Madagascar. Bird Photography Tour: Spectacular Island Endemics and Endearing Lemurs on the Eighth Continent 9 th to 22 nd November 2019 (14 days)

Transcription

1 Madagascar Bird Photography Tour: Spectacular Island Endemics and Endearing Lemurs on the Eighth Continent 9 th to 22 nd November 2019 (14 days) Scaly Ground Roller by Dubi Shapiro

2 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 2 We at Rockjumper and Oryx have an unbeatable reputation in Madagascar, having run more than 80 successful tours over the past 20 years to this, the world s fourth-largest island. In fact, Madagascar is often referred to as the Eighth Continent due to its size and incredible biological diversity. Its exceptional fauna and flora have evolved over millions of years of isolation into a remarkable selection of utterly unique and often spectacular wildlife. This legendary uniqueness is nowhere better reflected than in its birds, and the island hosts no less than five endemic bird families (the ground rollers, cuckoo roller, mesites, Malagasy warblers and vangas)! But the wonder of Madagascar extends well beyond its avifauna and we also spend time seeking out and photographing the amazing lemurs, colourful chameleons and fascinating flora of this appropriately named laboratory of evolution. Virtually every plant and animal on the island is endemic; but sadly, most are threatened by continued deforestation, thus making Madagascar one of those must-visit-soon destinations, not to mention a region in urgent need of immediate ecological preservation. THE TOUR AT A GLANCE THE MADAGASCAR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR ITINERARY Day 1 Day 2 Days 3 & 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Days 10 to 12 Day 13 Day 14 Arrival in Antananarivo (Tana) and afternoon visit Lake Alarobia (Tsarasaotra Park) Tana fly to Mahajanga and drive to Ampijoroa (Ankarafantsika National Park) Ampijoroa (Ankarafantsika National Park) Ampijoroa to Mahajanga and fly to Tana Tana fly to Tulear and drive to Ifaty Ifaty area Ifaty to Tulear and boat trip to Nosy Ve and San Augustin Tulear fly to Tana and drive to Perinet Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park Perinet to Tana Tana and depart

3 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 3 TOUR ROUTE MAP THE TOUR IN DETAIL Day 1: Arrival in Antananarivo (Tana) and afternoon visit Lake Alarobia (Tsarasaotra Park). Upon arrival in the bustling capital of Antananarivo, or Tana as it is more commonly known, we transfer to our hotel on the edge of this intriguing city for an overnight stay.

4 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 4 This afternoon we will commence our exploration of this fascinating island with a visit to the nearby Lake Alarobia (Tsarasaotra Park). Travelling from our hotel into the city, one cannot help being struck by the uniqueness of the Malagasy culture, a strange mixture of African and Asian influences reflected in the landscape and architecture. Madagascan Kingfisher by Dubi Shapiro Lake Alarobia, a private sanctuary set within the city, protects an incredibly large number of wetlandassociated birds and makes for an excellent afternoon s bird photography and introduction to the island. The two small lakes that are protected within this private reserve literally teem with waterfowl. Large numbers of White-faced Whistling Duck and Red-billed Teal are always present and the attractive whistling ducks in particular offer outstanding photographic opportunities. Smaller numbers of Hottentot Teal, Knob-billed and the rare and endangered Meller s Duck and Madagascan Grebe are also usually present. The Lake also supports a fantastic assortment of egrets and herons that roost and breed in the sanctuary and these are the splendidly-adorned Malagasy Pond Heron, Western Cattle Egret, Great and Dimorphic Egrets and the handsome, golden Squacco Heron. At the water s edge we may find Malagasy Coucal, the handsome but retiring White-throated Rail, extremely photogenic Madagascan Wagtail, the active little Malagasy White-eye, Madagascan Mannikin and the brilliant Red Fody. This is also a

5 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 5 particularly good site to photograph the immaculate and splendid Madagascan Kingfisher that is usually particularly showy and confiding here. After what should be a superb afternoon s bird photography and introduction to Madagascar s avifauna we will drive back through the vibrant city of Tana to our very comfortable hotel perfectly situated near the airport for an overnight stay. Schlegel s Asity by Glen Valentine Day 2: Antananarivo fly to Mahajanga and drive to Ampijoroa Forest Station. This morning we take a short flight from Tana to the city of Mahajanga, situated on the north-west coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival, we will wind our way through Mahajanga s colourful and vibrant city streets that have a distinctly East African feel about them. Hand-drawn rickshaws and roadside markets full of fresh, tropical fruit and vegetables dominate the street-sides.

6 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 6 The landscape opens up rather starkly after leaving the town and we will pass cashew nut sellers and ladies washing and drying their laundry next to the many small streams that we pass along the way to Ampijoroa. Rolling hills of dry grasslands, interspersed with stunted palm trees, and valley bottoms filled with rice fields dominate the scenery. En route to the reserve, we may encounter Purple, Striated, Squacco and Malagasy Pond Herons, as well as flocks of Black Herons performing their bizarre umbrellafeeding routine in the roadside water-bodies and with some luck and with the right conditions, maybe even the beautifully-patterned Greater Painted-snipe. We can expect to arrive at our destination, Ampijoroa Forest Station, in time for lunch in the early afternoon. Ampijoroa, a ranger base and research centre that also provides hutted and camping accommodation, is situated in the extensive deciduous forests of the Ankarafantsika National Park and will be our comfortable base for the next three nights. It is famous as the home of the World Wildlife Fund s Plough-shear Tortoise captive breeding program and is an ideal base from which to explore the wildlife-rich forests, woodlands and wetlands of the national park. Red-capped Coua by Dubi Shapiro Upon arrival at the forestry station we should encounter numerous camp residents, most of which are likely to show and pose impeccably well for amazing photographic opportunities. In fact, the camp grounds here at Ampijoroa offers some of the best bird and wildlife photography of the entire trip and quite honestly on Earth! We ll spend most of the afternoon enjoying, savouring and photographing the wealth of fabulous birds, mammals and reptiles that occupy the area around the camp. Gaudy pairs of Broad-billed Rollers sit out in the open at point-blank range and are often joined by screeching Lesser Vasa Parrots. The unique Crested Drongo is the flock leader on the island and there is almost a permanent bird-wave passing through the camp that will keep us busy and enthralled for hours on end. Other

7 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 7 members of these bird waves/flocks/parties include the spectacular Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher, another species that we will spend quite a bit of time trying to photograph. This incredible bird occurs in both black-and-white and black-rufous-and white colour morphs and both are equally stunning and flashy and make for exciting and rewarding photography. Several species of impressive and endemic vangas also occur around the camp and on previous trips we ve recorded up to six species of vanga nesting right within the camp grounds! These include the brilliant Blue Vanga, as well as Rufous, Hook-billed, Chabert, White-headed and the remarkable Sickle-billed Vanga. Other eye-catching and photogenic species that are usually around include the quirky and inquisitive Madagascan Magpie-Robin, the yellowheaded Sakalava Weaver, the charismatic Madagascan Hoopoe with its outrageous crest, endearing pairs of Grey-headed Lovebirds, Madagascan Bulbul and Malagasy Turtle Dove. Madagascan Hoopoe by Dubi Shapiro No less than eight species of lemur occur in the vicinity of the camp and we are likely to be treated to excellent views and photo ops of the comical Coquerel s Sifaka and Common Brown Lemurs during the day, while at dusk the rare Mongoose Lemur becomes active. Western Avahi (Woolly Lemur), Milne- Edward s Sportive, Fat-tailed Dwarf and Grey Mouse Lemurs are all nocturnal and will be searched for after dark. If we are lucky, we may also find the recently-described (1998) Golden-brown Mouse Lemur,

8 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 8 one of the world s smallest primates and only known from the immediate vicinity around Lake Ravelobe (hence its scientific name Microcebus ravelobensis.) Reptiles are also plentiful and we hope to encounter and photograph the impressive Giant Hog-nosed Snake, as well as several smaller species of snake (all harmless amazingly, there are no venomous snakes in Madagascar!), Oustalet s Chameleon (the world s largest species) and the aptly-named Rhinoceros Chameleon, with its enlarged nasal protuberance. Impressively spiky Cuvier s Iguanids scurry around the campsite along with Western Plated Lizards. Indeed, Ampijoroa is a wildlife haven and we are certainly in for a wildlife and photography extravaganza during the next three days. Parson s Chameleon by Dale Morris Days 3 & 4: Ampijoroa Forest Station. We have two full days to explore the network of trails through the dry forest surrounding Ampijoroa, in search of the many birds restricted to this region. Foremost amongst the species that we hope to find and acquire excellent photographs of are the secretive but handsome and boldly-patterned White-breasted Mesite, the incredibly range-restricted Van Dam s Vanga with it s monstrous, horn-coloured bill and the jewel-like Schlegel s Asity, the latter of which recalls a miniature Bird-of-paradise! We will also concentrate on finding and photographing the two species of coua that are restricted to these deciduous forests: Red-capped and Coquerel s Couas. Other birds we will be on the lookout for whilst searching for these specials include Madagascan Ibis, Madagascan Buttonquail, Frances s Sparrowhawk, the rarely seen Banded Kestrel, Madagascan Green Pigeon, the gorgeous Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher and the bizarre, endemic and sexually dimorphic Cuckoo- Roller that is placed in its own unique, monotypic family!

9 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 9 We will also spend one afternoon enjoying an extremely productive boat trip on the adjacent Lake Ravelobe. Photo ops during this trip are superb and we hope to find and get good, close views and photographs of the critically endangered Madagascan Fish Eagle, a pair of which is resident here. Other exciting and photogenic species that we hope to be able to photograph this afternoon include the impressive Humblot s Heron (the world s second largest species of heron!), the iridescent Glossy Ibis, the reclusive White-throated Rail, the strange and colourful Madagascan Jacana, Allen s Gallinule, Madagascan Coucal, African Darter, the glowing Madagascan Kingfisher and nesting Western Cattle Egrets sporting their bright pink faces and amazing orange plumes! This is also an excellent trip on which to photograph the extremely attractive Olive Bee-eater as they flit in and out over the water attempting to catch insects. Nailing a shot of this gorgeous species in flight, tail fanned and saturated by the beautiful, golden, afternoon light will be worth the trip just in itself! Sooty and Eleonora s Falcons here on their non-breeding grounds are sometimes seen hunting overhead in the late afternoon and we can practice our aerial bird photography on these subjects. Long-tailed Ground Roller by Rich Lindie Day 5: Ampijoroa to Mahajanga and flight to Tana. After a final morning photographing around Ampijoroa, we will return to Mahajanga to connect with our flight back to Tana where we spend a night at our now-familiar and very pleasant and comfortable hotel.

10 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 10 Day 6: Tana fly to Tulear and drive to Ifaty. This morning we catch a flight to Tulear, a city with a similar feel to Mahajanga and situated in the south-western corner of the island. Upon arrival, we will then transfer directly to our hotel in the small resort town of Ifaty, an hour s drive to the north of Tulear, for a two-night stay. Depending on the time of our flight we may have some time this afternoon for some initial explorations of the unique and fascinating spiny forest around Ifaty. Red-tailed Tropicbird by Glen Valentine Day 7: Ifaty area. Much has been written about the strange Didierea woodland, or Spiny Forest, around Ifaty, but this in no way lessens the feeling of awe that overcomes one as we set foot in this botanical wonderland. Venturing out at dawn, before the day s heat, we will stroll amongst the myriad of multi-stemmed succulents, squat baobab trees and thorny scrub in search of such spectacular endemics as Banded Kestrel, the ultra-low-density Madagascan Sparrowhawk, Running and Red-capped Couas (represented here by the distinctive green-capped race), Archbold s Newtonia, the unique and melodious Thamnornis (placed in the Malagasy Warbler family), Subdesert Brush Warbler and Lafresnaye s Vanga.

11 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 11 Two very special and endemic birds that occur here and nowhere else on the island are the strange Subdesert Mesite, which we may find adopting its cryptic posture on a thorny branch, and the Roadrunner-like Long-tailed Ground Roller, an attractive ground dweller best located by its low, hooting call. We will particularly focus our attentions on finding and achieving excellent photos of these two remarkable birds. Flocks of noisy Sickle-billed Vanga are another feature of this bizarre, Tolkienesque landscape. We should also see the numerous Three-eyed Lizards as the day heats up in the mid-morning, while we may be lucky enough to find a beautiful Spider Tortoise, the rare Dumeril s Boa or even the spiny Lowland Streaked Tenrec that hibernates during the winter months and only becomes active during this time of year. Another extremely localized, rare and attractive species we hope to find at the edge of the scattered saline-pans in the area and acquire good photographs of is the Madagascan Plover. In this same habitat and at coastal wetlands a little further south we may also find the ungainly Greater Flamingo, Blackwinged Stilt, Kittlitz s Plover and the rare and endangered Malagasy Harrier if we are very fortunate. Uroplatus sikorae (Sikora Leaf-tailed Gecko) by Dubi Shapiro In addition, the tropical ocean off Ifaty is alive with marine life and we will have some time to don masks and snorkels and appreciate the multiple colours of a coral reef or relax in the warm shallows in front of our hotel. This afternoon we will make excellent use of the last two hours of the day when the light for photography is absolutely magical by venturing back into the Spiny Forest to connect with any species we may have missed this morning or of which we require better photographs. Day 8: Ifaty to Tulear and boat trip to Nosy Ve and San Augustin. We will leave Ifaty after an early breakfast this morning and make our way back to Tulear, where we will board a speedboat for an excursion to the small, uninhabited islet of Nosy Ve, a short distance to the south of the mainland.

12 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 12 The main attraction of Nosy Ve is its breeding colony of Red-tailed Tropicbirds, which allow close approach and offer superb photographic opportunities as they are left unmolested by local people due to a taboo, or fady. We may also find Crab-plover roosting on the sandbars here, as well as good numbers of other migrant waders and a large tern roost that could harbour Greater Crested, Lesser Crested, Common and Saunders s Terns. Depending on time and weather conditions, we may have an opportunity to snorkel on the beautiful coral reef encircling the island. A delicious lunch will then await us on the mainland near San Augustin where another target species will be searched for - the localised Littoral Rock Thrush, and when found this handsome bird usually poses well for photographs. In the mid-afternoon, we will then begin the boat trip back to Tulear, where upon arrival we will check into our hotel in town for an overnight stay. Madagascan Blue Pigeon by Dubi Shapiro Day 9: Tulear fly to Tana and drive to Perinet. This morning we board our flight back to Tana, where upon arrival, we board our four-wheel drive vehicles and begin the four to five-hour drive eastwards across the Highland Plateau to the famous reserve of Perinet (otherwise known as Analamazaotra).

13 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 13 Noteworthy species like the bizarre Hamerkop, Dimorphic and Great Egrets and Madagascan Kingfisher are often encountered during the drive. Our accommodation for the next four nights is a comfortable hotel, ideally located overlooking a lake at the edge of the extensive Perinet Forest Reserve. Being so close to the reserve means that wildlife is often right on our doorstep: fluorescent green day geckos scuttle on the outside walls of our chalets, Madagascan Wagtails flit along the paved walkways and we are sure to be serenaded by the beautiful songs of the world s largest extant species of lemur, the handsome Indri. At night, a family of Furryeared Dwarf Lemurs are sometimes seen in the gardens of the hotel as they forage through the trees. Giraffe-necked Weevil by Dale Morris Days 10 to 12: Perinet Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. The moist rainforest cloaking Madagascar s eastern escarpment protects the richest assemblage of birds on the island, including many that are rare or poorly known. Over 100 of these have been recorded from within the small reserve of Perinet and through patience and perseverance we will hopefully obtain some excellent photos of the area s most spectacular and sought-after species such as Madagascan Flufftail, Madagascan Wood Rail, Madagascan Blue Pigeon, Red-fronted and Blue Couas, the outstanding Velvet Asity with its glowing emerald-green caruncle, the brilliant Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher, Ward s, Red-tailed, Blue, Hookbilled, White-headed, Tylas and the bizarre, blue Nuthatch (Coral-billed) Vangas, the very attractive Nelicourvi Weaver, the exquisite Souimanga Sunbird and Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher. Less spectacular but none-the-less interesting species that we may find and obtain photographs of if the opportunity arises include the scarce Greater Vasa Parrot, vociferous but retiring Madagascan Cuckoo, Madagascan Spinetail, Madagascan Cuckooshrike, Long-billed Bernieria, Spectacled Tetraka and the furtive White-throated Oxylabes.

14 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 14 Among the most sought-after of Madagascar s birds are those of the five families endemic to the Malagasy region: the peculiar mesites, exquisite ground rollers, Cuckoo Roller, Malagasy warblers and the vangas. Some of these, such as the magnificent Cuckoo Roller, sensational Pitta-like Ground Roller and a number of the Malagasy warblers and vangas are reasonably common, regularly encountered and generally pose well for photographs, while many of the others remain rare, local, shy or elusive. We will however make a special effort to locate and photograph as many of the striking and photogenic representatives of these charismatic families as possible, as well as those of the endemic sub-families, the couas and asities. While in the Perinet area, we will also make a special effort to see and spend time photographing the reserve s most famous residents: the huge, singing lemurs known as the Indri. A journey in search of these magnificent creatures is an incredible experience, and we are usually treated to close encounters with a family group; their eerie, whale-like howling echoing through the forest. Other lemurs we hope to encounter include Common Brown and Eastern Grey Bamboo Lemurs, of which the latter species is particularly endearing and photogenic. With the help of our excellent local guide we will also search known roosting sites for the nocturnal but inquisitive Weasel Sportive Lemur and the scarce Eastern Woolly Lemur. Another must see member of the island s fauna is the Giraffenecked Weevil, a tiny, red-andblack insect named for its unusually proportioned neck! Indri by Janathan Rossouw In the evenings, we will embark on night walks along the surrounding roads and forest trails in search of nocturnal species. Nocturnal outings are a thrilling and indeed, essential part of any trip to Madagascar and Perinet is one of the best sites to search for the island s night birds. Specialities here include Madagascar Owl, Rainforest Scops Owl and both Madagascar and the rare and little-known Collared Nightjar. While seeing and potentially photographing

15 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 15 these birds will be the focus of our walks, we will not neglect the immense variety of non-avian life that also emerges after dark. Although Madagascar is famous for the spectacular lemurs that have adapted to a daytime existence, most species of these primitive primates remain, like their African cousins the galagos or bushbabies, denizens of the night. Pitta-like Ground Roller by Dubi Shapiro We will search for and should find Eastern Woolly, Furry-eared Dwarf and the diminutive Goodman s Mouse Lemurs, and may also encounter some of Madagascar s other evolutionary masterpieces such as the bizarre Lowland Streaked Tenrec. The island s reptile and amphibian ( herp ) fauna is equally fascinating and even the most hardened bird photographer would not fail to be impressed by the plethora of colourful and bizarre frogs, chameleons and geckos to be seen on an evening s stroll through the rainforest. In particular, we will search for the giant Parson s Chameleon and three species of eccentric leaf-tailed geckos: the huge Fimbriated Leaf-tailed Gecko, the aptly named Fantastic Leaf-tailed Gecko and the Sakora Leaf-tailed Gecko, which looks as though its body has been adorned with moss. Mantadia National Park lies a short distance to the north of Perinet, protecting a larger expanse of primary forest at a somewhat higher altitude and we will spend at least two of our mornings in this fabulous forest reserve. Though it has only recently been opened to the public, Mantadia is now an essential destination on any birding, photography or natural history trip to Madagascar, having rapidly gained a reputation as an excellent site for a handful of highly prized forest birds. Not least among these are a number of species formerly considered to be restricted to the poorly accessible rainforests of the far north-east, such as Redbreasted Coua and the intricately-patterned Scaly Ground Roller. We will concentrate on finding and photographing these specials, as well as the good-looking Madagascar Blue Pigeon, the gorgeous Pitta-

16 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 16 like, Rufous-headed and Short-legged Ground Rollers, Madagascan Starling, Crossley s Vanga, Velvet Asity, Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher and Forest Fody. However, none of these species are common and obtrusive and we are likely to have to put in a lot of time, effort and patience in order to achieve the desired shots of these avian gems. A number of other species endemic to the island occur in Mantadia s vast and virtually untouched forests but are a lot less attractive and showy and although we might be presented with the chance of photographing a few of these species, we certainly will not be actively targeting them and these include Common and Dark Newtonias, Wedge-tailed, Green, Stripe-throated and Common Jeries, the newly described Cryptic Warbler, Madagascan Brush Warbler and Grey-crowned Tetraka. Diademed Sifaka by Glen Valentine Other attractions in this scenically beautiful park include the vocal Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, the elusive Diademed Sifaka (considered by many to be the most beautiful lemur of all) and Baron s Mantella, a spectacularlycoloured forest frog. Much of our bird photography in Mantadia National Park can be enjoyed from the wide road that runs through the reserve, although photographing some of the more skulky inhabitants of the forest understory such as the fabulous ground rollers will require that we take to the forest trails.

17 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 17 Day 13: Perinet to Tana. We have the entire morning to enjoy the fantastic fauna and flora or Perinet Reserve and to attempt to find and photograph any species that we may still be missing or require better shots of. We will depart the Perinet area after lunch and begin the drive back to Tana where we spend our final night on the island. Madagascan Pygmy Kingfisher by Dubi Shapiro Day 14: Tana and departure. Today we depart from Tana to connect with our international flights home. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this tour are displayed on our website. Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below. This includes: All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 14; Bottled drinking water; All lodgings; Ground transportation; Reserve entrance fees;

18 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 18 Snorkelling at Nosy Ve; Extra activities as mentioned in the itinerary; and All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services). The tour fee does not include: Visa fees; ANY flights (see above); Any drinks; Snorkelling at Ifaty; and Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature. Single Supplement: The single supplement cost for this tour will be charged if you wish to have single accommodation. If Rockjumper and Oryx cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these nights although you choose to share, the single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a rooming partner is found if you do wish to share. IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and single supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency. b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small party supplement will have to be charged. c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated Rockjumper leader/s at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible. Tipping: As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc) are included on this tour. However, this does not include your Rockjumper leader. If, therefore, you feel that he has given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip him. Special Notes: Fitness: This Madagascar Bird Photography Tour requires a reasonable level of fitness and participants should be in good general health as most of the photography will be done on foot, and may require walking for several hours at a time. Should you have any physical limitations, please notify us in advance of departure. Accommodation throughout the trip is of a generally good standard and the hotels and resorts that we make use of are clean and comfortable. Some of the accommodations, such as those at Ampijoroa, are however quite basic and less comfortable than what you have come to expect from the developed world; we will, however, make efforts to make this tour as comfortable as possible. There is no camping on this trip.

19 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 19 Please note that the seas during the boat trip to Nosy Ve Island can be rough, and it is advised that you carry a suitable rain jacket and protection for photographic/electronic gear aboard the boat (a thick waterproof plastic bag is very useful in this regard). There is some space on board the boat where one can store camera gear and keep it dry but this space is limited and it is therefore still advisable to bring along dry bags for equipment. Also, tidal variation may require us to walk (in water) across the potentially sharp substrate when accessing and/or leaving Nosy Ve. In this regard, it is advised that you carry a pair of shoes that you do not mind getting wet (plastic sandals are very useful). If you have any medical conditions or physical limitations relating to balance and mobility please do let the RBT office know. In some areas, it can be hot to very hot, especially at midday. We will thus make a number of early starts in the morning to maximise the most pleasurable time in the field. In addition, some of the days are long and fairly demanding. ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS: This tour does not include ANY airfares. Day 1 has been set aside as an arrival day. If you arrive in the morning then a short afternoon visit will be made to Lac Alarobia in Antananarivo. If you arrive in the evening or late afternoon on this day then you will not be able to take part in this activity. The tour will conclude after breakfast on the morning of day 14 in Antananarivo. The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper or Oryx office. FLIGHTS: All internal flights will be taken with Air Madagascar. Please note that internal flight delays and lastminute flight schedule alterations will always be an inherent risk on any tour to Madagascar and we may have to re-arrange the tour itinerary around the internal flight schedule. However, we will take all reasonable precautions and actions to ensure the tour follows the advertised itinerary as closely as possible. Where flights get cancelled or rescheduled, we may have to embark on lengthy road journeys, or provide the option of hiring charter flights if they are available (these are very expensive). Chartered flights, therefore, present possible extra costs to the tour, so it is imperative that you consult with your travel insurance company to ascertain what amount they may cover should the situation arise. For international flights the main port of entry is Ivato International Airport, Antananarivo (IATA: TNR) and is serviced with regular flights from Johannesburg operated by Air Madagascar and from Paris operated by Air France. We have the capacity to advise you on the best route according to your preferences but your local travel agent will best be able to book these flights for you. We can, however, book the internal flights for you, and also the flight from Johannesburg to Antananarivo. IMPORTANT: please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the tour.

20 Rockjumper & Oryx - Madagascar Bird Photography Tour Itinerary 20 Rockjumper Birding Ltd Vanilla Village Royal Road Black River Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: info@rockjumperbirding.com Alternative rockjumperbirding@yahoo.com Website: And: ORYX Worldwide Photographic Expeditions (Pty) Ltd PO Box 13972, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202, South Africa Registration number: 2014/091441/07 Tel: Fax: info@oryxphotography.com Website: