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.
EXPLORING THE ISLAND CONTINENT - FAST FACTS
​WHEN
30 May - 14 June 2026
5 - 20 June 2027
PRICE
€7800 per person sharing (2026)
€8150 per person sharing (2027) 
FOCUS
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, LANDSCAPE, PEOPLE, ANIMALS
GROUP SIZE
3 MINIMUM, 5 MAX
INSTRUCTOR GUEST RATIO
1:4
DURATION
16 DAYS
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
VARIOUS
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS
9
EXPLORING THE ISLAND CONTINENT
Please note that this tour is not a traditional relaxing holiday! It is a serious photographic workshop with teaching sessions/lectures at locations, and photography guidance in the field. It is for those photographers/photography enthusiasts who want to take their photography to the next level, with a steep learning curve, while visiting iconic destinations with a tutor on site to help them create masterful images. 

The emphasis is very strongly on landscape photography, and teaching sessions covering both creative, technical and editing aspects. Participants can choose what topics they would like to have covered during the workshop. In doing so, teaching needs can be assessed during the workshop and tailor made to suit individuals needs. Therefore, this workshop is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced photographers, and where and when required, the group can be divided so that the two instructors and their assistant can each teach different topics and over various experience levels. 

To offer true versatility and flexibility the workshop tours the country with two or three four wheel drive vehicles each taking 3 or 4 people. Accommodation is varied ranging from rustic chalets to 4 star lodges, all ensuring the best possible access to the photographic locations. Having 3 staff to 7 participants ensures the best teacher- student ratio available on the market. Good to know: The tour is pretty much all inclusive so you will have very little extra expenses! The workshop can also be extended visiting the famous wildlife reserves or scuba diving sites of Madagascar. Talk to us for more details. 

Read on to see why we are confident that you will want to book this workshop with us! 
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
   Photograph: 
  • The quintessential Madagascan animal, the lemur and chameleons.
  • The iconic Baobab's at Morondava.
  • Picturesque mountains of the interior.
  • The idyllic and tranquil white sand beaches of the west coast.
  • 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
The adventure begins in Antananarivo, the capital city, where you’ll meet the group and prep for the days ahead. From here we take a short flight to Morondava, a coastal town famous for its proximity to the Avenue of the Baobabs. We photograph these ancient giants beneath the stars, at sunrise, and in the glowing light of dusk.

Continuing south, we travel by 4x4 through remote western Madagascar, passing through Belo-sur-Mer, known for its dhow-building heritage and vast salt flats, before reaching the turquoise waters and wild coastline of Andavadoaka and Ambatomilo. These secluded fishing villages offer breathtaking views of the ocean, spiny desert flora, mangroves, and baobabs. Here, we focus on intimate village life, star trail photography, and golden-hour seascapes — all from the comfort of handpicked lodges like Laguna Blu.

From Ifaty, we head inland toward one of Madagascar’s most geologically striking regions — Isalo National Park. Here, dramatic sandstone formations, sacred burial sites, and desert vegetation create a photographer’s playground. We spend a magical night camping among the rocks, giving us exclusive access to sunset, Milky Way, and sunrise shoots in the heart of the park.

The journey continues to Ambalavao, nestled in a bowl of granite peaks and rice terraces. This region is rich in cultural experiences, from photographing the chaotic Zebu cattle market to visiting Anja Park, a community-run reserve famous for its fearless ring-tailed lemurs. The morning mists and vivid patchworks of farmland in this valley offer stunning landscape opportunities.

From there, we climb into the central highlands, visiting the historic towns of Fianarantsoa and Antsirabe. Along the way, we photograph rolling hills, intricate rice paddies, and traditional Betsileo and Merina villages. We also stop in at the gallery of Pierrot Men, Madagascar’s most celebrated photographer.

We end our expedition where we began — back in Antananarivo — with a final morning shoot in the rural surrounds near Betafo, capturing villagers on their way to market and mirror-like reflections on tranquil crater lakes.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll explore a diverse range of photographic subjects: towering baobabs, intricate local craftsmanship, vibrant street markets, vast desertscapes, sacred tombs, and some of the friendliest lemurs on the island. With ample time for photo reviews, post-processing guidance, and creative mentorship, this is more than just a trip — it’s a complete photographic experience designed to inspire and challenge you.

Request the full PDF brochure for the complete day-to-day itinerary, accommodation details, and photographic highlights. Places are limited — join us for a journey through one of the most photogenic and culturally rich destinations on Earth.
DATES
30th May - 14th June 2026 
5th June - 20th June 2027
PRICE
2026 - €7800 per person sharing  (€550 single supplement) 

2027 - €8150 per person sharing (€600 single supplement)

Guest Reviews

2018 Review
Travelled in 2018 with Emil. An outstanding experience that just better and better in recollection and as I continue to work on the photographs. Emil is an inspirational leader with boundless enthusiasm, expertise and joy for photography. Crucially, he also knows how to teach and pass all this on. As a destination, Madagascar is unique and endlessly fascinating. The Malagasy people are lovely, and a smattering of French brings friendly cooperation for pictures. The landscapes are dramatic and varied, and while the wildlife is special, it can only be seen in the reserve enclaves. But the wildlife contact is great when you get it. Just don’t come on this trip for relaxation and fine dining! It’s an adventure, although half of the accommodation does provide luxurious interludes. But the lasting memories are in the photos you’ll take. Do go!
– Kevin Bonnett, United Kingdom, participant in the 2018 Workshop Tour.
2017 Review
Having traveled to more than 100 countries I would rate Emil’s Madagascar Photography Adventure at the top. Madagascar has an “other world” feel beyond description with unusual beauty and photographic opportunities. Emil’s endless energy and knowledge of photography allows him to explain the most complex technical issues in a manner that can be understood by beginners. In summary, Emil has done his research and knows where to be at the right place and time to get that once-in-a-lifetime photo op. You do not want to miss this adventure!
– Betty J Dent, United States of America, participant in the 2017 Workshop Tour.
2025 Review
This trip meant more to us than I could have anticipated. We were caught off-guard by how incredibly well-prepared our experiences were, even when they were evolving in the moment.  

I am below remedial in photography (stupendous coaching from Chris all the way around), but we both have been traveling for a long time and certainly organised / led / occasionally joined safaris and small group guided tours. So when we each say this trip was outstanding (including our local guide!), I hope you know we don’t say it lightly (especially as one of us is German- very, very German).

We know everyone went above and beyond to accommodate our dates and circumstances, and your joint abilities to do so seamlessly speak volumes. 

I wish we were still there, and hope to work with all y’all again in the next year or two. Hope your winters are going well, and best regards from multiple hemispheres-

- Kelley & Thoralf, United States of America and Germany - participants on the 2025 Exploring The Island Continent