Magical Masoala

From Antananarivo to Antananarivo

Tour Overview

Explore the untouched wilderness of Masoala, Madagascar's largest national park, known for its rich biodiversity, pristine rainforest, and stunning coastlines.

Journey into Madagascar's breathtaking Masoala Peninsula, a sanctuary for nature lovers. Begin your adventure with a flight to Maroantsetra, the gateway to the Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe, where you’ll uncover an astonishing variety of wildlife, from the vibrant red ruffed lemur to rare bird species. Explore the dense rainforest, where each step reveals new layers of biodiversity. Trek through lush jungles, visit local villages, and dive into the clear waters of the Masoala marine reserve, teeming with vibrant coral reefs. Between July and September, witness the majestic humpback whales as they pass through the Bay of Antongil.

Your tour includes an unforgettable journey to Nosy Mangabe, a small island rich in wildlife, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts for the endangered Aye-Aye. By night, relax in a charming ecolodge, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. Conclude your adventure with a return to Antananarivo, where you can explore historical sites or shop for local handicrafts before heading home.

This eco-friendly tour offers an immersive experience in one of Madagascar's most remote and pristine regions, with plenty of opportunities for adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural exploration.

Viva's Best Bits...

Experience one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, filled with unique animals and plants.

Engage with local communities and witness traditional farming methods of vanilla, coffee, and cloves.

Explore untouched rainforests, remote beaches, and beautiful waterfalls, and from July to September, spot majestic humpback whales in the bay.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1
Arrive in Antananarivo

Arrive in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, where you'll be transferred to your hotel for a restful night. Take some time to relax and prepare for your adventure ahead.

Overnight at the hotel including breakfast

Day 2
Antananarivo Maroantsetra

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Maroantsetra, located on Antongil Bay on Madagascar’s northeast coast.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring this laid-back town and its colourful local market.

Overnight in Maroantsetra.

Please note: Flights to Maroantsetra operate on limited days, so the itinerary will be arranged around the available flight schedule.

Day 3
Maroantsetra Masoala Peninsula

Travel by boat for approximately 2.5 hours to the Masoala Peninsula, home to Madagascar’s largest national park and one of the island’s most pristine rainforest environments.

Set out on an approximately four-hour guided walk through the rainforest, discovering how the vegetation changes with altitude and searching for some of the remarkable wildlife found within this biodiverse region.

There may also be time to swim or snorkel, with coral reefs and tropical waters adding another dimension to this remote wilderness experience.

Settle into your ecolodge, your base for the next five nights.

Day 4-7
Masoala Peninsula Exploration

Spend four days exploring the remarkable wilderness of Masoala National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rainforests of the Atsinanana.

Guided walks take you deep into the rainforest in search of endemic wildlife, including red ruffed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs and an impressive variety of birdlife.

You will also have the opportunity to visit a local village and learn about life on the Masoala Peninsula, including the cultivation of vanilla, coffee and cloves, important crops for communities throughout the region.

Over the following days, enjoy a variety of guided walks and activities showcasing the rainforest, coastline and extraordinary biodiversity of this remote corner of Madagascar.

Overnight at the ecolodge, including full board.

Day 8
Masoala – Nosy Mangabe Maroantsetra

Depart Masoala by boat and travel to Nosy Mangabe, a small rainforest-covered island and nature reserve in Antongil Bay.

Explore the island with a guide, discovering its lush vegetation and searching for its fascinating wildlife. Nosy Mangabe is particularly known for its conservation importance and is one of Madagascar’s protected habitats for the elusive aye-aye, although sightings of this nocturnal lemur are rare.

After your guided exploration, continue by boat to Maroantsetra. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Maroantsetra.

Day 9
Maroantsetra Antananarivo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antananarivo.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Antananarivo.

Please note: Flights from Maroantsetra operate on limited days, and the itinerary will be arranged around the available flight schedule.

Day 10
Depart Antananarivo

Depending on your international flight time, there may be an opportunity to visit Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Madagascar’s most important cultural and historical landmarks.

Known as the ‘Blue Hill’, Ambohimanga was once a royal residence and sacred centre of the Merina Kingdom. Explore the historic royal compound and enjoy views across the surrounding highlands.

There may also be time to visit a local handicraft market for some last-minute shopping. If you have a late departure, a day-use hotel room can be arranged for additional comfort.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Antananarivo Airport for your onward flight.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Accommodation in comfortable ecolodges and hotels
  • Included Copy 31 Upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Daily Breakfast and Full board at the eco lodge
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All transfers
  • Included Copy 20 Antananarivo to Maroantsetra return flights
  • Included Copy 20 Park entrance fees and service of a local guide
  • Included Copy 20 Visit of the historical site of Ambohimanga and the handcrafts market
  • Included Copy 7 Drinks, visas, insurance, gratuities or anything else not specified

Activities

  • Included Guided rainforest hike to discover endemic wildlife such as red ruffed lemurs and helmet vangas.
  • Included Snorkeling the Masoala marine reserve to explore colorful coral reefs and marine life.
  • Included Cultural village tour to learn about coffee, vanilla, and clove cultivation.
  • Included Boat tour to Nosy Mangabe to witness rare wildlife, including the elusive Aye-Aye.
  • Included Whale watching (seasonal) in the Bay of Antongil from July to September.
Tap here for dates & prices
Duration

10 days

Price from

$3,762 USD

Per person, sharing

based on low season

daily on request, subject to flight schedules