Africa

Madagascar | An Odd Corner of the World

with Gustafson Photo Safari
Date:
Oct 26 - Nov 15, 2026
Duration:
21 Days
Price:
From $12,995
Interests:
Photography
Join This Trip Print Itinerary
The iconic Avenue of the Baobabs
Aye-aye lemur
Chameleon
Todd and friends
The painted mantella, a Madagascar endemic
The fossa, Madagascar's largest carnivore
Mouse lemur at Berenty Reserve
Giraffe beetle
White-ruffed lemur near Andasibe
Join This Trip
Join This Trip

About this trip

Join Todd Gustafson to create exceptional images that capture the unique species and ecosystems that make Madagascar such a fascinating destination. Madagascar’s unique habitats support plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals that are found nowhere else. While photographing lemurs, we hope to see at least 20 species, each one with its own unique, riveting eye color. We will also photograph a wide variety of endemic chameleons of all sizes and colors, and try to capture the moment when the chameleon’s tongue shoots out to snare its dinner! Hiking the trails through national parks is the best way to see and photograph the natural beauty of Madagascar. We will encounter a wide variety of amazing subjects on our custom itinerary that includes some of our favorite locations. Each site has been chosen for dramatic indigenous species and easy accessibility. Madagascar is truly a destination at the ends of the Earth!

Highlights

  • Explore prime lemur habitat at numerous reserves including Berenty, Akanin’ny Nofy, and Andasibe.
  • A macro enthusiast’s dream – 80% of the chameleon species in the world are indigenous to Madagascar.
  • View the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar, where 100-foot-tall trees characterize this stunning landscape.
  • Wildlife photography at its best – lemurs, birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles!
  • Capture images of dancing lemurs as they make dazzling leaps with grace and ease.
  • Discover unique Madagascar – one of the most beautiful and endangered ecosystems on Earth.

Meet your leader

Todd Gustafson

Todd Gustafson is an internationally renowned photographer and videographer who has been photographing nature, wildlife and natural history around the world for the last 3 decades. Capturing beautiful light on beautiful subjects in an artistic way at the decisive moment is a continuous personal goal. He is a seasoned photo safari leader who combines his passion for photography with his love of exploration. He guides nature and photo enthusiasts through breathtaking landscapes and habitats in search of the dramatic and the unexpected. This enables them to capture the world’s beauty at its most dramatic. Todd’s approach to leading photo safaris is rooted in his deep respect for nature and culture. He emphasizes the importance of ethical photography, encouraging participants to tread lightly and leave no trace. For many years, Todd photographed and worked as a clinician/teacher for NIKON Corporation. In April 2015, Todd switched equipment and now shoots Canon equipment.

Land Cost

$12,995

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $2300

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

We know what photographers need

From stunning landscapes and animals to comfortable accommodations and private vehicles, all of the details are selected with photographers in mind

Designed for photographers

Itineraries are thoughtfully scheduled to provide an optimum balance of beautiful natural light and wildlife activity

Hands-on instruction

Receive hands-on instruction from our professional and award-winning photography guides to improve your technique in the field

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
In flight
Depart the United States for Madagascar.
Antananarivo
Upon arrival at Antananarivo International Airport, clear customs and immigration, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel. This is a travel day and no meals are included. Please note operational days for flights to Madagascar are subject to change without prior notice and there might be need for additional hotel nights at Antananarivo at additional cost. Check in starts at 12 pm.
Relais des Plateaux
Antananarivo
After a leisurely breakfast and orientation at the hotel, we'll visit Lemur Park, where we'll have a chance to see different species of lemurs from all around Madagascar. Lunch will be at the site. We'll return to our hotel in the afternoon and have some time to rest before having dinner at our hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Relais des Plateaux
Morondova
After a late breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Morondava. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon we will have our first visit to the Avenue of the Baobabs.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest
Morondova
After breakfast at the hotel, depart by canoe to the fishing village of Betania. This afternoon return to Avenue of the Baobabs for another afternoon shoot.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Palissandre Cote Ouest
Kirindy
Very early this morning, we will have a sunrise photo shoot at Avenue of the Baobabs. Afterwards, we will continue to Kirindy private reserve. In Kirindy you will have the chance to see seven species of lemurs, including the Fat-tailed Lemur and the tiny Pygmy Mouse Lemur, believed to be the world’s smallest primate. Kirindy is the best place to see the giant jumping rat, as well as the fossa (Madagascar’s top predator), and you can also witness various spiny tenrecs, birds, and reptiles aplenty. The diverse flora includes three of the six endemic Malagasy baobabs. Upon arrival, we will have time to rest and relax before we enjoy the trails in search of wildlife. After dinner, we will have a nocturnal walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Relais du Kirindy
Antananarivo
We will visit the reserve in the morning before we start heading back to Morondova for our afternoon flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Relais des Plateaux
Andasibe
Drive to Andasibe through the green and luxuriant vegetation of the east. This first stop is in the humid part of the country with many primary forests and lakes. Along the way are Merina villages in the rocky mountains. Arrive at Andasibe in time for a late lunch (about 1:30 pm) and check in at Vakona Lodge. Situated in a eucalyptus plantation 4.3 miles away from the Périnet National Park Entrance, Vakona Forest Lodge is considered one of the most comfortable hotels in this area. The individual bungalows are thoughtfully scattered throughout the grounds and boast generous space, a good bathroom, electric heaters, a mini bar, and a safe. At about 5:30 pm, depart for an evening walk in the forest to look for frogs, chameleons, moths, leaf-tailed geckos, mouse lemurs, and other nocturnal animals at VOIMMA Community Reserve. The letter sequence is an abbreviation for Vondron’olona miaro mitia ala, which translates to "local people love the forest". Return to the hotel at about 8 pm for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Vakona Lodge
Andasibe
We will continue our explorations in search for lemur species such as the Indri, Sifaka Lemur, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, and Red-bellied Lemur. Later this afternoon, we will visit Lemur Island on the hotel property. This evening return to VOIMMA for another nocturnal walk.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Vakona Lodge
Akanin'ny Nofy
Early this morning visit Analamazaotra Reserve for the last photography opportunities in the Andasibe region (with picnic lunch). Later drive to Manambato Village and take the ferry for the transfer to Akanin’ny Nofy, which means "Nest of Dreams."
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Palmarium Lodge
Akanin'ny Nofy
Today visit the private Palmarium Park, also known as Akanin’ny Nofy. The park is situated on 123.5 acres on the east coast of Madagascar, along the Ampitabe Lake and the Indian Ocean, in the Pangalanes Channel. Discover the endemic flora and fauna of Madagascar, such as rare palm trees and plants like orchids and mahoganies, as well as reptiles. See if you can spot all 10 species of lemur living in the park: Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Black Lemur, Crowned Lemur, hybrid of Brown and Crowned Lemurs, and Coquerel’s Sifaka, to name a few. After lunch at our hotel, we will go to the beach to photograph some frogs and the local flora. After an early dinner, we will take the boat to the peninsula for a nocturnal excursion to find the Aye Aye lemurs.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Palmarium Lodge
Akanin'ny Nofy
Continue exploring the trails of Palmarium to practice photographing dancing Coquerel’s Sifakas and hybrid lemurs jumping from branch to branch. This evening after an early dinner, go on a second excursion to find the Aye-Aye lemur.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Palmarium Lodge
Antananarivo
After breakfast, transfer by boat to Manambato and drive back to Antananarivo. En route stop for a picnic lunch and visit Pereyras Nature Farm at Marozevo Andekaleka. Arrive at the hotel in Antananarivo in time for dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Relais des Plateaux
Berenty
After a short breifing and breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival transfer to Berenty, 53 miles from Fort Dauphin. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own or with your guide, who will be available. Spend the next four days exploring the Berenty Reserve. The reserve is home to five species of lemurs, flying foxes (a type of large fruit bat), and 96 bird species. Berenty is famous for its lemurs because of the ease with which they may be seen here in the wild. Red-fronted Brown Lemurs occur in large numbers during the day, and both White-footed Sportive and Grey Mouse Lemurs are regularly encountered on night walks. The favorites are the Ring-tailed Lemurs and Verreaux’s Sifakas. Immediately behind the cabins, a system of trails provides easy access to the abundance of lemurs, birds, and a resident colony of Madagascar fruit bats or flying foxes. Be on the lookout for the numerous Giant Couas, as well as any species that you may have missed so far. Before dinner each night, enjoy walks within the spiny forest, where you may spot nocturnal species such as the Grey Mouse Lemur, the White-footed Sportive Lemur, chameleons, and birds. (Please note that the schedule of internal flights within Madagascar is subject to change without prior notice. Depending on final flight schedule, the final itinerary might be different.)
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Berenty Lodge
Berenty
Full day at Berenty.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Berenty Lodge
Berenty
Full day at Berenty.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Berenty Lodge
Berenty
Full day at Berenty.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Berenty Lodge
Berenty
Full day at Berenty. If our final flight schedule for the next day is for a morning flight, we will spend the morning at Berenty for photography and afterwards drive to Ft. Dauphin to spend the night.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Berenty Lodge
Antananarivo
Early breakfast then transfer to the airport for the flight to Antananarivo. Upon arrival head to lunch at an open-air restaurant. This afternoon, explore the city during a drive to Ambohimanga Royal Hill, a hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the palace dwellings and heritage of Madagascar (this activity is time permitting based on flight schedules). Farewell dinner this evening at the hotel. Participants who are flying with AF/DL/KLM will be transferred to the airport this evening for their flight back home.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Relais des Plateaux
Antananarivo
After an early breakfast at our hotel we will have our last excursion to Tsarasaotra-Alarobia private bird park & lake for birds-in-flight photography. We will return to hotel for an early lunch, before we transfer to the airport for our international flight back home.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Relais des Plateaux - dayroom
Arrive U.S.
Arrival in United States.
Land Cost

$12,995

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $2300

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time guide for the duration of your program
  • Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Tips for everyone except Guide
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guide
  • Items of personal nature
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 6 participants in double occupancy.

Payments associated with the land program (not including any additional services such as pre or post nights) will be made directly to Todd Gustafson. A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is not refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $2300


Final payment due date: July 23, 2026

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a passport with at least three blank pages and valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Madagascar.

For stays of 15 days or fewer: A visa is not required, but travelers are required to pay a USD $10 administrative fee. You have the option of paying this fee online in advance at https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home or upon arrival in Madagascar (cash only, U.S dollars accepted).

For stays longer than 15 days: A visa is required for entry. The cost for a single-entry visa for a visit up to 30 days is USD $37. You may obtain and pay for an electronic visa in advance at https://evisamada-mg.com/en/home or you may obtain a visa upon arrival in Madagascar. If obtained upon arrival, the visa fee must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars accepted).

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please be sure to check with the Madagascan Embassy for requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Madagascar unless you are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk (including transiting 12 or more hours through the airport of a country where yellow fever is a risk).

The CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most travelers visiting Madagascar. The CDC also recommends a single lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine for adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Madagascar may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES

In addition to malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for several insect-borne illnesses carried by mosquitos, ticks, and fleas, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, and others.

The CDC recommends that travelers to Madagascar protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above. After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

Print Resources

From your leader

 

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
  • Shorts
  • A combination of lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection and medium-weight long pants for the cooler highlands
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more rugged itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker; the rainy season is typically November to April, but it can rain at any time
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we strongly urge reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash, including cash for visa and tip money; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter and plug adapter
  • Chargers for electronics

Sample Camera Gear List from Todd

  • (2) R5 camera bodies - Chargers
  • (2) 512 gig CF Express cards
  • (2) 256 gig CF Express cards
  • (2) 4 TB drives for digital storage
  • Lap Top – Mouse and Link-power cord
  • TODD-PLUG and Madagascar Adapters
  • AA Battery Charger 110-220 volts
  • AA rechargeable Batteries (8)
  • AAA rechargeable Batteries (16)
  • Quantum battery 2X2, cord and charger
  • Off camera Flash Cord
  • (2) Better Beamers
  • 600EX-RT Flash (4) AA
  • WimberlyFlash Arm
  • Gitzo tripod
  • Fluid video head
  • Bolt macro Flash (4) AA
  • 100 mm Macro
  • 14 –35 mm
  • 8-15mm
  • 600 mm
  • (2) 2X teleconverter
  • 100-400mm
  • Camera cleaning kit:  Eyelead sensor cleaner, micro cloth, micro tools
"Loved the whole trip. Todd Gustafson is a marvelous teacher, photographer and all around good, kind man."
- Kitty Kono Cobb
Madagascar , 2022
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