8-Day Masoala National Park Nature and Wildlife Tour

Explore the Masoala Peninsula for 8 unforgettable days, taking in all of its magnificent charms and treasures! The beautiful Masoala Peninsula features spectacular beaches, pristine waters, and lush rainforests rich with rare animals and plants. From Antananarivo, keep heading north until you reach the outlying village of Maroantsetra. Visit Nosy Mangabe, a well-known island, and Masoala National Park, which has some of Madagascar's most breathtaking rainforests. You have eight days to really experience the allure of the parks and come to understand the peace that only nature can offer.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Antananarivo - Maroantsetra - Masoala

Arrive in Antananarivo and transfer to Maroantsetra, a small seaside village located in a lovely riverine landscape at the foot of Antongil Bay. Upon arrival in Maroantsetra, take a boat ride to the island of Nosy Mangabe for a picnic on the beach. You will then take another boat ride to the Masoala Forest Lodge while enjoying the stunning coastal backdrop and an opportunity to see dolphins and whales (depending on the season). Upon arrival at the lodge, take time to freshen up before heading down to the beach for a campfire. 

Day 2 - Masoala National Park

Start the day with a short boat trip to Masoala National Park’s primary rainforest in search of Red-Ruffed Lemurs, Dwarf Chameleons, Helmet Vangas, and other wildlife endemic to the forest. You will be in awe of the forest's enormous hardwood trees and magnificent tree ferns. Afterwards, take a boat ride back to camp to have lunch and rest up for other afternoon adventures. There are many activities available in the afternoon, options include lounging in a hammock under the beachfront palm trees or snorkeling on the adjacent, incredibly diversified coral reefs. Other options include paddling out at sunset for a beautiful view and the potential to see green turtles up close. A guided night stroll after dinner offers the one chance to see some of the elusive nocturnal animals, including Dwarf and Mouse lemurs, Leaf-tailed geckos, and even the elusive Aye-Aye.

Day 3 - Masoala National Park

Embark on a guided walk in the coastal forest in the morning in an effort to spot additional birds, animals, and reptiles. After a few hours, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Tampolo Cascades' clean water at the foot of the forested mountains before getting paddled down the serene Tampolo River in a traditional dugout canoe on the way back to the lodge. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the coast to the closest village to meet the locals and get a sense of their way of life. The first stop on the village tour will be the lodge-supported village school. Continue with a guided tour of Ambodiforaha village for a glimpse into local rural life followed by a traditional song and dance performance by the ladies of the village. Back at the lodge, have some delectable traditional Malagasy cuisine prepared for dinner as you continue learning more about Malagasy cultural heritage. You can head out again and go for a night walk if you would want to try your luck at finding more elusive nocturnal animals.

Day 4 - Masoala National Park

Paddle off in a kayak for the interesting rock formations at Tampolo Point. After stopping for a swim, continue to an untouched mangrove where there's a chance to spot Lesser Bamboo Lemurs crossing the river or perhaps Blue-Spotted Stingrays in the shallow water. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the lodge before going back for another afternoon of relaxation in the beach hammocks or reef exploration. Alternatively, delight yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa.

Day 5 - Masoala National Park

Get aboard a boat this morning after breakfast and travel to the mouth of the Antalavia River through the Tampolo Marine Reserve. When you get there, swim or snorkel in the refreshingly crystal clear water along the reef. Check the seafloor to see if you can find a Blue-spotted stingray or a lobster hiding in a crack. Simply ask your boat captain to island-hop to a nearby island when you feel the need to move on. Get an opportunity to observe White-fronted brown lemurs leaping from the canopy as you enjoy the natural swimming pools with pleasantly cool, clear waters and is surrounded by a beautiful lush forest. You can choose to return to camp on foot or by boat after having a picnic lunch on the beach and taking a short break under some trees. Dinner in the lodge followed by sunset drinks over a beach fire.

Day 6 - Masoala National Park

Journey to one of the stunning, secluded beaches through the Ngalawa Sailing outrigger pirogue. With a lunch box, beach mats, towels, a snorkeling kit, and sunscreen, you'll have all day to unwind, bask under the sun, and explore the reefs. You can also opt to take advantage of the chance to visit the main forest again in quest of more distinctive fauna. 

Day 7 - Masoala National Park

Spend the day at your own leisure. Enjoy a leisurely, lengthy breakfast on the deck before relaxing in the hammock and reading or get a relaxing full body massage in a modest beachside spa. You can also take a late-afternoon walk that continues into the night in order to increase your chances of seeing a lot of rare endemic wildlife. Afterwards, gather with other travelers from the lodge to catch up over a beach fire. 

Day 8 - Masoala - Maroantsetra - Antananarivo

Board the boat for your return trip to Maroantsetra after finishing your breakfast at the lodge. You will then be driven to the airport, where your charter flight is waiting for you. On the way back to Antananarivo to catch your international flight or go on to the next destination of your Madagascar journey, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Masoala peninsula and Nosy Mangabe!

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 7 Nights Accommodation

• Breakfast (7)

• Lunch (6)

• Dinner (7)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Airport Transfers

• Accommodation in Sambava

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• This experience involves a moderate amount of walking; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• This experience requires good weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum is not met, you will be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

• This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions/destinations on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions/destinations. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.