Summary

Experience the highlights and contrasts of Madagascar's landscapes with Nick van de Wiel and Chris Allan who will be leading a magical 15 day photography workshop and tour within this enigmatic island (this will be Nature's Light's 5th workshop to the Island). Explore the dry west with its baobabs and semi-dry tropical forest. Cross from Morondava to Toliara with stunning scenery composed of baobab forests, thorny bushes, untouched white, sandy beaches, and remarkable mangrove forests. Leave the coast and cross the savannas of the South to admire the colourful Isalo National Park and its rocky hills. Complete your experience further north, discovering the terraced rice fields and new landscapes in the picturesque Highlands.
BEYOND THE HORIZON - FAST FACTS
​WHEN
10-24th May 2026
PRICE
€8100 per person sharing (2026)
FOCUS
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, LANDSCAPE, PEOPLE, ANIMALS
GROUP SIZE
3 MINIMUM, 6 MAX
INSTRUCTOR GUEST RATIO
1:3
DURATION
15 DAYS
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
VARIOUS
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS
7

In Detail

BEYOND THE HORIZON PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP
Madagascar is one of those places that conjures up images of unexplored worlds. Ask travelers where they have been and one seldom hears the name of the island come up. Yet, it features strongly on travelers bucket-lists. Part of the reason is that it is just so far-removed from the average traveler’s mental map of places that can be visited. The result is that although everyone knows about the avenue of baobabs, or that lemurs come from the island (mainly thanks to the animated movie of the same name), few people have actually traveled to the country to see them, let alone the unique endemic animal species (80% of Madagascar’s fauna is thought to endemic with long lists of frogs, chameleons, bats and of course, lemurs). 

The island is such an incredible photographic location that Nature’s Light runs not one, but two different photographic workshops. This, our northern Madagascar photographic workshop takes you to the lesser known, but visually astounding vistas and locations of the far-flung north of the island. Dense tropical forest, extraordinary tsingys, vast bays of azure water, an explosion of bloom from the distict Pachypodium trees, multiple species of inquistive lemurs, the baked red soil of the eastern coast and it’s highlands along with varioous other species of animals. 
On top of this are the bustling markets of Nosy Be, the creaking dhows of Ambaro Bay and the majesty of the extraordinary night sky untainted by light pollution. Madagascar’s far north is an untapped photographic adventure beyond the horizon of what most travelers expect or even experience. 

This travel experience is crafted to not only create an amazing photographic experience, but also one where photographers are  encouraged to push their creative and technical abilities. To this end, the workshop is geared towards photographers with at least a basic understanding of their equipment, and who want to spend more time on growing their technique and photographic knowledge. Several critique and feedback sessions have been built into the workshop where photographers are able to discuss the images they have shot during the workshop itself. 

Beginner photographers shouldn’t feel intimidated by this though. With a maximum guest attendance of only five photographers and up to 2 instructors (maximum instructor photographer ratio of 1:4, probably the best in the industry), there is ample opportunity for one-on-one instruction. Along with the feedback sessions, there are also several ‘theory’ sessions: informal discussion style sessions were we discuss theory and technique before practicing in the field (examples include panoramic stitching, long-exposure technique, filter use, star-trails and night sky photography). 

The fee  includes all meals, accommodation, park entrance fees, guides, workshop and tuition fees AND transport within Madagascar. We use four-wheel drive vehicles throughout the workshop with luggage packed on the roof and inside the vehicles.
Key highlights
           Photograph: 
  • The quintessential Madagascan animal, the lemur (multiple species) and chameleons.
  • The iconic red and grey Tsingys of Madagascar's north.
  • Picturesque mountains of the interior.
  • The dhows and fishermen in the bays of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba
  • Open and friendly faces of the Malagasy people.
  • Colourful patchwork rice paddies.

           Enjoy: 
  • Exploring the extraordinary landscape of Madagascar.
  • Probably the world's best instructor to participant ratio, maximizing your learning.
  • Having highly experienced tutors helping you on the spot as you craft your image.
  • Spending time with like minded people off the beaten track in Madagascar.
  • An adventurous holiday that mixes amazing food, exotic locations and stunning scenes to photograph.

           Learn about: 
  • Creative Composition: The basics and beyond, such as The Element Approach, Balancing Composition etc. 
  • Basics to advanced techniques in digital landscape photography. There are two instructors (on groups of 5-6 participants) meaning that virtually all levels of photographer can be catered for.
  • Workflow & digital asset management. 
  • How to create awe-inspiring Astrophotography and star trail images. 
  • How to create panoramic images. 
  • How to create time lapses (optional).
  • Advanced composition for landscape imagery.
  • Post-production using Lightroom and Photo Shop.


ITINERARY
For a complete itinerary with details about the locations we'll be visiting please download or request the pdf brochure. 
Beyond the Horizon: A Northern Madagascar Photographic Expedition
15 Days | Landscapes. Wildlife. Culture. Adventure.

Join us for an extraordinary photographic workshop across one of the most remote and visually spectacular corners of Madagascar. Beyond the Horizon is a curated 15-day journey through the wild north — designed for photographers who crave unique locations, rare wildlife, and meaningful encounters with local culture.

We begin in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, allowing time to relax and recover from international travel before we fly north to Diego-Suarez. Here, dramatic coastlines and historic ruins await at Cap Miné and Orangea, bathed in late-afternoon light.

Our early days explore mangrove estuaries, shimmering salt pans, and the scenic coastline of the north. We photograph geometric aerials, the iconic Nosy Longo “Sugar Loaf,” and the contrasting colors of Sakalava Bay.

From there, we venture inland to the lush montane rainforests of Amber Mountain National Park, home to crowned lemurs, tiny chameleons, and mist-draped waterfalls. We camp inside the park for intimate access, including a guided night walk to capture elusive nocturnal species.

Next, we journey into a different world entirely — the fiery Red Tsingy. These dramatic, eroded sandstone formations glow at sunrise and sunset and are perfect for wide-angle landscapes, drone photography, and starlit compositions. We dedicate two nights here, exploring on foot and by air, and capturing the contrast of forest and stone.

From sandstone to limestone: our adventure continues to Iharana Bush Camp, nestled beneath the surreal Grey Tsingy formations near Ankarana. Here, we photograph jagged pinnacles at golden hour, explore sacred caves, and encounter wildlife in the surrounding dry forest. We also connect with the local Sakalava community for meaningful cultural photography.

We then go even deeper off the beaten track to the remote region of Daraina, gateway to the Loky-Manambato Protected Area — a biodiversity haven where we seek out rare species like the golden-crowned sifaka, and (with luck) the elusive aye-aye. We also visit artisanal gold miners, offering powerful opportunities for ethical documentary storytelling.

Our route winds back toward the coast through Ambilobe, with stops at vanilla and cacao plantations, before crossing the sea to Nosy Komba. This forested island sanctuary offers encounters with charismatic black lemurs and time to explore local markets. We finish on Nosy Be, where we photograph the colorful streets of Hellville and enjoy a spectacular sunset from Mont Passot, overlooking volcanic lakes and turquoise waters.

This is more than a photo tour — it’s a deep dive into Madagascar’s northern soul. From rainforest to reef, sandstone to spire, village life to island light — Beyond the Horizon offers unmatched diversity for the adventurous photographer.
Price
€8100 per person sharing (2026 pricing)
Minimum 2 participants, maximum 5 participants.

(If 3 participants, one photographic leader)
(If 4 participants, one photographic leader with an assistant will conduct the tour)
(If 5-6 participants, two photographic leaders will conduct the tour - 7 is only accepted if non-photographer partners join)

Single Supplement: €600 - subject to availability

Guided Tour Includes: 
  • All food
  • All lodging
  • All transport within Madagascar (including internal flight to Diego Suarez)
  • Tuition and workshop fees
  • Park entrance fees
  • Bottled water

Guided Tour Excludes: 
  • Airfares to and from Madagascar
  • Drinks and additional to already provided non-meal time snacks
  • Tips, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature
  • Possible extra excursions/activities and/or additional days
  • Travel insurances (mandatory!)
  • Photographic gear rental (if required)

Extensions: Please talk to us for possible extensions.

Please note: Accommodation can potentially differ from the establishments mentioned in this itinerary (if fully booked). In such cases we will look for suitable and similar accommodation, without charging an extra admin fee. Any changes will be discussed with you. 

​The Nature's Light Terms and Conditions apply to your booking with us. For more information see: 
Nature's Light Terms and Condition
Dates
10-24 May 2025