Madagascar
A custom-tailored and immersive travel + photo experience among some of the most breathtaking and diverse natural wonders on the planet.
November 15-24, 2025
A 10-day, thoughtfully-curated, premium photo + travel experience in one the most unique and biodiverse places on the planet: Madagascar.
~ 10 spots only ~
Our team has custom-built an all-inclusive itinerary that will immerse you in the diverse landscapes and cultures of this incredible island and introduce you to the rare endemic species it is famous for.
Anyone is welcome to join us, whether you are a beginner or advanced photographer or someone who wants an unforgettable experience without a camera in tow.
Price $16,500 CAD | ~ $12,500 USD
installment plan available; see below
A truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Baobab Avenue
Unparalleled in Every Way
The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is a mesmerizing and unique destination with incomparable natural beauty and biodiversity. Situated off the southeastern coast of Africa, it boasts diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforests and pristine beaches to arid deserts and towering mountains. But what makes Madagascar truly compelling is its extraordinary wildlife and endemic species found nowhere else on the planet. Madagascar is an ecological wonderland complemented by vibrant local culture and thrilling outdoor experiences.
Our custom-tailored itinerary, carefully planned with the hard-earned knowledge of local guides, is designed to be unforgettable. From nature reserves to photogenic baobab trees, the emerald forests of Amber Mountain to the caves of Ankarana, our aim is to give you the best experience possible in a land like no other on the globe.
Highlights
Rare endemic species
Photogenic landscapes
Nature preserves
Extraordinary biodiversity
UNESCO World Heritage
White-sand beaches
The Itinerary
Starts: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Ends: Nosy Be Island, Madagascar
Please note, the itinerary is subject to change.
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Arrival in Antananarivo (known as Tana). Transfer to your hotel near the airport Tana. Rest and recreation to recoup after the long flight.
Overnight at Radisson Blu.
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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Morondava. Drive for approximately 1h30 to Kirindy Forest, north of Morondava. A quick stop at Baobab Avenue for photo ops. Start an introductory nature walk in the forest to observe endemic red-fronted brown lemurs, sifaka and other endemics in this dry deciduous forest. Birds and reptile species here are also abundant. Night walk to look at nocturnal lemurs and their predator, the fosa, in order to observe their behaviour in nature.
Overnight at Relais du Kirindy.
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Last morning to spend at Kirindy Forest and learn more about the surviving wildlife in this unique nature reserve. Mid-afternoon drive back to Morondava. Take a detour to the Baobabs in love. Stop by sunset at the famous Baobab Avenue to experience memorable photo ops. Enjoy a memorable zebu cart ride around Baobab Avenue.
Overnight at Palissandre Cote Ouest.
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Breakfast at the hotel. Visit of Betania fisherman’s village for a memorable discovery and culture walk. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Tana. Visit the Queen’s Palace and Andafiavaratra Museum. Enjoy unique panoramic views of Tana and its surroundings from the top of the city.
Overnight at Radisson Blu.
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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Tana airport for your flight to Diego – Suarez. Departure to Joffreville. Visit the National Park of “Montagne d’Ambre” for a full day exploring the natural beauty of flora and fauna of Madagascar. A true water reserve in the north of Madagascar, the Montagne d’Ambre is one of the oldest parks in Madagascar. Located 30 km from the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), and consists of a wet forest, overlooking a volcanic massif at 1,475 meters above sea level. The park is easily accessible coming from Diego Suarez. There are seven species of lemurs, including the famous Eulemur Coronatus, more than 75 species of birds with the most famous Huppe Ibis; waterfalls, exotic species, volcanic craters, thousands of plant species and its botanical garden. It is called the “emerald forest.”
Overnight at Litchi Tree.
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Departure to visit the Red Tsingy. A rock formation due to the erosion by the rain and the wind of a laterite soil. The result is a surprising maze of red rocks unique in Madagascar. Continuation to Ankarana National Park, classified world heritage by UNESCO. The park covers a surface area of 18,000 hectares. It has a set of caves, underground rivers, canyons, “Tsingy,”, dry and green forests, about 100 km from the town of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez).
Overnight at Iharana Bush Camp.
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The massif of Ankarana is composed of Tsingy. These eroded limestone pinnacles are a refuge to thick forest that shelters rare species like the crowned lemur and the forest Ibis, as well as a wide range of unique succulent plants. The cathedral-like caves were used to shelter the King and its Antakarana tribe during the inter-tribal conflict in the 19th Century. This royal tomb is now home to bats. You will encounter the Antakarana tribe who still live in the nearby villages. Return to your lodge.
Overnight at Iharana Bush Camp.
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Transfer to Ankify for about 3 hrs drive. Passage at Ambilobe, a lovely small town and the rich Sambirano valley. Arrival at Ankify port, transfer by speed boat to your Hellville harbour in Nosy be. Upon arrival in Nosy Be Island, you'll be welcomed and escorted to your hotel located right by the beach. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Nosy Be Hotel.
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Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Nosy Iranja, located about 1h 30min by speed boat to the south of Nosy Be. There are two islets, Iranja Be and Iranja Kely, connected by a strip of white sand of about 1.2 km. The islands are also home to Hawksbill turtle nesting. A whole day of relaxing time. In the evening return to Nosy Be.
Overnight at Nosy Be Hotel.
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Enjoy a leisurely morning on Nosy Be Island. Transfer to the airport to meet your international flight check-in.
At a Glance
Is this trip for you?
Madagascar is the perfect destination for those who have a spirit of curiosity and an appreciation for natural wonders. This will certainly be an adventure, but we take all the work out of the planning, allowing you to come along for one exquisite ride. Though some areas are more rugged and off-the-beaten track, you’ll be in the capable hands of two seasoned travellers, as well as the top-rated local operator in Madagascar. We have custom built this trip from scratch, keeping in mind years of experience of personal travel and photography workshops to ensure optimal enjoyment.
Read more in our Essentials below.
Experience Includes
daily instruction, mentoring and 1:1 guidance from Paul Zizka with the assistance of Stasia Schmidt
all-inclusive accommodations and meals
lodging (Radisson Blu, Relais du Kirindy, Palissandre Cote Ouest, Litchi Tree, Iharana Bush Camp, Nosy Be Hotel)
all meals
all in-country transportation, including flights
local naturalist guides
all activities and excursions
gratuities (you may choose to contribute in addition, or should you require individual services not included in the package)
You’ll Take Care Of
international airfare to Antananarivo (TNR), Madagascar and home from Nosy Be Island (NOS), Madagascar
travel and medical insurance
Our Team
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Paul Zizka
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Paul Zizka is a Banff-based professional mountain landscape and adventure photographer and a sought-after photo educator. Whether it’s wading waist-deep into a glacier-fed lake or chasing auroras from dusk til dawn, Paul is known for an adventurous spirit that draws him to the extraordinary. In addition to eight published books, Paul’s award-winning photos have also been featured in a variety of publications, including Maclean’s, National Geographic Adventure, Huffington Post, and Canadian Geographic. [Photo: Trixie Pacis]
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Stasia Schmidt
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR + LOGISTICS
Stasia Schmidt is an acclaimed fine art photographer known for her keen eye for simplicity and form, as well as her meticulous attention to detail. As a self-taught artist, Stasia taps into a deep well of inspiration, drawing from her love of music, dance, science fiction, and adventure. Her award-winning project, “Ephemerality” is a testament to her ability to confront societal norms, prompting viewers to reconsider preconceived notions and perspectives. When not shooting, Stasia can be found writing, reading, raising teenagers, adventuring, and laughing loudly at inappropriate jokes. [Photo: Curtis Jones]
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Meghan J. Ward
MARKETING + LOGISTICS
A writer and creative entrepreneur based in Banff, Meghan takes time on the side to flex her sales and marketing skills for Paul Zizka Photography. She’s the ‘other half’ to Paul in numerous ways: as his wife, fellow adventurer and business partner. At Paul Zizka Photography she manages everything from brand to website, photo licensing, corporate sales and workshop logistics. She is the author of several books including a children’s book, The Wonders That I Find and a travel memoir, Lights to Guide Me Home. [Photo: Paul Zizka]
Essentials
Passports + Visas
To travel internationall you’ll need a valid passport. Note that most countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates, so be sure to check expiry. It’s also advised you carry a copy of it with you and/or store it safely online. We will require your passport information in order to ensure everything is ready for your arrival.
All foreign passport holders need a tourist visa to enter Madagascar. Madagascar has introduced an e-Visa system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel.
Drinking Water
Please avoid drinking from any taps or natural sources on this trip, as it can lead to illness. We will provide you with bottled water. We recommend you bring your own water bottle should a larger safe dispensing option be available.
Money + Credit
This is an all-inclusive experience, but you may choose to have cash on you for contingencies, souvenirs and other purchases. We do not recommend you solely rely on credit or debit cards. It’s best to bring Euros or USD, which you can exchange into local currency (Ariary). It may be difficult to exchange money or even find an ATM outside of Antananarivo.
Responsible Travel
Being part of a small group will inevitably require some accommodating to different traveller’s needs and preferences. As we travel together, Paul Zizka Workshops promotes a spirit of respect and compassion with our fellow group members, our guides and the people and landscapes we come in contact with along the way.
We appreciate if any issues are address privately with our group leaders in a respectful and productive manner so that we all might enjoy a spectacular time together.
Contingencies
If there is anything we’ve learned about travel, it’s to expect the unexpected. We will work rigorously to plan for every possibility, however, we cannot predict all the circumstances we’ll encounter, in particular a Force Majeur event. Should an emergency arise, you will be responsible for covering the difference incurred by alterations to our itinerary, as well as any incidental expenses that may arise. Please have contingency funds available for any of these unavoidable changes, and speak to your insurance provider about coverage prior to purchasing it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on this trip, including insurance for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We also recommend you purchase a policy for personal liability, trip cancellation or interruption and lost baggage fees. We will need to see proof of your insurance prior to departing.
Fitness Level
Level 3: Moderate / Active
This trip is suitable for travellers who lead active lives, are comfortable participating in a range of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
The trip will feature some long touring days and excursions, and an active itinerary. Participants must be able to carry luggage, packs, and/or equipment; sit or stand for over 2 hours; be in good health, mobile, able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day; and walk on uneven and/or varied terrain up to five miles at a 2.5-mph pace over the course of the day.
Good hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at inquiries@zizka.ca.
Packing List
We will send you a detailed packing list well in advance of your travel dates.
Immunizations
Please visit a local travel clinic to review which immunizations you require prior to visiting Madagascar. In addition to routine vaccines, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, amd Tetanus are also recommended. Please also talk to an advisor about Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B, Rabies Typhoid and Malaria.
Our favourite web resource is Fit For Travel, if you would also like to review information online before you visit your travel clinic.
Are We Missing Something?
You’ll receive a comprehensive info package prior to the trip. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at inquiries@zizka.ca
Trip Dates:
November 15-24, 2025
Investment:
Approx. $16,500 CAD | ~$12,500 USD
Installment option:
Deposit: $6,500 CAD
Balance Due: September 1, 2025 - $10,000 CAD
We are happy to accommodate an alternative deposit and instalment schedule should you require it. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Cancellation:
*Deposits and installments are non-refundable, unless you are able to sell your spot. In this case we can provide a refund minus a $250 administration fee.
This workshop requires a minimum of 6 participants to run.
Click button to register or use the form below.
FAQs
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Absolutely. Both photographers and non-photographers can enjoy this unique experience in Madagascar. We’ll be taking you to incredible locations that you are welcome to enjoy however you like: with a camera, smartphone or just your own eyes.
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Level 3: Moderate / Active
This trip is suitable for travellers who lead active lives, are comfortable participating in a range of activities, and expect some physical exertion.The trip will feature some long touring days and excursions, and an active itinerary. Participants must be able to carry luggage, packs, and/or equipment; sit or stand for over 2 hours; be in good health, mobile, able to participate in 3-5 hours of physical activity per day; and walk on uneven and/or varied terrain up to five miles at a 2.5-mph pace over the course of the day. Good hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at inquiries@zizka.ca.
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Whether you're coming from North America, Europe or Oceania, getting to Madagascar is actually a lot more simple than most people think given the distance that needs to be covered.
No matter where you are located, chances are you can get to the isolated, exotic island within a maximum of 3 flights thanks to the nearby transportation hubs of South Africa and Ethiopia, and thanks also to a direct link to France.
We highly recommend you add a little time to your layovers in order to discover over wonderful, far-flung corners of the world! You will find there are many options for entering the country via Antananarivo and exiting via Nosy Be (where our itinerary concludes), which allows us to spend more time on the island.
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We will do our best to communicate these with our operators in Madagascar. We advise guests with intolerances and allergies to be prepared with any medicines, and also bring certain food stocks from home that might help them supplement along the way. We will work with each guest to make sure they have everything they need prior to departing for the trip.
