Daniel Austin:
Travel Writer & Tour Leader

Daniel Austin, expert tour leader & lecturer


I am a travel writer, naturalist, photographer and tour leader with a particular specialism in the little-known and enigmatic Indian Ocean island of Madagascar. Born and based in the UK, I spend much of my time travelling the world in search of wildlife and photographing our planet's incredible natural wonders, carrying out research and sharing my knowledge and interest through leading tours. I also regularly give lectures and talks about Madagascar and other countries, often on expedition cruise ships in far-flung corners of the world.

I have written or edited a number of travel and wildlife books, including tourist guidebooks to Madagascar and South America, a guide to Malagasy wildlife, and a travel-themed quiz book.

On this page you can discover more about my various activities as a travel writer, lecturer, tour leader and expedition naturalist, find details of my upcoming tours, learn more about my publications and where to buy them, and get information about my photography. You will also find information on my extensive archive of Madagascar-related books and documents and my role as Secretary of the Anglo-Malagasy Society. At the bottom of the page is a link to contact me.

Tour leading

Below are listed tours and cruises accompanied by me, both past and future. Overland tours are shown in green and expedition cruises in blue. If you are interested in booking to go on one of my upcoming tours, click the 'Full details & booking' link to open the website of the relevant tour operator that is handling bookings for that trip. Please note that prices may vary widely from tour to tour, owing to significant differences in accommodation level, itinerary, trip duration, transport arrangements, whether international flights are included, and so on. For tour operators or trip organisers wishing to secure my services to lead or accompany a tour of/including Madagascar, please contact me as far in advance as possible.

Use the drop-down menu below to filter the list of tours by type, operator, vessel (for expedition cruises) or destination.

Upcoming tours

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14 Mar 2026: Sailing Through the Lesser Antilles & Beyond (13 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Barbados — Tobago: Scarborough — Trinidad: Maracas Valley — Yerette — Caroni Nature Sanctuary — Guyana: Georgetown — Suriname: Paramaribo — French Guiana: Iles de Salut — Cayenne
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

2 Mar 2026: Passage Across the Caribbean Sea (14 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Costa Rica: San Jose — Puerto Limon — Cahuita National Park — Panama: Bocas del Toro — San Blas Islands — Colombia: Cartagena — Santa Marta — Tayrona National Park — Curaçao: Willemstad — Bonaire: Cultural Park Mangazina di Rei — Grenada: St George's — Barbados
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

15 Feb 2026: Central American Odyssey (18 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Guatemala: Antigua — Puerto Quetzal — El Salvador: Acajutla — Joya de Ceren — San Andres — Santa Ana — Ataco — La Union — Nicaragua: Corinto — Leon — San Juan del Sur — Granada — Costa Rica: Palo Verde National Park — Playa Flamingo — Curu National Park — Tortuga Island — Puerto Jimenez — Golfo Dulce — Golfito National Wildlife Refuge — Panama: Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park — Panama Canal — Colon — Bocas del Toro — Costa Rica: Puerto Limon — Cahuita National Park
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

7 Feb 2026: Ancient & Natural Wonders of Central America (14 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Costa Rica: San Jose — Puerto Caldera — Curu National Park — Tortuga Island — Playa Flamingo — Palo Verde National Park — Nicaragua: San Juan del Sur — Granada — Corinto — Leon — El Salvador: La Union — Acajutla — Joya de Ceren — San Andres — Santa Ana — Ataco — Guatemala: Puerto Quetzal — Antigua — Lake Atitlan — Panajachel
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

16 Dec 2025: Madagascar Coastal Odyssey (19 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Andavadoaka — Nosy Hao — Morondava — Zazamalala Forest — Baobab Avenue — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Iharana [Vohémar] — Domaine de Bobangira — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Ambodiforaha — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Réunion — Mauritius
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

2 Dec 2025: Madagascar Coastal Odyssey (18 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Ambodiforaha — Iharana [Vohémar] — Domaine de Bobangira — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Tanikely Marine Reserve — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Morondava — Zazamalala Forest — Baobab Avenue — Andavadoaka — Nosy Hao — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Toliara [Tulear]
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

11 Oct 2025: Madagascar Tour (20 days)

Overland group tour. Exact dates and itinerary TBC.

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

17 Sep 2025: Madagascar Expedition (19 days)

Expedition cruise on a private vessel.

My role: Expedition guide and lecturer

Tour operator: EYOS Expeditions

27 Jul 2025: Alaska's Inside Passage (17 days)

Expedition cruise on the Hanseatic Inspiration. Itinerary summary:
Canada: Vancouver — British Columbia's Inside Passage — Alaska, United States: Wrangell — Petersburg — Kupreanof Island — Endicott Arm — Tracy Arm — Chichagof Island — Hubbard Glacier — Tsaa Fjord — Kodiak Island — Homer — Katmai National Park — Seward — Seattle
Group size: approx 200 pax

My role: Please note that I will be acting as Tour Manager for the Noble Caledonia guests on this voyage. I will not be guiding or lecturing.

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK) in collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Full details & booking

2 Apr 2025: Caribbean Island Odyssey (15 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Panama: Panama City — San Blas Islands — Colombia: Cartagena — Santa Marta — Cabo de la Vela — Curaçao: Willemstad — Trinidad: Port of Spain — Grenada: St George's — St Lucia: Soufriere — Dominica: Cabrits — Morne Diablotin National Park — Montserrat: Plymouth — Antigua: Shirley Heights
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

10 Mar 2025: Pacific Coastal Odyssey (26 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Chile: Santiago — Casablanca Valley — Valparaiso — Coquimbo — Isla Pajaros — Isla Chanaral — Iquique — Arica — Peru: Matarani — Pisco — Isla Ballestas — Tambo Colorado — Nazca Lines — Callao — Lima — Salaverry — Isla Lobos de Tierra — Ecuador: Puerto Bolivar — Isla de la Plata — Machalilla National Park — Manta — Colombia: Utria National Park — Panama: Panama City — Panama Canal — Colon
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

25 Feb 2025: Patagonian Odyssey (18 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Argentina: Buenos Aires — Ushuaia — Chile: Cape Horn — Punta Arenas — Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine National Park — Chiloe Island — Puerto Montt — Valdivia — Valparaiso — Casablanca Valley — Santiago
Group size: approx 95 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

5 Jan 2025: Islands of the Indian Ocean (17 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Masoala National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Cosmoledo, Seychelles — Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania — Stone Town, Zanzibar — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

19 Dec 2024: Madagascar: The Eighth Continent (20 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Nahampoana Reserve — Mandena Conservation Zone — Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Andavadoaka — Nosy Hao — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

2 Dec 2024: Madagascar: The Eighth Continent (20 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Nahampoana Reserve — Mandena Conservation Zone — Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Andavadoaka — Nosy Hao — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

Full details & booking

22 Nov 2024: Islands of the Indian Ocean (13 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Tahiry Honko Mangrove Project — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Ambodiforaha — Réunion — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Criterion Travel (US)

Full details & booking

Past tours

No past tours match the filter criteria.




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14 Oct 2024: Private Madagascar Tour (21 days)

Overland group tour for a private party – not available to the public.

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

21 Feb 2024: Under the Northern Lights (8 days)

Expedition cruise on the MV Quest. Itinerary summary:
Norway: Tromsø — Andøy — Sortland — Trollfjord — Svolvaer — Lofotakvariet Aquarium — Lofoten Islands — Narvik — Breidvik — Tromsø
Group size: 28 pax

My role: Tour Manager (not guiding or lecturing) for the 16 Noble Caledonia guests on this voyage

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK) in collaboration with Norwegian Travel

21 Jan 2024: Islands of the Indian Ocean (17 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Masoala National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Cosmoledo, Seychelles — Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania — Stone Town, Zanzibar — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

4 Jan 2024: Madagascar: The Eighth Continent (20 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Nahampoana Reserve — Mandena Conservation Zone — Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Andavadoaka — Nosy Hao — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

18 Dec 2023: Madagascar: The Eighth Continent (20 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Nahampoana Reserve — Mandena Conservation Zone — Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Andavadoaka — Nosy Hao — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

6 Dec 2023: Islands of the Indian Ocean (15 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Tahiry Honko Mangrove Project — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Ambodiforaha — Réunion — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Criterion Travel (US)

22 Nov 2023: Indian Ocean Stepping Stones (17 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Hebridean Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mahé, Seychelles — Praslin Island, Seychelles — Grande Soeur Island, Seychelles — Aride Island, Seychelles — Curieuse Island, Seychelles — Alphonse Atoll, Seychelles — St François Atoll, Seychelles — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Cosmoledo, Seychelles — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Antsokay Arboretum — Toliara [Tulear]
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

1 Oct 2023: Madagascar Wildlife: Endangered Oddities and Icons with Daniel Austin (20 days)

Overland small-group tour with four internal flights and some sections by boat. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Menabe Antimena Protected Area — Antananarivo — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Joffreville — Fontenay Nature Park — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area — Ankarana National Park — Plantation Millot — Ankify — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Hell-Ville — Nosy Be — Lokobe National Park — Antananarivo — Manambato — Pangalanes Canal — Palmarium Reserve — Manambato — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve — Maromizaha Reserve — Antananarivo
Group size: 8 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

11 May 2023: Wonders of Madagascar & the Seychelles (15 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Toamasina [Tamatave] — Ivoloina Park — Masoala National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Cosmoledo Atoll, Seychelles — Alphonse Atoll, Seychelles — Aride Island, Seychelles — Praslin Island, Seychelles — Mahé, Seychelles
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

7 Apr 2023: South Africa & the Indian Ocean (19 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Cape Town, South Africa — Mossel Bay, South Africa — Featherbed Nature Reserve, South Africa — Gqeberha [Port Elizabeth], South Africa — Pumba Private Game Reserve, South Africa — East London, South Africa — Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, South Africa — Durban, South Africa — Richards Bay, South Africa — iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa — Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, South Africa — Toliara [Tulear] — Antsokay Arboretum — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Nahampoana Reserve — Mandena Conservation Zone — Réunion — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

1 Oct 2022: Madagascar Wildlife: Endangered Oddities and Icons with Daniel Austin (20 days)

Overland small-group tour with four internal flights and some sections by boat. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Menabe Antimena Protected Area — Antananarivo — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Joffreville — Fontenay Nature Park — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area — Ankarana National Park — Plantation Millot — Ankify — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Hell-Ville — Nosy Be — Lokobe National Park — Antananarivo — Manambato — Pangalanes Canal — Palmarium Reserve — Manambato — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve — Maromizaha Reserve — Antananarivo
Group size: 8 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama & Tsoa)

1 Oct 2019: Madagascar Wildlife Extravaganza with Daniel Austin (14 days)

Overland small-group tour with two internal flights and some short sections by speedboat. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne des Français — Joffreville — Fontenay Nature Park — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area — Ankarana National Park — Ankify — Hell-Ville — Nosy Be — Lokobe National Park — Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve — Antananarivo
Group size: 6 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

17 Sep 2019: Private Madagascar Tour (13 days)

Overland private group tour with one internal flight. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Ambohimanga — Tsarasaotra Park — Antsokay Arboretum — Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Anja Community Reserve — Ambalavao — Ranomafana National Park — Ambositra — Antsirabe — Antananarivo — Reserve Peyrieras — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve
Group size: 3 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Ony Rakotoarivelo

7 Jan 2019: Madagascar & Aldabra Expedition (19 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS The World. Itinerary summary:
Durban, South Africa — Toliara [Tulear] — Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park — Andavadoaka — Morondava — Nosy Andrano, Barren Isles — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Nosy Be — Lokobe National Park — Nosy Hara Marine National Park — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Cosmoledo Atoll, Seychelles — Astove, Seychelles — Réunion
Group size: 173 residents & guests
NB: The World is a private residential vessel; it is not possible to join as a paying passenger other than as the invited guest of a resident of the ship.

My role: Expedition guide and lecturer

Tour operator: EYOS Expeditions; local operator: SETAM (Madagascar)

30 Sep 2018: Madagascar Wildlife Extravaganza with Daniel Austin & Hilary Bradt (18 days)

Overland small-group tour with two internal flights. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve — Antananarivo — Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area — Ankarana National Park — Ankify — Hell-Ville — Nosy Be — Lokobe National Park — Antananarivo — Toliara [Tulear] — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park — Ifaty — Reniala Reserve — Tsiandamba — Mikea National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 8 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

7 Nov 2017: Madagascar Wildlife Extravaganza (15 days)

Overland small-group tour with four internal flights. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Bekopaka — Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park — Kirindy Forest — Baobab Avenue — Morondava — Antananarivo — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Berenty Private Reserve — Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 10 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

12 Oct 2017: Daniel Austin Madagascar Wildlife & Discovery Tour (16 days)

Overland small-group tour with four internal flights. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Sambava — Marojejy National Park — Antananarivo — Bekopaka — Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park — Kirindy Forest — Baobab Avenue — Morondava — Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 8 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

16 Jan 2017: Wonders & Wildlife of the Indian Ocean (with post-cruise Selous Game Reserve extension) (17 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Ambodifotatra — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Stone Town, Zanzibar — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

4 Jan 2017: Madagascar & Beyond (13 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mahé, Seychelles — Praslin Island, Seychelles — Aride Island, Seychelles — Desroches Island, Seychelles — Alphonse Atoll, Seychelles — Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Ambodifotatra — Ile aux Nattes — Réunion — Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

27 Oct 2016: Daniel Austin Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour (19 days)

Overland small-group tour with four internal flights and some short sections by speedboat. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Sambava — Vohemar [Iharana] — Daraina Reserve — Marojejy National Park — Antananarivo — Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park — Toliara [Tulear] — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Anakao — Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park — Nosy Ve — Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 8 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

11 Oct 2016: Madagascar with Daniel Austin and Accompanying Raconteur Hilary Bradt (18 days)

Overland small-group tour with two internal flights and some short sections by speedboat. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve — Antananarivo — Bekopaka — Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park — Kirindy Forest — Baobab Avenue — Morondava — Antsirabe — Ranomafana National Park — Kianjavato Ahmanson Field Station — Ambalavao — Anja Community Reserve — Isalo National Park — Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park — Toliara [Tulear] — Anakao — Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 9 pax

My role: Expedition leader

Tour operator: Natural World Safaris; local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

16 Jan 2016: Madagascar & Beyond (17 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mauritius — Réunion — Ambodifotatra — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve — Majunga [Mahajanga] — Ankarafantsika National Park — Morondava — Baobab Avenue — Kirindy Forest — Toliara [Tulear] — Inhambane, Mozambique — Inhaca Island, Mozambique — Richards Bay, South Africa
Group size: approx 100 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

29 Dec 2015: Aldabra: Last Sanctuary (with pre-cruise Selous Game Reserve extension) (19 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Stone Town, Zanzibar — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Assumption Island, Seychelles — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Masoala National Park — Ambodifotatra — Réunion — Mauritius —
Group size: 97 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK)

10 Nov 2015: Daniel Austin Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour (18 days)

Overland small-group tour with four internal flights and some short sections by speedboat. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Sambava — Vohemar [Iharana] — Daraina Reserve — Marojejy National Park — Antananarivo — Toliara [Tulear] — Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Anakao — Lake Tsimanampetsotsa National Park — Nosy Ve — Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Mitsinjo Forest Reserve — Antananarivo
Group size: 12 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Rainbow Tours (UK); local operator: Za Tours (with Harry Rakotosalama)

4 Jan 2015: Aldabra: Last Sanctuary (with post-cruise Mauritius extension) (18 days)

Expedition cruise on the MS Island Sky. Itinerary summary:
Mahé, Seychelles — Desroches Island, Seychelles — Alphonse Atoll, Seychelles — Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles — Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — Cosmoledo Atoll, Seychelles — Antsiranana [Diego Suarez] — Montagne d'Ambre National Park — Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve — Ambodifotatra — Ile aux Nattes — [Réunion visit skipped due to bad weather] — Trou aux Cerfs, Mauritius — Grand Bassin, Mauritius — Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius — Chamarel Waterfalls, Mauritius — Seven Coloured Earths, Mauritius
Group size: approx 90 pax

My role: Guest speaker and naturalist guide

Tour operator: Noble Caledonia (UK) in collaboration with Captain's Choice (Australia); local operators: Mason's Travel (Seychelles), SETAM (Madagascar), and Concorde Travel (Mauritius)

8 Nov 2014: Madagascar: A World Apart (18 days)

Overland small-group tour with three internal flights. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Lemurs Park — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Ambatolampy — Antsirabe — Ranomafana National Park — Fianarantsoa — Anja Community Reserve — Andringitra National Park — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Antsokay Arboretum — Toliara [Tulear] — Ifaty — Antananarivo — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Berenty Private Reserve — Antananarivo
Group size: 12 pax

My role: Tour leader

Tour operator: Heritage Destinations (Australia) on behalf of Australian Museum; local operator: Mozaic Tour (with Jean-Jacques Randriamanindry)

23 Oct 2014: Alfa Tour: Madagascar (11 days)

Self-driving overland private VIP group tour with short sections by catamaran, quad bikes and chartered light aricraft. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Ambohimanga — Antsirabe — Ambositra — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Ilakaka — Toliara [Tulear] — Ifaty — Salary — Andavadoaka — Belo-sur-Mer — Morondava — Bekopaka — Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 8 pax

My role: Local expert and trip photographer

Tour operator: Aspera Explorations (Russia); local operator Asisten Travel (with Haja Rasambainarivo)

28 Aug 2011: Magical Madagascar (17 days)

Overland small-group tour with two internal flights. Itinerary summary:
Antananarivo — Antsirabe — Ranomafana National Park — Fianarantsoa — Ranohira — Isalo National Park — Toliara [Tulear] — Ifaty — Taolagnaro [Fort Dauphin] — Berenty Private Reserve — Antananarivo — Andasibe-Mantadia National Park — Antananarivo
Group size: 11 pax

My role: Guest lecturer

Tour operator: Temple World (UK) on behalf of Oxford and Cambridge Alumni Travel; local operator: Za Tours (with Lalaina Ramaroson)

Travel writing & lecturing

My travel-writing career began with a fascination for Madagascar, about which I have written three books: two different travel guidebooks co-authored with pioneering travel writer and long-time Madagascar authority Hilary Bradt, and one guide to the country's wildlife co-authored with award-winning wildlife photographer and zoologist Nick Garbutt. Outside of the Indian Ocean region, I am editor of the legendary Southern American Handbook, a book first launched more than half a century before I was born and published in a special Centenery Edition in 2025.

Having extensively used and admired previous editions of Madagascar: The Bradt Travel Guide, I was proud to be invited in 2006 to contribute to the ninth edition. Since then (it is now in its 13th edition), I have taken over full responsibility for researching and writing new editions. I also maintain a Bradt Madagascar updates page to keep readers and travellers up to date with the latest developments in Madagascar between editions of the guidebook.

Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide (5th edition, 2023) is a lavishly illustrated, full-colour book. It focuses on the fauna group by group – mammals including lemurs and tenrecs, birds, frogs and reptiles including chameleons and geckos, and invertebrates – but also has a detailed 47-page section on the main parks and reserves of Madagascar.

In a slightly different vein, I wrote The Travel Quiz Book which contains 2,200 travel-themed puzzles, brain teasers and trivia questions for intrepid globetrotters and armchair travellers alike.

In addition to authoring these books, I was editor of the revised edition of Madagascar: The Eighth Continent by Peter Tyson. You can click on the above links or images to purchase these books directly from the publisher's website.

I also give talks and lectures about countries I have visited – on topics ranging from flora and fauna to history and language – as well as writing occasional magazine and web articles on these subjects.

Madagascar photography

Since my very first visit to the island, I have been photographing flora, fauna, people and landscapes across the country. Never have I visited any other place in the world that is so photogenic; even after so many years of exploration, I find myself confronted with new and unusual scenes on a daily basis. With approaching 90 per cent endemicity amongst the Malagasy plants and animals, it is a wildlife photographer's paradise. Over the years I have built up a large personal collection of images. You can see a selection of them on my Madagascar Photography website. You can also browse my travel photography gallery on Instagram.

My photographs have appeared in several books, magazines, brochures and elsewhere. Twenty of my most striking images are available as photographic greeting cards (contact me for purchase). If you are interested in licensing any of my photography for your use – whether in a book, magazine, advertisement, brochure, presentation, or other usage – please get in touch with details of your project.

Anglo-Malagasy Society

I am Secretary of the Anglo-Malagasy Society, a UK-based organisation founded in 1961 – just after Madagascar's independence – to foster relations between the country and Britain. At least three times a year, we hold events and meetings in London to promote knowledge of Madagascar, usually with talks from interesting speakers, buffet Malagasy food, and sometimes live Malagasy music too. Non-members are very welcome to attend Anglo-Malagasy Society lectures and events. You can find a list of forthcoming dates in the events section of the Anglo-Malagasy Society Facebook page; bookings can be made online via the tickets page on the Anglo-Malagasy Society website. If you are interested in becoming a member of the society then visit the website's membership section for more details.

The society's mission is to further friendship and co-operation between the people of the United Kingdom and those of Madagascar, to establish and foster cultural links between the two nations, to make Madagascar more widely known in the United Kingdom, to assist British companies interested in establishing and maintaining business relations with Madagascar, to encourage more people to visit Madagascar, and to welcome and assist Malagasy nationals – especially students – visiting or settling in the UK.

I am also responsible for running the society's social media profiles, via which we share some society news and details of upcoming events, but mainly news stories concerning Madagascar. If you would like to keep up to date with news from Madagascar, you can follow the Anglo-Malagasy Society Facebook page.

Madagascar Library

I have been collecting books on Madagascar since well before my first ever visit to the country. The collection has continued to grow ever since, and now includes more than 7,000 individual items, all of which are catalogued in a searchable database available online at the Madagascar Library website. There are both contemporary and historical items in the collection, with some dating back to the seventeenth century. I focus primarily on archiving books and documents in English but also have items in at least a dozen other languages. Only around a quarter of the archive comprises books; the remainder includes such things as maps, multimedia items such as CDs and DVDs, periodicals, newspapers, magazines and newsletters either from or about Madagascar, scientific papers and academic articles, new and old postcards of Madagascar, Malagasy postage stamps and first day covers, Malagasy coins and banknotes, and a small selection of handicrafts and other artefacts.

If you would like to consult any items in my collection, or have items that you would like to donate to the Madagascar Library, then please contact me.

Contact me

You can send me a private message via the contact form.