The Masoala Peninsula: from Maroantsetra to Antalaha on a full board basis
Masoala National Park is one of the few national parks in Madagascar where the primary forest slopes from more than from 1300 m directly to the beach of one of the most beautiful bays of Madagascar.
During this absolutely extraordinary hike you will cross the Masoala Peninsula and the Masoala National Park, which with its 240,500 hectares is by far the largest still intact and partly unexplored nature reserve on Madagascar.
In six days it goes sometimes along the Antongil Bay, sometimes through the dense rainforest. You can only experience and traverse this tropical paradise in Madagascar on foot. Highly specialized local guides will accompany you and a team of cooks and porters will take care of your comfort and logistics.
Experience an unforgettable adventure enhanced by the spontaneous friendliness and hospitality of the people of these remote areas of Madagascar.
Day 1: Maroantsetra - Farankaraina
The first stage begins with 1.5 hours boat ride (motorboat) on a river. Along the banks pass the typical landscapes of the northern east coast: rice fields, natural zones, small villages and a dirt road runs along the beach of Antongil Bay. The vegetation becomes denser and slowly we enter the Farankaraina forest, where the visit of a botanical garden is on the program. In the evening you will go with your guide in search of Aye-Aye Lemurs.
Dinner and overnight: Tent in the rainforest
Day 2: Farankaraina - Fizoano
The program includes a hike of about 20 km in partly difficult terrain or muddy terrain if it had rained. You will cross four remote villages and see the inhabitants going about their daily activities. You will see a beautiful panorama of ocean and rainforest and rice fields where you can grow some.
Overnight stay in Fizoano
Day 3: Fizoano - Ambatoledama
Today the stage is 18 km long. The track is beautiful and very varied, but difficult. It is constantly uphill and downhill, some rivers and streams have to be crossed and it can be muddy when it has rained - and rain it often does. You enter the deep rainforest in the middle of Masoala National Park and can observe day and night active lemurs and other animals.
Overnight stay in Ambatoledama
Day 4: Ambatoledama - Ampokafo
This stage of the day is about 15 km long. You will re-enter the National Park until you reach the dirt road that leads to Ampokafo. You will cross for the first time the forest corridor that connects the rainforest of Masoala with the rainforest of Andrakaraka. After that, the descent towards Antalaha begins. Very beautiful views of the landscapes and villages in the Ankaviabe Valley await you.
Overnight stay in Ampokafo
Day 5: Ampokafo - Antakotako
Today's stage is about 16 km. The track goes very often through the water. You have to cross the Ankavia stream frequently. You will pass six villages during the day.
Overnight stay in Antakotako
Day 6: Antakotako - Marofinaritra - Antalaha
On a difficult, muddy and slippery track you will cross vanilla, banana and coffee plantations. This last hike of the trekking tour is 25 km long. The trek ends in the village of Marofinaritra. From there you will be driven the remaining 30 km on a very bad dirt road by public transport to the town of Antalaha. There you are in the heart of the Vanilla Coast and there ends this unforgettable trekking tour.
Important notes:
The nights are in tents. 4 nights will be spent in villages and one night in Masoala National Park.
The hike is difficult and you need the necessary experience to cope with the humid conditions. Endurance is also indispensable because you have to get out the other side from the rainforest.
Masoala tour 6 days in full board:
Masoala-6 days | Price per person |
2 to 3 guests | 1490 € |
4 to 5 guests | 1420 € |
6 - 7 guests | 1360 € |
8 - 9 guests | 1280 € |
10 guests and more | 1100 € |
Surcharge for singles (single tent): 490€
Included in the price:
- All organization and logistics from the beginning of the tour (day 1) in Maroantsetra to the arrival in Antalaha (day 6)
- Boat transfer from Maroantsetra to Andaranofotsy
- Full board during the whole stay
- 1,5 L mineral water per day/person
- 5 nights in tent with all camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)
- Camping fees in the villages
- Entrance fees to Masoala N.P. and the forest reserve (1 entrance fee per guest)
- A specialized guide during the 6 days
- One porter per person to carry the personal luggage of the guests
- Three porters for the material (tents, food, etc.)
- The return of the staff to Maroantsetra
- The trip from Marofinaritra to Antalaha on the last day
The price does not include:
- Tips
- Drinks (except the 1.5 liters of water per day)
- the arrival (hotels, restaurants, flights, cabs)
- Everything that happens after arrival in Antalaha on day 6