THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Explore Madagascar’s Avenue of the Baobabs, Sainte-Marie and Andasibe rainforest through landscape, whale and wildlife photography.
Baobabs in changing light
Return to the Avenue of the Baobabs for sunrise, sunset and night photography, with a visit to Betania fishing village.
Whale photography off Sainte-Marie
Spend two days looking for whales off Sainte-Marie, alongside sunrise and island photography. Sailings and sightings depend on conditions.
Andasibe rainforest and the capital
Explore Andasibe with a guide for lemurs and forest wildlife, then photograph Antananarivo’s urban scenery.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape, documentary, mobile and drone photography. He has provided photography lectures and training for the municipal library, the Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, the news agency of South China Normal University, the Senior Photographers Association, China Southern Power Grid, the Bao'an land bureau, UnionPay International, Standard Chartered, Ping An Bank, Bank of China, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Jiangsu, the coastal administration, the Capital Institute, SF Express and local community offices. Photography journeys He has led photography groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Destinations in China include Longji, Weizhou Island, Yuanyang, Puzhehei, Bashang, Xuexiang, Beijing, Niubei Mountain, Guangwu Mountain, Huangshan, Wuyuan, Poyang Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Nyingchi, the Yellow River in Shaanxi, the Qiantang River, Hainan, Xiaodongjiang, Zhangjiajie, Zhongwei, Xiapu, Daocheng–Shangri-La and Ejina Banner. Selected awards and exhibitions 15th National Art Photography Competition; 2nd Shenzhen Photography Annual Exhibition; 10th PSAChina International Photography event; 2015 Toronto International TIPF Annual Excellence Award; multiple acceptances in the Austrian circuit, 2017–2019; exhibition at the 7th Dali International Photography Festival, 2018; silver award in the first Beautiful China Aerial Photography competition; second prize in the People category of the China division of the 2019 National Geographic Global Photography Contest.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Aug 5 · Indian/AntananarivoMeet and depart from China
Accommodation:At the airport or in flight
DAY 02Aug 6 · Indian/AntananarivoHong Kong–Antananarivo, Madagascar
Arrive at Hong Kong Airport at a suitable time for an international flight to Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital. [Reference flights] August 06: Hong Kong–Addis Ababa ET645 00:25–05:40 August 06: Addis Ababa–Antananarivo ET853 08:55–13:45 A Chinese-speaking guide meets you in Antananarivo. Tour the city by vehicle, visiting the Queen's Palace, history museum, and amphitheater. Overlook the 'City of a Thousand Warriors' and photograph sunset over the hillside city. (Airport to city: approximately 1 hour. If traffic delays arrival or attractions are closed—they close on Tuesdays—the visit will be rescheduled.)
Accommodation:Antananarivo; hotel to confirm
DAY 03Aug 7 · Indian/AntananarivoAntananarivo–Morondava (domestic flight)
Take a domestic flight to Morondava in the west (indicative aircraft: ATR72, capacity 70; only three flights weekly). In the afternoon, drive to the Avenue of the Baobabs to view and photograph sunset. After dinner back in town, return to the Avenue of the Baobabs for night photography of star trails. Flight: MD702/10:10–11:20. Operates at fixed times weekly; punctuality is poor and actual conditions govern.
Accommodation:Morondava; hotel to confirm
DAY 04Aug 8 · Indian/AntananarivoFull-day photography in Morondava
Head to the Avenue of the Baobabs early to capture sunrise and local life in dawn light; After breakfast, take an outrigger canoe to the traditional fishing village of Betania for cultural photography. In the afternoon, drive to see the unique Lovers' Baobabs, then stop again at the Avenue of the Baobabs for sunset before returning to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Accommodation:Morondava hotel
DAY 05Aug 9 · Indian/AntananarivoMorondava–Antananarivo
Return to the Avenue of the Baobabs early once more to capture sunrise and local life in dawn light; After checkout, take a domestic flight back to the capital (indicative aircraft: ATR72, capacity 70; only three flights weekly, with poor punctuality, subject to actual conditions). In the afternoon, you may visit the handicraft market for distinctive souvenirs. Flight: MD703/11:55–13:05. Operates at fixed times weekly; punctuality is poor.
Accommodation:Antananarivo; hotel to confirm
DAY 06Aug 10 · Indian/AntananarivoAntananarivo–Sainte-Marie Island (domestic flight)
Fly according to the schedule to Sainte-Marie, another of Madagascar's island destinations. By the mid-17th century, it had become a pirate refuge; by the 18th century, thousands of pirates of different nationalities reportedly lived peacefully alongside local people. The surviving pirate cemetery remains an attraction. Photograph it after lunch and learn about Sainte-Marie's pirate culture. The island's annual whale season is its greatest attraction for domestic and international visitors. Sainte-Marie is the best whale-watching location in Madagascar and the whole Indian Ocean. Each July–September, many whales migrate north to breed in surrounding waters, mainly humpbacks. Adult males average nearly 13 meters and females nearly 14 meters, weighing 25–35 tonnes. Females and calves arrive first in July, followed by juveniles; adult males arrive more than half a month later. Their arrival transforms the quiet sea into a lively scene of enormous creatures chasing, rolling, playing, and occasionally breaching in huge splashes. Flight: MD530/06:00–07:05. Domestic schedules may change; actual arrangements govern.
Accommodation:Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm
DAY 07Aug 11 · Indian/AntananarivoFull day on Sainte-Marie Island
Rise for sunrise, then head to sea after breakfast for whale photography, with ample time to record different behaviors. Many whales return to nearby waters this season to mate and give birth, turning the usually quiet sea into a lively spectacle. It offers an excellent chance to observe whales closely in a fully natural setting as they chase, roll, play, and occasionally breach, throwing up immense sprays.
Accommodation:Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm
DAY 08Aug 12 · Indian/AntananarivoFull day on Sainte-Marie Island
Rise for sunrise, then head to sea after breakfast for whale photography, with ample time to record different behaviors. Many whales return to nearby waters this season to mate and give birth, turning the usually quiet sea into a lively spectacle. It offers an excellent chance to observe whales closely in a fully natural setting as they chase, roll, play, and occasionally breach, throwing up immense sprays.
Accommodation:Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm
DAY 09Aug 13 · Indian/AntananarivoSainte-Marie Island–Antananarivo (domestic flight)–Andasibe
Sleep until you wake naturally or rise early to enjoy sunrise over the sea independently. Fly back to the capital at the appropriate time. [Baggage allowance per person: 1 × 20 kg checked bag + 1 × 5 kg carry-on. Flights have poor punctuality; actual conditions govern.] Drive to Andasibe National Park, approximately 4.5 hours. Explore the reserve at night in search of tiny mouse lemurs, nocturnal chameleons, frogs, and other small creatures. [Wear long sleeves, trousers, socks, and non-slip shoes; bring mosquito-repellent patches.] If the flight arrives too late, the night reserve visit will be moved to the following evening. Flight: MD531/10:45–11:45. Domestic schedules may change; actual arrangements govern.
Accommodation:Andasibe; hotel to confirm
DAY 10Aug 14 · Indian/AntananarivoAndasibe
Walk in the Andasibe rainforest with a guide to look for lemurs and other wildlife, then visit reserves around the rainforest lodge. The return to Antananarivo conflicts with the following day’s plan; confirm return timing and the overnight location.
Accommodation:Andasibe or Antananarivo; return timing to confirm
DAY 11Aug 15 · Indian/AntananarivoAndasibe–Antananarivo, 4 hours' drive
Return to or continue photography in Antananarivo according to the confirmed plan, with city views and local life in evening light. Confirm the return timing across days 10 and 11.
Accommodation:Antananarivo; hotel to confirm
DAY 12Aug 16 · Indian/AntananarivoAntananarivo–Addis Ababa
[Reference flights] August 16: Antananarivo–Addis Ababa ET852 14:50–19:25 August 16: Addis Ababa–Hong Kong ET644 23:10–14:55+1
Accommodation:In flight
DAY 13Aug 17 · Indian/AntananarivoArrive in Hong Kong
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang
- IncludedGuide: local Chinese-speaking guide throughout;
- ExcludedDriver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
Transport
- IncludedTickets: attraction and boat tickets included in the itinerary;
- IncludedVehicles: transportation throughout;
- IncludedFour domestic flight sectors: Antananarivo–Morondava round trip and Antananarivo–Sainte-Marie round trip;
Travel details and reference schedules
The following flights are references, not confirmed group bookings. Confirm departure and transfers before booking. [Reference services] The instructor will take the following services: Outbound: August 06: Hong Kong–Addis Ababa ET645 00:25–05:40 August 06: Addis Ababa–Antananarivo ET853 08:55–13:45 Return: August 16: Antananarivo–Addis Ababa ET852 14:50–19:25 August 16: Addis Ababa–Hong Kong ET644 23:10–14:55+1 Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website. Included · Tickets: attraction and boat tickets included in the itinerary; Included · Vehicles: transportation throughout; Included · Four domestic flight sectors: Antananarivo–Morondava round trip and Antananarivo–Sainte-Marie round trip; Excluded · International airfare; Excluded · All optional activities, such as helicopter flights; Excluded · Tips for other services, such as boat trips, helicopter flights, wildlife viewing, and restaurant meals, are excluded;
Photography
- Baobabs in changing light
- Whale photography off Sainte-Marie
- Andasibe rainforest and the capital
Photography details
Baobabs in changing light Return to the Avenue of the Baobabs for sunrise, sunset and night photography, with a visit to Betania fishing village. Whale photography off Sainte-Marie Spend two days looking for whales off Sainte-Marie, alongside sunrise and island photography. Sailings and sightings depend on conditions. Andasibe rainforest and the capital Explore Andasibe with a guide for lemurs and forest wildlife, then photograph Antananarivo’s urban scenery. Baobabs in changing light Whale photography off Sainte-Marie Andasibe rainforest and the capital Included · Complimentary retouching of 30 photographs from the journey; Included · Photography instruction and services from the accompanying instructor throughout.
Accommodation
- 12 nights
- Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator.
- IncludedHotels: standard twin rooms in local four- or five-star hotels or accommodation close to photography locations throughout;
Accommodation details
Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Day 1: At the airport or in flight Day 2: Antananarivo; hotel to confirm Day 3: Morondava; hotel to confirm Day 4: Morondava hotel Day 5: Antananarivo; hotel to confirm Day 6: Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm Day 7: Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm Day 8: Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm Day 9: Andasibe; hotel to confirm Day 10: Andasibe or Antananarivo; return timing to confirm Day 11: Antananarivo; hotel to confirm Day 12: In flight Day 1 · 2027-08-05 At the airport or in flight Day 2 · 2027-08-06 Antananarivo; hotel to confirm Day 3 · 2027-08-07 Morondava; hotel to confirm Day 4 · 2027-08-08 Morondava hotel Day 5 · 2027-08-09 Antananarivo; hotel to confirm Day 6 · 2027-08-10 Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm Day 7 · 2027-08-11 Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm Day 8 · 2027-08-12 Sainte-Marie; hotel to confirm Day 9 · 2027-08-13 Andasibe; hotel to confirm Day 10 · 2027-08-14 Andasibe or Antananarivo; return timing to confirm Day 11 · 2027-08-15 Antananarivo; hotel to confirm Day 12 · 2027-08-16 In flight 12 nights Planned overnight locations; confirm hotels, room types and camps with the operator. Included · Hotels: standard twin rooms in local four- or five-star hotels or accommodation close to photography locations throughout; Excluded · Single supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator.
Meals
- IncludedMeals: all meals throughout;
- IncludedComplimentary mineral water per person daily;
- ExcludedTips for other services, such as boat trips, helicopter flights, wildlife viewing, and restaurant meals, are excluded;
Visa
- ExcludedVisa and processing expenses; the applicable procedure and amount require confirmation with the operator.
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Hotels: standard twin rooms in local four- or five-star hotels or accommodation close to photography locations throughout;
Meals: all meals throughout;
Tickets: attraction and boat tickets included in the itinerary;
Vehicles: transportation throughout;
Guide: local Chinese-speaking guide throughout;
Complimentary mineral water per person daily;
Four domestic flight sectors: Antananarivo–Morondava round trip and Antananarivo–Sainte-Marie round trip;
Complimentary retouching of 30 photographs from the journey;
Photography instruction and services from the accompanying instructor throughout.
Not included
International airfare;
Visa and processing expenses; the applicable procedure and amount require confirmation with the operator.
All optional activities, such as helicopter flights;
Driver and guide tips; currency, amount and chargeable days require confirmation with the operator.
Single supplements for solo occupancy or when room sharing is unavailable; the amount requires confirmation with the operator.
Personal expenses such as drinks, individually ordered food, hotel room service, telephone calls, laundry, and tips;
Additional expenses caused by circumstances beyond human control;
Tips for other services, such as boat trips, helicopter flights, wildlife viewing, and restaurant meals, are excluded;
In exceptional circumstances involving force majeure, such as natural disasters, war, strikes, airline delays or cancellations, or consular visa delays, the organizing team reserves the right to cancel or alter the itinerary. Additional expenses, including visas, accommodation, meals, transport, or national airfare adjustments, may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred. We will nevertheless do everything within our ability to minimise participants' losses;
Other additional service fees and personal expenses not listed;
Invoice-related taxes are additional; confirm the applicable amount with the operator.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] The total is based on two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Indian/Antananarivo. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.