8-days Masoala National Park MSL - Honeymoon Tour
- Duration: 8 Days (approx.)
- Location: Masoala
- Product code: PRXJUT
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: ANTANANARIVO - MASOALA
Today you depart Antananarivo and make your way to the Masoala National Park. Early in the morning you are picked-up from your hotel for your Antananarivo – Maroantsetra charter flight. Upon arrival to Maroantsetra airport you are met by our staff and transferred to our private boat for a short ride to the island of Nosy Mangabe. After a picnic lunch on the beach, you embark on a second boat trip across Antongil Bay to the Masoala Forest Lodge. During this approximately two hour journey, enjoy the dramatic rainforest backdrop along with the possibilities of dolphin sightings and, seasonally, whale sightings (July-October).Once you have settled comfortably into your bungalow, meet the other guests for sundowners around a fire on the beach.
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 2: MASOALA
Awaken early for coffee and breakfast on the sea deck before setting off on the day’s adventure.
Today, take a quick boat ride up the coast to the primary rainforest in search of the Red-ruffed lemurs, Dwarf chameleons, Helmet Vangas, and other wildlife endemic to the forest.
After some hours in the dense forest with the giant hardwoods and majestic tree ferns, return to camp by boat for a well-earned lunch and rest.
Your afternoon activities could range from snorkelling on the nearby, highly diverse coral reefs to a sunset paddle out to a scenic outlook (and the chance of a close encounter with Green Turtles) to relaxing in a hammock underneath our beach-front palm trees.
After dinner, a guided night walk provides the only opportunity to spot some of the secretive nocturnal wildlife, such as Dwarf and Mouse lemurs, Leaf-tailed geckos, or even the elusive Aye-Aye.
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 3: MASOALA
A relaxed start to the day and breakfast on the sea deck.
Depart on a guided walk through the coastal forest, in search of more birds, mammals and reptiles.
After a couple of hours walk, take a welcome swim in the crystal-clear water of the Tampolo Cascades at the base of the forested mountains.
On your way back to the lodge, our staff paddles you down the serene, shady Tampolo river in a traditional dugout canoe.
In the afternoon, take a short walk along the coast to the nearest village for our “Meet the People” excursion. Start with a visit to the village school that is supported by the lodge. Continue with a guided tour of Ambodiforaha village for a window into local rural life followed by a traditional song and dance performance by the ladies of the village. If interested, you can bring some small money with you to purchase handicrafts and locally-produced spices.
Continue your Malagasy cultural education back at the lodge with delicious traditional Malagasy dishes served for dinner.
Try your luck again spotting elusive nocturnal species on a private reserve night walk
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 4: MASOALA
Breakfast on the sea deck.
Traverse the unusual rock formations of Tampolo point by kayak. Stop for a swim on the beach at the “Sacred Island” and then continue your paddle into a pristine mangrove and forested river, with the chance of spotting Blue-spotted stingrays in the shallow water or perhaps the Lesser Bamboo lemurs crossing the river.
Paddle back to the lodge for lunch and spend another afternoon lounging in our beach hammocks or exploring the lodge’s various reefs.
Or you can make use of your voucher for a massage in the Masoala SPA – a present from the lodge to our honeymooners that can be used anytime one your stay.
Sundowners around the fire on the beach and dinner in the lodge.
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 5: MASOALA
Breakfast on the sea deck.
Board the boat for a 30-minute voyage through the Tampolo Marine Reserve to the mouth of the Antalavia River. The forested coastline viewed from the boat is stunningly beautiful with countless deserted beaches.
On arrival, go for a swim or snorkel the reef in pristine water with high visibility. See if you can spot a Blue-spotted stingray on the seafloor or a lobster tucked away in a crevice.
When you’ve had your fill, the boat will ferry you to another beach nearby from which you will take a leisurely stroll along a riverbank to the cascades of the Antalavia River. Here, refreshingly cool, clear water forms perfect swimming pools, over-hung by the lush forest with a chance of seeing White-fronted brown lemurs leaping through the canopy.
After a picnic lunch on the beach and a short rest under the trees, you have the choice of returning to camp by boat or on foot.
Sundowners around the fire on the beach and dinner in the lodge.
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 6: MASOALA
With the Ngalawa Sailing outrigger pirogue we will sail you to one of the beautiful lonely beaches.
Equipped with snorkelling kit, sunscreen, beach mats, towels and the picnic basket you will have a whole day to relax, sun bath and explore the reefs.
Alternatively, take the opportunity to return to the primary forest in search of more endemic wildlife.
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 7: MASOALA
A day to spend as you choose – perhaps sun bathing on one of the private beaches, birding and mammal spotting on the private forest trails at the lodge, or relaxing with a good book and a cold drink in the hammock on your private veranda.
Tonight we set up a romantic private dinner for you on the sea deck or the beach.
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
DAY 8: 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!
Accommodation at Masoala Forest Lodge
END OF SERVICES
INCLUDED:
- Roadtransfers 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
- 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
- Laundry service
- A day trip to Antalavia cascades
- A traditional music-dance performance by the local community
- A private romantic dinner
- A sunset cruise
- A bottle of wine or sparkling wine
- A complementary massage for groom and bride
- Sunset cruise on the sailing pirogue
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