’ll head to Camp Marojejya, a journey of around two hours. Situated at an altitude of around 780 metres on a steep slope, it offers breathtaking views of the unspoilt rainforest. We’ll be spending the night here in tents as well. A very special destination awaits us today: the legendary silky sifakas, the ‘angels of the forest’. They are among the 25 rarest mammal species on Earth and are one of the absolute highlights of our trip. What’s more, this is the best place to photograph the elusive helmet vanga, the rufous-headed ground roller and the beautiful blue coua. Several species of chameleon, only recently described, are waiting to be discovered by us in the area around Camp Marojejya. And we can also find plenty of the exceptionally numerous leaf-tailed geckos for which Marojejy is world-famous. Here, far from civilisation, we experience one of the most pristine rainforests on our planet.
Stage 4: Marojejy – Sambava
It’s time to leave the fantastic Marojejy rainforest. We pack up our camp and make our way down the mountain, back to the small village of Mandena. Our vehicles are already waiting there to take us back to Sambava. We spend the rest of the day reflecting on the past few days, relaxing, recharging our batteries and enjoying the comfort of a hot shower. Anyone who wishes can look through the photos together and take part in a photo review session. At the same time, our team is preparing for the next stage of our journey.
Stage 5: Sambava – Daraina – Loky Manambato
We’ll travel in our 4x4s along the coast to Vohémar and then continue westwards to Daraina. A good hour’s off-road drive across bush and savannah takes us to the Loky Manambato Reserve. What a stark contrast to the Marojejy rainforest! We set up camp right on the edge of the dry forest. This is home to the critically endangered golden-crowned sifaka, which we’ll watch playing and foraging during the day. Several species of vangas, including the sickle-billed vanga and the Pollen’s vanga, also call this forest home. Our night walk begins after dark. With a bit of luck, we’ll spot the spectacular leaf-tailed geckos Uroplatus garamaso or Uroplatus fetsy. Alternatively, we can go in search of one of the world’s most mysterious primates – the aye-aye. Perhaps we’ll also come across a white-browed owl or a collared nightjar?
Stage 6: Daraina – Ambilobe – Ankarana
After the last few intense camping stages, our journey takes us to the colourful city of Ambilobe. At the hotel, we’ll be recharging not only our devices but also our own batteries – the focus is on the pool, good food and a bit of comfort. From Ambilobe, we’ll explore the impressive Tsingy of Ankarana National Park. Rugged limestone formations, deep gorges and extraordinary wildlife make this place a paradise for nature photographers. Whilst picnicking in the dry forest, we come across curious crowned lemurs. And if you look really closely, you might spot the vulnerable short-legged ground roller or the crested ibis.
Stage 7: Ankarana – Amber Mountains
We’re heading even further north! We’re driving into the enchanted rainforests of the Amber Mountains. Road conditions permitting, we’ll visit the famous Red Tsingys on the way – a spectacular landscape of bright red sandstone. Grey-headed lovebirds can often be spotted at the edge of the gorge. In the afternoon, after a bumpy drive, we reach the Amber Mountains. We set up camp in the heart of the rainforest, amongst giant primeval trees, waterfalls, the croaking of frogs and the chirping of birds. The Amber Mountains is of volcanic origin and a tropic paradise, particularly for birds and reptiles. On our way to the thundering waterfalls, we’ll be on the lookout for the Amber Mountain rock-thrush – found nowhere else but here – and we’re also likely to encounter the sunbird asity. After sunset, we set off on foot to look for chameleons, geckos and other jungle creatures. This is definitely a treat not only for landscape photographers but also for macro photographers!
Stage 8: Amber Mountain – Ramena – Antananarivo
Passing the coastal town of Diego Suarez, we head to the small fishing village of Ramena. The final days of our trip are all about relaxation. The pool, the sea, the beach and the laid-back atmosphere provide the perfect end to our expedition. Those who wish can optionally take a traditional fishing boat to the famous Emerald Sea with its idyllic white beaches and enjoy a picnic with freshly caught fish. Alternatively, the hotel invites you to relax by the pool. The following day, we’ll return to Antananarivo on a domestic flight. After weeks of unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors, we’ll enjoy one last dinner together and the comforts of our hotel. At the craft market, you’ll find spices, handicrafts and plenty of souvenirs – the perfect mementos of an extraordinary expedition. And then it’s time to say goodbye – Veloma, Madagasikara! – we’re sure to meet again.
Basic price per person in a twin room 4550,- €
Single room supplement 750,- €
Tourv itinerary
Foto Expedition Hidden Wildlife
On this trip, you’ll experience some of Madagascar’s most beautiful and exciting rainforests, combined with selected dry forests in the north. In the rarely visited Marojejy National Park, you’ll set out in search of the iconic helmet vanga, an extraordinary variety of rare reptiles, and encounter the ‘angels of the forest’ – the critically endangered silky sifakas – in the heart of the deepest wilderness. Next, you’ll explore the dry forest of Loky Manambato, home to a variety of birds, the aye-aye and the golden-crowned sifakas. Afterwards, we’ll experience the majestic Tsingy of Ankarana. And finally, we’ll visit one of Madagascar’s most beautiful rainforests, the Amber Mountain, with its many chameleons and very distinctive endemic birds. A fantastic journey offering the very best in birdwatching, reptile spotting and lemur sightings!
Travel period
We offer this exclusive photography tour only from October to November. During this period, most birds are nesting; many are currently displaying and are particularly colourful. At the same time, with the onset of the rainy season, the reptile season also begins. Meanwhile, the lemurs have young that are now old enough to venture out on their own for the first time.
Next date for a group trip:
21st October to 11th November 2028
Fancy a group holiday?
“Group tours – aren’t they just those coach trips with strange people you don’t know?” That’s probably exactly what many travellers imagine when they think of group tours. Here at Tanalahorizon, we’d love to show you that it doesn’t have to be ‘off-the-peg and boring’! On every one of our group tours, you’ll find only hand-picked guests who share similar interests and are just as passionate about nature and open to new experiences as we are. Our small groups of no more than ten people – and on exclusive safaris, as few as four to six people – quickly bond over humour and good cheer. We help and support one another as we explore the Red Island, get to know different cultures and search for wildlife. Many eyes see more than two! We ourselves enjoy travelling in small groups the most, and every year we look forward to seeing familiar faces again and meeting new people. We’ve already made many lifelong friendships in Madagascar.
Or would you prefer something of your own?
Would you prefer to set off on a trip to Madagascar on your own or as a couple? Do you already have a close-knit group of friends with whom you go on long-haul trips, but aren’t familiar with Madagascar? Then we’ve got just the thing for you! With tailor-made trips, you can experience your dream holiday exclusively with your family, friends or partner. We offer you our best guides, experienced drivers and the full planning and organisation of your entire trip to Madagascar as a complete package (excluding flights). The only limitations are the local conditions, which we have been familiar with for over 30 years. Let’s work together to create your perfect dream holiday in Madagascar – with heart, mind and a true understanding of the country and its people on the eighth continent.
What makes this trip special?
This exclusive photography tour offers plenty of time for photography combined with in-depth wildlife observation – a dream come true for birdwatchers, lemur enthusiasts and herpetologists! We don’t just pop in and out of the forest; instead, we spend as much time as you like out in nature. The small group size is key here: just four to six travellers and a tour guide explore Hidden Wilderness together. The following highlights are also part of this special trip:
Experience the UNESCO world nature heritage Marojejy
Expedition to the last silky sifakas
Helmet vanga excursion in Marojejy national park
Macro photography featuring Madagascar’s rarest reptiles
A walking safari to see the golden-crowned sifakas in Loky Manambato
Excursion to see the aye-ayes and nocturnal birds
Tsingy of Ankarana Nature Experience
Famous Tsingy rouge of Madagascar’s north
Bird and reptile expedition in Amber Mountain
Safari to ground rollers, couas and other birds
Optional: Boat trip to the amazing emerald sea
Deutsch