Step into an unforgettable winter journey across Hokkaido, Japan, designed for the dedicated birdwatcher and wildlife photographer. Scheduled for February 2026, this small-group eco-tour offers a specialized, niche experience centered on Hokkaido’s iconic winter wildlife, including spectacular birding opportunities in iconic natural areas. Catering to experienced travelers who value authenticity over luxury, the itinerary blends expert-guided activities and immersion in remote landscapes with comfortable local accommodation, providing a unique and intimate escape that lightly touches upon Japanese cultural elements.
Wildlife and Luxury
This tour is designed for those who are fond of wildlife but at the same time are eager for comfort and luxury. You will discover extremely rich ecosystems and an extraordinary biodiversity on the wildest but most beautiful places of the big island. All journeys will be done by private charter flights. A mix of unusual experiences !
Arrival at Ivato International airport from your international flight. Welcome and transfer to your hotel.
Lodging at: MAISON GALLIENI
Transfer to Tana airport, then fly by private charter flight to Maroantsetra ( scheduled only twice per week : on Sundays and Wednesdays ). You are met on arrival at Maroantsetra airport and transfer to the boat for the voyage across Antongil Bay to the MASOALA FOREST LODGE.
The journey takes around two hours, with the possibility of dolphin and whale sightings and the forested mountains of the Masoala Peninsula as a dramatic backdrop to the destination.
On arrival at the lodge beach, you are welcomed ashore and settle into camp. After freshening up in the accommodation, lunch is served in the beach house. The afternoon activities include exploring the beaches and coastal forest in the lodge area and maybe enjoying a swim in the sea, before taking a guided walk along the coast past Tampolo Point, with the possibility of spotting white-fronted brown lemurs in the coastal forest.
Return to camp for sundowners around the fire on the beach and dinner in the lodge.
Awaken early for coffee and breakfast on the sea deck before setting off on the day’s adventure.
Today this is a walk down the coast and up into the primary rainforest in search of the Red-ruffed lemurs, Dwarf chameleons and other wildlife endemic to this forest. After some hours in the dense forest with the giant hardwoods and majestic tree ferns return to camp by boat for a well-earned lunch and rest. The afternoon activity could be a snorkel on the nearby coral reefs, rich in diversity, or a guided sea kayak to the look-out rock at the “Secret Cove” for the sun set, with the chance of a close encounter with Bottlenose Dolphin or Green Turtle.
A relaxed start to the day and breakfast-buffet on the sea deck. Depart on a guided walk through the coastal forest, in search of more birds and mammals.
After a couple of hours walk, take a welcome swim in the crystal clear water of the cascades of the Tampolo River at the foot of the forested mountains. Return to camp on a traditional dugout canoe paddled down the shady river. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon swimming on the private beaches or snorkelling on the coral reefs.
A guided nocturnal walk with the intriguing possibility of seeing some of the secretive nocturnal wildlife such as Leaf-tailed Gecko, Dwarf and Mouse lemurs and maybe even the elusive Aye-Aye.
An early breakfast on the sea deck.
Board the boat for the transfer back to Maroantsetra.
Transfer to the airport in time for the charter flight out to Antananarivo (scheduled only twice per week : on Sundays and Wednesdays). Meet and transfer to your hotel.
Lodging at: MAISON GALLIENI.
Transfer to Tana airport and fly by charter flight to Ifotaka ( each Monday and Friday between mid- May and mid-November 2025 ) : 07 :00/09 :30.
By your arrival, short car drive ( 30mn ) to MANDRARE RIVER CAMP. Upon arrival at the Camp settle into your tent and enjoy the majestic views over the Mandrare River.
In late afternoon, head for a walk through the Sacred Spiny forest filled with the ancestral tombs of the local Antandroy tribe, as well as an extraordinary array of flora and fauna, unique to the spiny forest. Your English speaking guide and a tracker from the local community will give you an introduction to Antandroy culture and customs. Your visit is followed by sundowners on the Mandrare River banks.
Overnight MANDRARE RIVER CAMP (All inclusive)
After breakfast of freshly baked croissant and pain au chocolat, fresh fruits, cereals and breads, continue to the stunning Sacred Gallery forest to the south of the Camp. Depending on the river depth, you will walk or take a boat across the Mandrare River to reach this largely deciduous forest. Inquisitive groups of ring tailed lemurs and the always entertaining Verreaux sifaka are the highlight of this excursion.
Return to the Camp for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Around 5pm depart for a night walk in the Forest of Zenavo. This is a fantastic way to see diurnal lemurs bedding down, and the nocturnal lemurs begin to wake in the eerie and prehistoric Spiny Forest. You will spot Sifakas and sleeping White-foot Sportive lemurs, then once the sun has set, two mouse lemur species, sleeping birds, chameleons, owls and now active Sportive lemurs.
Overnight Mandrare River Camp (All inclusive)
After a cup of tea or coffee head to the Spiny Forest for an early morning walk. Witness the sunlight break through the octopus trees while looking out for the many endemic birds such as Crested Coua, a variety of Vangas and the Running Coua.
Head back to the Camp for a sumptuous breakfast followed by a visit to the local market (on Thursdays and Saturdays) or the local village to meet the fascinating Antandroy tribe.
Lunch will be served at the Camp followed by a relaxed afternoon watching life along the river from your tent terrace. At 5pm, depart for a sundowner amidst the baobabs. Watching the sun set and moon rise with a view across the Baobabs to the mountains beyond is a magical experience. In the evening the local village may come to perform beautiful traditional dances, accompanied by singing and music. Song and dance is at the heart of Antandroy culture and is used to accompany the major rituals and events of everyday life.
Overnight Mandrare River Camp (All Inclusive)
Drive back to Ifotaka ( 30mn ), then fly back to Antananarivo with private charter flight ( scheduled twice per week : Monday and Friday 10:00/13:30 ). Transfer to Ivato international airport and fly back to your country.
FAQs
The tour is centered on Hokkaido’s winter wildlife, with a focus on spectacular birding. Key species you can expect to see include Red-crowned Cranes (at Tsurui and Otowa Bridge), Steller’s Sea Eagles (at Lake Toro, Lake Kussharo, and on the Eagle Boat cruise), and the elusive Blakiston’s Fish Owl (at Yuyado Daiichi and Washinoyado). Other highlights include Whooper Swans, Ural Owls, Auks, Cormorants, and Sea Otters (on the Ochiishi Nature Cruise).
The tour utilizes local accommodation (such as Yumekoubou, Yuyado Daiichi, and Pension Papilio) which aligns with the tour’s emphasis on authenticity and intimate lodging over conventional luxury hotels. The accommodation is selected to provide access to the remote natural areas visited.
This experience is unique because it offers a specialized, niche experience focused intensely on Hokkaido’s winter wildlife and remote landscapes. It is a carefully curated blend of spectacular, expert-guided birding opportunities, immersion in the natural environment, and the use of intimate, local lodging, while also providing a light exposure to Japanese cultural elements.
