10-night Masoala Adventure
You have traveled far - now take the time to explore and relax
Packages
Masoala Forest Lodge offers 3, 4, 7, 10 and 11-night packages.
3 and 10 night tours always begin on a Sunday.
4 and 11 night tours always begin on a Wednesday.
7 night tours may begin on either Sunday or Wednesday.
Each reservation includes a private guide who is available 24/7 and will assist with planning and selecting your activities.
Activities on offer
Activities on offer at Masoala Forest Lodge
• Guided walks in the primary and coastal forests
• Birding, mammal and reptile spotting in the lodge area and surrounding forests
• Guided river trip in a traditional dugout canoe
• Whale-watching by boat or by kayak (seasonal: mid June to mid September)
• Guided walks to nearby cascades
• Guided nocturnal walks
• Cultural visit to the local village and rice fields
• Sunset sail in a dugout outrigger canoe
• Self-guided or guided sea kayaking
• Self-guided or guided snorkelling at and around the lodge
• Self-guided or guided exploration of the lodge’s private forest reserve
• Basket weaving
• Complimentary tastings of Malagasy rums infused with local fruits and spices
• Massage at the Masoala Forest Lodge SPA Tent
The sample itinerary below will give you an idea how your days in Masoala could be spent.
For more detailed information about our available excursions, please download the MFL Activity Guide using the link at the end of this page.
Sample Itinerary for the 10 night Masoala Adventure
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Day 01 – Sunday
- Scheduled charter from Antananarivo to the small coastal trading town of Maroantsetra.
- Meet our team and road transfer to our harbour.
- Boat across Antongil Bay to Masoala Forest Lodge.
- Meet the lodge managers and settle into camp.
- Enjoy the sunset with a drink at the beach fire followed by dinner.
Day 02 – Monday
- After a leisurely breakfast head to the primary forest in search of Red Ruffed Lemurs, Helmet Vangas and an array of other rainforest wildlife.
- After lunch enjoy snorkelling and swimming in front of the camp, and after dinner the adventure of a forest night walk.
Day 03 – Tuesday
- Snorkel the reefs at Tooth Rock near the lodge in the morning. In the afternoon enjoy a coastal walk to the Tampolo River and take the traditional dugout canoe up the river.
- Here you have a good chance of spotting Northern Bamboo Lemur, Nelicourvi Weaver and various kingfishers.
- You will also encounter the unique scenery of mangroves and volcanic rock formations and enjoy the magical silence on the river.
Day 04 – Wednesday
- An exciting full-day trip lies ahead of you, exploring the most beautiful section of the coast on the Masoala peninsula.
- Take a 15-minute boat trip past Tampolo Point to a long white sand beach, where you have the option to swim and snorkel.
- Afterwards, we explore the mangrove river by kayak. Followed by a picnic lunch at the beach.
- On your return to the lodge, you have the option to either walk, kayak or boat back.
- We recommend the 4 km walk through the national park which provides you with stunning forest and beach views.
- You have good chances of seeing white fronted brown lemurs on this walk.
Day 05 – Thursday
- We will walk along the beaches and coastal forest to the Masoala reforestation project where we will plant endogenous trees from the lodges nursery.
- In the afternoon take the sailing boat out for a sunset cruise and on return to camp join the bonfire before dinner.
Day 06 – Friday
- Take a short walk to visit the Betsimisaraka people.
- We will stop by the Masoala preschool before continuing to the local village of Ambodiforaha.
- Here we interact with the villagers, learn about their lifestyle and culture and enjoy a performance by the local dance group. A spice market with local crafts completes the experience.
Day 07 – Saturday
- Today belongs to the beach – we will pack you a picnic and take you by boat or foot out to one of the many beautiful beaches.
- Equipped with snorkelling kit, sunscreen, beach mats, towels and picnic basket you will have a whole day to relax, sunbath and explore the reefs.
Day 08 – Sunday
- Today is a trip to the Tampolo cascades.
- Learn about the local plants and spices during the hike.
- And look out for lemurs, chameleons, and birds.
- At the cascades, you might want to have a swim in the clear mountain waters before the picnic.
Day 09 – Monday
- This morning, take the opportunity to return to the primary forest in search of more endemic wildlife.
- After lunch and a well-deserved rest, take the sailing boat out for a sunset cruise.
- Don’t miss the chance to do one last night walk. Who knows; it could be the Aye-Aye tonight…
Day 10 – Tuesday
- Spend your final morning either relaxing on the beach, in the ocean or combing the forest for any species not yet seen.
- Enjoy your last night walk in this magical forest.
Day 11 – Wednesday
- Today after a leisurely breakfast we head back by boat to Maroantsetra to catch your scheduled charter flight to Antananarivo and your onward travel arrangements.