Masoala Adventure , 7 days - Madagascar

MASOALA ADVENTURE – 7 DAYS
SMALL-GROUP LODGE SAFARI

Spend a thrilling 9 days exploring the wilderness and splendour of tropical rainforest and pristine waters of the Masoala Peninsula in the north-east of Madagascar on this private lodge tour.

A 7-day discovery of Eastern Madagascar. Spend 7 thrilling days on the Masoala Adventure exploring the wilderness and splendour of tropical rainforest and pristine waters of the Masoala Peninsula in the northeast of Madagascar on this private lodge tour.

Tour Highlights :
Antananarivo – Antananarivo is a city for walking. Some of the most interesting places and views will be chanced upon during leisurely walks – that may climb haphazardly over the hills. Tana is truly a lovely Madagascar vacation destination and spending a few days there will be a great experience!

Maroantsetra – A charming town set between dense forests and the Bay of Antongil, gateway to the Masoala Peninsula.

Masoala Peninsula and National Park – The north-east of Madagascar is home to Masoala National Park, the largest protected area on the “island that time forgot”. Madagascar is famous around the world for its bizarre assortment of plants and animals that evolved due to the island’s geographic seclusion. Masoala, and offshore island Nosy Mangabe, is a primeval sort of place and combines several habitats: rainforest, flooded forest marsh, mangroves and coral reefs which is home to a dazzling display of sea life.

Antongil Bay – Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve is an island that lies in Antongil Bay about 2km off the coast. As one of the best places to see the wild, nocturnal aye-aye – Madagascar’s strangest and most rare lemur. The otherworldly and well camouflaged Uroplatus lizard, and the world’s tiniest chameleon Brookesia, are also found in the humid forest.

ITINERARY

On arrival in Antananarivo you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can simply relax or go out and discover Antananarivo.

ITINERARY

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Maroantsetra on the north east coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival in Maroantsetra, you will be transported to your hotel. This charming town is situated at the bottom of Antongil Bay, with beautiful riverine scenery where the scent of vanilla and cloves fill the air. The surrounding area is lush and green and is dotted with rice paddies and coconut palm trees.

ITINERARY

You will be transferred to the port where you will board a boat to Masoala. The Masoala Peninsula is the site of a 230,000 ha national park having one of the best rainforests in the country and is the largest protected area of fauna and flora. After your arrival, you will embark on a 3-hour walk in the primary forest to see reptiles, birds, lemurs and orchids as well as rare and unique species such as the green lizard, the red owl, the tomato frog or the serpent eagle, which can be found in the Masoala National Park. You will also have the opportunity to relax and have a swim in the refreshingly cool river.

Walking Safari

ITINERARY

We will start our day with a 3-hour bird watching excursion followed by a visit to a typical village with plantations of vanilla, cloves and coffee. Masoala Peninsula is one of Madagascar’s premier trekking and hiking areas. It also offers excellent opportunities for sea kayaking and snorkelling – a simple mask is enough to admire the colourful marine world. Between July and September, you will also have the chance to see the majestic humpback whale in the Bay of Antongil.

Bird watching

A visit to a  typical village of Plantations of vanilla, cloves and coffee

Sea kayaking

Snorkelling

 humpback whale

ITINERARY

Today, you will embark on a boat transfer to Nosy Mangabe, a scenic island with a variety of wildlife. We will visit the reserve to admire its endemic fauna and flora. Later, you will have the exciting opportunity to see the Betsimisaraka tombs. The Betsimisaraka tribe is Madagascar’s second-largest ethnic group and inhabits most of the central and north-eastern coastal region. The name Betsimisaraka, which means “those who stand together”, refers to the time when the tribe’s confederation was forged from several smaller tribes in the early 18th century. In the evening, we will go on a night walk in the reserve

A visit to Nosy Mangabe, a scenic island 

 Visit to Betsimisaraka tombs.

Meet the Betsimisaraka tribe.

Night walk in the reserve

ITINERARY

Today, you will be transferred by boat, back to Maroantsetra. Thereafter, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo, where you will be taken to your hotel.

ITINERARY

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Includes

Accommodation
Breakfast daily
Lunch and dinner at Masoala Eco-Lodge on days 3-5
All transport and transfers
Motorboat transfer to and from Masoala National Park
Specialist local guides in national parks as per program
Activities and excursions as mentioned
Park and reserve entrance fees
 

Excludes

Flights: International & domestic (to and from Maroantsetra)
Pre and post tour accommodation
Optional activities
All drinks & meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as gratuities, visas, travel insurance, curios, laundry etc.

Accommodation will be in basic Hotels. Please note that Madagascar is a country which is in its infancy when it comes to tourism. Accommodation is limited therefore all the above mentioned accommodations are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change these using similar accommodation of the same or higher standards.

Day 1: Au Bois Vert Lodge, or similar
Day 2: Manga Soa Lodge, or similar.
Day 3 & 4: Eco Lodge Chez Arol, or similar – on full board basis.

Day 5: Nosy Mangabe
Day 6: Residence Lapasoa, or similar.

Au Bois Vert Lodge

Manga Soa Lodge

 Eco Lodge Chez Arol

Nosy Mangabe

Residence Lapasoa

DEPARTURE

When arriving in Antananarivo on the morning of day 1 of the tour, you will be picked up from the airport and embark on your tour. Should you arrive prior to day 1, pre-tour accommodation can be arranged and you will be picked up from your hotel on the morning of day 1 (Pick up time will be confirmed on arrival).

TRANSPORT

Transport will depend on the size of the group:
A small car for 2 – 3 people
A minivan for 4 – 6 – 8 people
A bus for 10 people or more

VISAS

A visa is required to enter the territory of Madagascar and can easily be obtained upon arrival at the airport of Antananarivo with a validity of up to 60 days. Tourists staying for less than one month can purchase a visa for 115’000 Ariary (around 35 €). Paying with the exact amounts or small currency is advised. No photographs are required, however, please ensure that passports are valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Jenman Madagascar Safaris. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange
your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance

Au Bois Vert Lodge

Manga Soa Lodge or similar

Eco Lodge Chez Arol