6-days Masoala National Park MSL – Malagasy Culture Tour

Antananarivo – Maroantsetra – Antananarivo flights can be purchased as an extra.

This tour is designed for those who search for a truly remote forest experience in Madagascar. It takes place in Masoala Forest Lodge Private Reserve which is one of our staff favorites and recommended lodges. 

Questions about particular dietary or custom requirements of groups can direct to Fara or Maria Bester at Masaola.

DAY 1(TUESDAY): ANTANANARIVO FOOD TOUR 

This morning, around 11 am you will be picked up from your hotel and whisked off to the local market to buy some fresh ingredients for your dinner this evening. 

Local markets in different countries offer an amazing insight into the culture and lifestyle of the area. Whether it's the hustle and bustle or the vibrant people, colors, and smells, market trips always make for a very memorable and unique experience.

Our market trip this morning is an odyssey it itself and gives us a chance to appreciate the flavors and endemic foods of Madagascar, first hand! One of the best aspects of the market is the fact that you get to interact with many locals. Whether they are vendors at the market or locals who are dropping by for their daily shop, you can definitely expect many warm smiles and to feel the genuineness of the Malagasy people here.

Let the cooking begin! 

This afternoon, around 2 pm, we will begin our course as we prepare all of our treats gathered at the market this morning. Today we will prepare three plates; two courses for dinner and, of course, a delicious dessert.  

With our very experienced chef today, you'll learn how to cook a couple of authentic Malagasy dishes using carefully chosen ingredients unique to Madagascar. Your chef today will take you step by step through the cooking process and introduce you to Malagasy cuisine.

Let's Eat!

Once you've completed cooking this delicious meal, you'll finally be able to enjoy it! At approximately 7 pm this evening, along with the chef, you'll sit down, relax and enjoy what you've worked so hard for today!

Accommodation at the hotel 3 Metis 

DAY 2(WEDNESDAY): ANTANANARIVO - MASOALA

Once you have settled comfortably into your bungalow, meet the other guests for sundowners around a fire on the beach. Or go for a guided night walk at Masoala Forest Lodge and spot some of the secretive nocturnal wildlife: sleeping birds, mouse lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, woolly lemurs, sportive lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, chameleons, and Aye-aye (if very, very lucky).

Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge

DAY 3(THURSDAY): MASOALA

Enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast. Today your activities will be snorkelling, beach lounging, swimming, exploring, village visit, fording rivers and easy walking (long, but mostly flat and shaded). Travel by boat to Saholaina-a beautiful beach with coral rich waters great for snorkelling or swimming. Then make your way down to the Antalaviana River, a river that cascades down from the densely forested hills above. You can swim in the crystal-clear water at the foot of the falls and sunbathe on a rock. After a relaxing picnic on the beach, begin your adventurous coastal walk back to the lodge (~3 hours/11 km).

En route you will ford rivers, explore the village of Marofototra and surrounding plantations where the locals grow vanilla, cloves, pineapple, cinnamon, and pepper. You will also see the remnants of a colonial railway and learn much about the history of the region.  

When it's time for a dinner, enjoy a private table on the sea deck accompanied by sweeping views of the starry night sky, a cool breeze coming off the sea, and the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the rocks beneath you. 

Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge

DAY 4(FRIDAY): MASOALA

Enjoy your relaxed start to the day and breakfast on the sea deck. In the morning you will attend Basket Weaving. Maroantsetra is famous in Madagascar for its basket- and hat quality. Learn how to weave a traditional basket here at the lodge from some of our Malagasy staff.

After lunch you will learn more about Malagasy culture and in particular the Betsimisaraka culture and way of life during Ambodiforaha “Meet the people” Visit. You will see the rice fields, coffee trees, and other crops. This excursion includes a stop at our little preschool and a traditional song and dance performance by the women of the village. After the performance is an opportunity to purchase locally made handicrafts and locally produced spices.  

Continue your Malagasy cultural education back at the lodge with delicious traditional Malagasy dishes served for dinner.

Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge

DAY 5(SATURDAY): MASOALA - ANTANANARIVO

A day to spend as you choose. You may have a long relaxed breakfast on the deck followed by some reading and hammocktime. Later this morning you could have a full body massage in our little Spa on the beach. 

In the late afternoon we suggest to go for an a walk that extends to a night walk, which gives you high chances of viewing lots of willife. Join the managers and other guests by the fire when you come back from your walk. Optional - take a cruise aboard our dugout outrigger canoe to the point, then slowly sail back while enjoying a cold drink and taking in a breath-taking sunset. Keep an eye out for jumping schools of fish and sea turtles! cruise aboard our dugout outrigger canoe to the point, then slowly sail back while enjoying a cold drink and taking in a breath-taking sunset. Keep an eye out for jumping schools of fish and sea turtles!

DAY 6(SUNDAY): MASOALA - ANTANANARIVO 

Enjoy an early last breakfast on the sea deck.

Board the boat for your return voyage to Maroantsetra followed by the car transfer to the airport where your charter plane awaits you. Enjoy the stunning view of the Masoala peninsula and Nosy Mangabe on the return to Antananarivo to either catch your international flight or continue on to the next stop of your Madagascar adventure!

END OF SERVICES

INCLUDED:

 - Road transfers in Maroantsetra (airport to boat, boat to airport)

 - Boat transfers from Maroantsetra to the Masoala Forest Lodge, return

 - National Park entrance fees for every day of the stay

 - Course fees

 - First day accomodation in Antananarivo 

 - Private guide for every day of the stay

 - Visit to Nosy Mangabe island

 - Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge

 - All meals at Masoala Forest Lodge 

 - All non-alcoholic drinks at Masoala Forest Lodge 

 - MFL’s homemade flavored rums and other local spirits 

 - Activities at Masoala Forest Lodge as per itinerary

 - Private dinner on the seadeck

 - Laundry service

NOT INCLUDED: 

- Visa

- International flights

- Personal needs

- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary

- Premiumliquors; imported wine and whisky

- Tips/gratuities can be settled on check out

EXTRA:

 - Charter domestic flights Antananarivo – Maroantsetra – Antananarivo