10-Day Northeastern Madagascar Nature and Wildlife Safari Tour

Journey through off the beaten path for 10 days and discover Northeastern Madagascar's best-kept secrets! Aside from its iconic northern tip and stunning east coast, Madagascar has a lot to offer. These areas include magnificent beaches, unspoiled waters, and dense rainforests rich with exotic plants and wildlife. Continue traveling north from Antananarivo until you reach the remote town of Maroantsetra. Visit the famous island of Nosy Mangabe and the cloudy peaks of Marojejy National Park, which is home to some of Madagascar's most spectacular rainforests.

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 Masoala. The Masoala Peninsula is home to a 230,000 ha national park with one of the best rainforests in the country. It is the largest terrestrial and marine protected area in Madagascar.

Day 2 - Masoala National Park

Enjoy Masoala National Park's beautiful splendor while exploring the area and getting up close to some of Madagascar's unique species, like the Madagascar Crested Ibis, Helmeted Vanga, Berniers Vanga, Short Legged Ground Rulers, Leser Bamboo Lemurs, and Pygmy Kingfisher. As one of Madagascar's top hiking and trekking destinations, the Masoala Peninsula offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and sea kayaking; all you need is a basic mask to enjoy the crystal clear underwater scene. You can also observe enormous humpback whales in the Bay of Antongil between July and September. 

Day 3 - Nosy Mangabe

Take a speedboat to Nosy Mangabe, where you will assemble your camping gear. Continue with a visit to Nosy Mangabe Island Reserve, which is a section of the larger Masoala National Park complex that is situated in Antogil Bay. Get a chance to see the Black and White ruffed Lemur, White faced Brown Lemur, Aye-Aye, Snakes, Tree-boas, Ground Boas, and Leaf-tailed Geckos when you explore the tropical rainforest on this well-known island reserve that serves as a refuge for many lemur species. The Betsimisaraka Tombs and an old lighthouse are two of the historical landmarks that can be found on the island.

Day 4 - Nosy Mangabe - Maroantsetra - Fizono

Trek through the Farankaraina Private Tropical Park after returning to Maroantsetra and taking a canoe ride to Andranofotsy. Before stopping at the Mahalevona Community for a picnic, drive by a number of vanilla, pepper, coffee, and clove plantations along the way. To get to the settlement of Fizono, where you will spend the night, continue walking through the remainder of the afternoon.

Day 5 - Fizono - Ampofako

Spend the morning eating a leisurely breakfast before packing up and hiking your way through numerous streams and mountains. Enjoy Masoala National Park's spectacular scenery while looking for the unique Red Ruffed Lemur at the Forest Coridores of Ambatolaidama. After a brief break for a picnic lunch, you will continue hiking until you arrive at the village of Ampokafo, where you will set up camp for the night.

Day 6 - Ampofako - Antsahabe

Continue your journey to Antsahabe after breakfast. Pass by several rice fields and vanilla plantations along the way. You will also get the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife that is unique to Madagascar, such as lemurs, chameleons, birds, and frogs.while you trek your way to Antsahabe, where you will spend the night.

Day 7 - Antsahabe - Marofinaritra - Antalaha - Sambava

Continue your climb through Marofinarita after breakfast. Then, take a taxi to Antalaha, where you can board another one to travel to Sambava.

Day 8 - Sambava - Marojejy National Park

Transfer from Sambava to Andapa, then take the Metro to reach Manantenina. Stop in the hamlet to complete the necessary paperwork to obtain a park permit. Your trekking journey will start at the Mandegny Village, where you will be dropped off. The distance between Mandegny and Camp Mantella (Camp 1) can be covered on foot in 2 to 3 hours while traveling through several plantations, rice fields, and Savoka. You might run upon camels, snakes, and many frog species on the way.

Day 9 - Marojejy National Park

Take a safari walk to the Competition Mountains from Camp Mantella (Camp 1) after breakfast. Pass the Humbert Waterfall along the way, which is frequently on the watch for the stump-tailed chameleon (Brookesia perierasii) and a number of frogs that hop from the ground and from leaf to leaf. Other highlights include the Helmet Vanga, Silky Sifaka, the famous endemic lemur in this area and Makira, and Takhtajania perieri, one of the rarest tree species. Enjoy a picnic on the road to Camp Marojejia (Camp 2). Then, hike across more challenging terrain to reach Camp Simpona (Camp 3) and see the endangered Dypsis marojejia palm tree.

Day 10 - Marojejy National Park - Sambava

After breakfast at Camp Simpona (Camp 3), start your journey back to Mandegny, where you catch a taxi to take you back to Sambava for your onward journey. The paths down are considerably quicker than the routes up, and if you're lucky, you might see other Marojejy National Park residents like the Silky Sifaka lemur, the adorable Helmet Vanga bird, and several emphibiens and reptiles.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 9 Nights Accommodation

• Meals

• Cook

• Porter

• Camping Gear

• Mineral Water

• 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.