Masoala Forest Lodge Adventure
8 days - 7 nights arrangement
NEW–Fly in with private flight from antananarivo to masoala
Day 1: Flight to Maroantsetra - Arrival at Masoala Forest Lodge
You will be met upon arrival at the airport of Maroantsetra and then transferred to the boat pier. There you will start your trip across Antongil Bay to Masoala Forest Lodge. The trip takes about 2 hours. Depending on the season, you may see dolphins and humpback whales - with the forested mountains of Masoala as a grand background. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will first receive a warm welcome and then move into your quarters. After you have refreshed and rested, lunch will be served in the stand house.
The afternoon includes various activities, such as exploring the beaches and coastal forest near the lodge. You may also feel like a swim in the ocean before taking a guided hike along the coast to Tampolo Point, with the possibility of observing white-headed macaws in their natural habitat.
You will return to the lodge in the late afternoon and experience the sunset around a campfire on the beach and then have dinner.
Day 2: Masoala Rainforest
You will get up early today to have breakfast and fortify yourself for this day's adventure. This consists of a hike along the coast and into the rainforest to look for the rare red varis, dwarf chameleons and other rainforest creatures.
After several hours in the rainforest with its impressive giant precious wood trees, you will return by boat to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.
The afternoon consists of various optional activities, such as snorkeling on the coral reefs with their rich marine life or a guided kayak tour to a magnificent sunset viewing rock with the possibility of watching dolphins and sea turtles. Dinner will take place at the lodge.
Day 3: Hiking and exploring by boat
The day starts relaxed with breakfast on the "Sea deck". Afterwards, a guided hike into the coastal forest begins again to look for rare birds and other animals. After several hours of hiking, a "welcome bath" awaits you in the crystal clear waters of the Tampolo River waterfalls at the foot of the mountains. Return to the lodge in a traditional dugout canoe down the river to the coast. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach or with snorkeling and other marine activities.
In the late afternoon, a guided night walk begins with the possibility to observe flat-tailed geckos, fat-tailed and mouse macaws, and (with luck!) the famous fingered animal Aye-Aye. Dinner will be at the lodge.
Day 4: Aquatic activities
Breakfast is served today on the "Sea Deck". This is followed by an excursion by kayak or motorboat in the calm waters to the fantastic rock formations of Tampolo Point. On the way we stop for a refreshing swim at the beach of the "holy island" and then continue to the mouth of a mangrove-covered river to look for blue stingrays and maybe even spot one of the rare bamboo lemurs. After a leisurely picnic on the beach, you will return to the lodge by kayak or motorboat, where evening entertainment awaits you: traditional Malagasy music and dance performances by the local people will kick off the evening.
You will enjoy the sunset again at the open fire on the beach before dinner is served.
Day 5: Tampolo Marine Reserve
Breakfast is once again served on the "Sea Deck". You will board a motorboat for an exciting ride through the Tampolo Marine Reserve to the mouth of the Antalavia River. The forested coastline offers a magnificent sight with countless secluded beaches and the deep blue sea. Upon arrival at Antalavia beach, board the small dinghy for a short paddle to the base of the Antalavia River waterfalls. Here the wonderfully clear and refreshing water has formed veritable "pools", surrounded and crowned by pristine forest - perhaps another opportunity to see lemurs as they leap through the treetops.
After the picnic on the beach and a little rest you have the choice to return to the lodge either on foot or by boat. The day ends with the sunset on the beach by the fire followed by dinner.
Day 6: Hikes and coastal forest
Breakfast is once again served on the "Sea Deck". This is followed by a short guided hike through the coastal forest to the rice fields and agricultural areas near the village of Ambodiforaha. This is especially important to get an insight into the way of life of the Betsimisaraka people living here, their culture and their interaction with nature. You will have the opportunity to visit their traditional houses and kitchens, see how hats, mats and other utensils are made from plant fibers and how vanilla, cloves, coffee as well as other products of the region are processed. You will also visit the local school, which is sponsored and supported by Masoala Lodge.
After returning to the lodge and lunch, you have the option of taking a pirogue ride to the Tampolo River for extensive bird watching. The day ends with sunset on the beach by the fire followed by dinner.
Day 7: Day at leisure
A day entirely at your leisure: after breakfast you will have the opportunity to sunbathe extensively, do some game viewing on your own on the lodge's private trails, or pass the time with a good book and a cool drink on your deck chair.
Of course, there is again the optional opportunity to go on guided game walks or excursions, depending on your interests.
The day ends with the sunset on the beach by the fire followed by dinner.
Day 8: Nosy Mangabe - Maroantsetra - Antananarivo
The day starts with an early breakfast on the "Sea Deck". You will board the motorboat which will take you up to the island of Nosy Mangabe. There you will have the opportunity to explore the island under local guidance on the numerous trails to see black and white varis, boas and other animal species. A visit will take you to an enchanted burial cave and down to the "Plage des Hollandais", where earlier, not only Dutch sailors, have left rock inscriptions that are still legible today.
After picnic on the beach, you will continue by boat and return to Maroantsetra, where you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Important notes
The order of visits can be changed based on local constraints (weather, festivals and flight dates ...). The program can also be changed by the participants if it is technically and financially possible. Flexibility and listening to satisfy the expectations of the participants are always possible.
The hikes and treks are basically adapted to the guests like all activities. They can even be cancelled upon request and replaced by an additional beach day, for example. Individual planning of the trip is possible.
Alternatives are always possible if they exist. Also note the possibility of scheduling a connecting tour.
Masoala Adventure, 8 days in full board:
Masoala-8 days | Price per person |
2 to 3 guests | 4650 € |
4 to 5 guests | 4350 € |
6 - 7 guests | 3950 € |
8 - 9 guests | 3850 € |
10 guests and more | 3750 € |
Single room supplement: on request
Included in the basic price:
- The entire overnight stays at Masoala Forest Lodge
- Meals as per program in full board at Masoala Forest Lodge
- All transfers, trips including taxes according to the program
- Domestic flights from Antananarivo to Maroantsetra (Masoala)
Not included in the base price:
- The drinks
- Tips and expenses of personal use
- Sightseeing and excursions with additional local guides and optional leisure activities
- International flights