Africa

Madagascar | An Odd Corner of the World

with Gustafson Photo Safari
Date:
May 20 - Jun 5, 2022
Duration:
17 Days
Interests:
Photography
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Aye-aye lemur
Butterfly photographed at close range
Todd and friends
Chameleon
The painted mantella, a Madagascar endemic
Mouse lemur at Berenty Reserve
Giraffe beetle
White-ruffed lemur near Andasibe
The iconic Avenue of the Baobabs
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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!
OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION:  Begin your photographic journey with an optional pre-trip extension to view the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, May 16-22, 2022.

Highlights

  • Explore prime lemur habitats 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.
  • Wildlife photography at its best – lemurs, birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.
  • Capture a dancing lemur making a dazzling leap 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 a professional nature photographer and founder of Gustafson Photo Safari. Todd grew up in Tanzania and has won numerous photography awards. His work has been featured in many international publications and museum exhibits, including a display in a permanent exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History, publications by the United Nations, and product guides for NIKON Corporation, where he works as a clinician/teacher. Todd is also a highly accomplished trumpet player and has degrees in music education and trumpet performance.

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.
Palissandre Hotel
Antananarivo
After a leisurely breakfast 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. Later in the afternoon, participants including Todd, who have been on the pre-extension will join us at our hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Palissandre Hotel
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
Ft Dauphin
After breakfast and morning photography around the lodge, depart for Ft Dauphin.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Croix Sud Hotel
Antananarivo
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Antananarivo. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Palissandre Hotel
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
Have breakfast at the hotel followed by a drive to the Mantadia National Park, approximately 8.6 miles from the hotel. Walk within the Mantadia National Park and spot lemurs and birds. Lemur species such as the Indri, Sifaka Lemur, Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Grey Bamboo Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, and Red-bellied Lemur might be spotted during the visit. Also observe bird species such as couas, vangas, sunbirds, and ground-rollers. Have a picnic lunch within the park. In the afternoon, continue your time at the park before heading back to the hotel. 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
Palissandre Hotel
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. After lunch at a local restaurant at Tana, explore the spice and handicraft market before returning back to our hotel to pack and get ready for our flight back home. Dinner will be at the hotel. Please note that order of activities are subject to change depending on flight times. Check out is at 11:00 pm.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Palissandre Hotel - dayroom
Arrive U.S.
Arrival in United States.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 12 participants in double occupancy.

A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is not refundable.

Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.

Holbrook Travel includes post-departure emergency and evacuation Travel Protection for all participants. We strongly recommend that you purchase Trip Cancellation insurance or Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage at an additional cost. We offer a discounted Optional Plan to upgrade to include Trip Cancellation/Interruption or CFAR coverage. If you plan to purchase CFAR, please note it must be purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. Coverage may vary and not all coverage is available in every jurisdiction. For more information on pricing and coverage, see our Group Travel Protection Plan.

Final payment due date: February 14, 2022

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Madagascar. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure and contain at least 3 blank pages. If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Madagascar for the requirements based on your nationality.

A visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter into Madagascar and may be obtained upon arrival. The cost for a single-entry, short-term visa is 35 Euro (approximately USD $37) and must be paid in cash (U.S. dollars accepted). Visas for more than 90 days must be arranged in advance at any Madagascan embassy or consulate.

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, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Madagascar unless you have traveled to an area where yellow fever is endemic within the last six months, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Madagascar.

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.

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.

Resources

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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 can find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CAMERA GEAR

  • (2) D4 Chargers - extra battery card reader
  • (4) QXD cards 
  • 600 mm and 200-400 mm camera lenses
  • Hyperdrive and cord
  • Camera cleaning kit: lens pen, micro cloth, lens cleaning solution, micro tools
  • TB backup drive
  • Laptop, power cord, mouse and link, and batteries
  • (4) 16GB compact flash cards
  • (8) AAA rechargeable batteries
  • (8) AA rechargeable batteries
  • AA battery charger 110-220 volts
  • Todd-plug or U.S. powerstrip,
  • Power adapters and converters
  • Calumet Powerblock 900, plug and cord
  • Off-camera flash cord
  • (2) Better Beamers
  • SB800X Flash - (4) AA
  • Flash arm
  • Gitzo tripod and Wimberly tripod head
  • Sony Video, batteries, charger, SD cards

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 mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in 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
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear

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.
  • 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
  • Feminine 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 recommend 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, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if you've been to a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk within the past six months)
  • 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
  • Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter and plug adapter
  • Chargers for electronics

 

"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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