11-Day Masoala National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour

See the majestic wonders of Masoala National Park as you travel through one of Madagascar's most remote forest expeditions and discover some of the rare Malagasy flora and fauna for 11 wonderful days while staying at the magnificent Masoala Forest Lodge! Take some time to unwind, reconnect with nature, and see Madagascar's most cherished treasures, such as lemurs, chameleons, birds, and other unique species, up close. You will also explore the stunning island of Nosy Mangabe filled with rare wildlife species and even get a chance to see the legendary aye-aye lemurs and leaf-tailed geckos up close. Experience a once in a lifetime Malagasy wildlife safari adventure especially tailored for ardent nature lovers!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo. Meet and greet your guide at the designated location, taking you to see the capital city of Madagascar. The Rova, which is perched high and offers a panoramic view of the city, will be one of the first destinations today. You will also stop by Lake Anosy and admire Tana’s impressive architecture by visiting historical and governmental structures including the president's residence, central marketplaces, and the city’s old train station. Continue with an hour drive outside of the city to visit Lemurs Park and see different species of Madagascar’s most notable wildlife creature.

Day 2 - Antananarivo - Masoala

Head to the airport for your journey to Maroantsetra. 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). As soon as you get to the resort, check into your bungalow and go outside to enjoy a cozy beach fire. If you'd like a little more adventure, you can set out with a guide for a stroll in the dusk to see some of the forest's nocturnal animals. If you are lucky, you may spot some of Madagascar’s majestic treasures, such as sleeping birds, mouse lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, woolly lemurs, sportive lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, chameleons, and Aye-aye.

Day 3 - Masoala National Park

Begin the day with a delightful breakfast and aromatic coffee while admiring the beautiful scenery from the sea deck. As one of Madagascar's top destinations for hiking and trekking, the Masoala Peninsula also provides fantastic prospects for snorkeling and sea kayaking. Today, you will be snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. First, stop by the remarkable granite formations at Tampolo Point. Before paddling your way into a pristine mangrove and forested river, take a refreshing swim at the "Sacred Island" and have the opportunity to see Blue-spotted stingrays in the shallow water or perhaps the Lesser Bamboo lemurs crossing the river. Then, return to the lodge by kayak for lunch and spend the rest of the day leisurely at the lodge. End the day with a scrumptious dinner and a fire on the beach.

Day 4 - Masoala National Park

Spend the day at the beach! Many of the beaches in the vicinity are deserted, with hardly a single person on them. You can ask to have your lunch packed before heading to the beach to relax, beach comb, or, if you have your snorkeling gear with you, explore the nearby coral. Return to the lodge in time for a private beach dinner.

Day 5 - Masoala National Park

Take a scenic boat ride through the Tampolo Marine Reserve to the mouth of the Antalavia River. When you get there, swim or snorkel in the crystal clear water along the reef. Check the seafloor to see if you can spot 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

Set off on a guided morning walk in the coastal forest to look for other birds, animals, and reptiles. After a few hours, take a relaxing dip in the clear waters of the Tampolo Cascades at the base of the forest-covered mountains before returning to the resort by paddling down the tranquil Tampolo River in a traditional dugout canoe. Take a trip along the coast to the nearest village in the afternoon to meet the local residents and learn more about their way of life. The lodge-supported local school will be the first stop on the tour of the village. 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. As you continue learning about the Malagasy cultural legacy, enjoy some delicious traditional Malagasy food made back at the resort. If you wish to try your luck at spotting more elusive nocturnal creatures, you can step outside once again and have a nighttime stroll.

Day 7 - Masoala National Park

Take a quick boat ride up the coast to the primary rainforest today after breakfast in search of Red-ruffed lemurs, Dwarf chameleons, Helmet Vangas, and other forest-specific animals. Return to camp by boat for a well-earned lunch and rest after spending a few hours in the deep forest with its enormous hardwood trees and spectacular tree ferns. Your afternoon pursuits could include hammocking beneath our beachfront palm trees, snorkeling on the surrounding, incredibly diversified coral reefs, paddling out at sunset for a picturesque view (and the potential for a close encounter with green turtles), or reading a book. If you want, you can join a guided night stroll after dinner, the only way to see some of the elusive nocturnal creatures.

Day 8 - Masoala National Park

Spend the day at your own leisure. Before reclining in the hammock and reading or getting a soothing full body massage in a small seaside spa, have a leisurely breakfast on the terrace. You can also boost your chances of spotting a lot of uncommon endemic wildlife by going on a late-afternoon walk that lasts into the night. After that, get together with other lodge guests to catch up over a beach fire.

Day 9 - Masoala National Park

Trek your way through the Blue Trail, a fantastic location to go bird watching or observe lemurs and chameleons, for a different perspective of the lovely secondary forest, which includes a waist-high river crossing. You can stroll down the beach to the Tampolo River after lunch at the lodge and have a tranquil pirogue excursion on the cool, shaded river to see the birds. Enjoy a beach fire this evening with other guests from the lodge.

Day 10 - Masoala National Park

Start the day early at the lodge so you may catch the early bird on the private reserve route. At this time of day, there are countless birds flying and calling. Enjoy your breakfast on the deck when you get back! If you haven't already, you can choose to explore the orange route later on in the morning. You have a decent possibility of spotting the bamboo lemur, and also pass several "walking trees" with air roots (pandanis). Take advantage of one last night stroll, and who knows, you may catch a glimpse of the legendary Aye-Aye.

Day 11 - Masoala - Antananarivo

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before boarding on a boat to take you back to Maroantsetra, and then transfer to the airport, where your flight is waiting for you. Make sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Masoala Peninsula on your way back to Antananarivo for your onward destination.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 10 Nights Accommodation

• Breakfast (10)

• Lunch (9)

• Dinner (9)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Airport Transfers

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel and Medical 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.