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Tsingy RougeMADAGASIKARA

From€142 / per person

Dry-forest endemics, two mornings, one very early alarm

Birds of the Sahafary

The scrub around the canyon holds Madagascar's dry-north specialities. Two dawn sessions with a birding guide, a scope, and a species list you actually get to keep.

4.8 · 27 reviews
  • DepartureAntsiranana, 14:00
  • WalkingModerate · 12 km on foot
  • TravellersGroups of 6 maximum · From age 14
  • 2 days1 night

The Sahafary plateau is dry deciduous country, and it is quietly one of the better birding stops in the DIANA region. Sicklebill, coua, vanga, kingfisher, and the paradise flycatchers that nest near the camp.

Two mornings gives you both the scrub and the gallery forest along the Irodo, which hold entirely different lists.

What stays with you

  • Scope shared between six, never more
  • Gallery forest along the Irodo on the second morning
  • Printed checklist and a guide who keeps it honest

How the time is spent

  1. Day 1 · 16:30

    Evening scrub

    A first pass along the plateau edge for couas and the nightjar roost.

  2. Day 2 · 04:45

    Dawn chorus

    The best forty minutes of the trip, in the dark, with a thermos.

  3. Day 2 · 08:30

    Down to the gallery forest

    Kingfishers, herons and the paradise flycatchers, then breakfast and the drive back.

Included

  • 4x4 with driver from Antsiranana and back
  • Community guide from Sadjoavato, English- and French-speaking
  • Site entrance and community conservation fee
  • Tent, mattress and bedding on the canyon rim
  • Dinner under the stars and breakfast at first light
  • Filtered water for the whole walk
  • Third-party liability cover for the guided part of the day

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Accommodation in Antsiranana before and after
  • Drinks other than water and the welcome cocktail
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Personal travel insurance and personal spending

Best months

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Gallery

  • The field of pale pinnacles seen from the restaurant terrace above
  • The canyon opening out below the plateau rim under a clear sky

From people who went

  • 5.0
    Thirty-one species in two mornings, including four I had missed everywhere else in the north. The guide kept the list honest, which I appreciate more than a long one.

    Peter S. · NL ·

Asked before every departure

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