11-night Expedition Blue Lagoon
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 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
Activities on offer at Cap Masoala
• Guided exploration of the local National Park islands
•Guided sea kayak tours in the Cap Masoala lagoon
•Birding, mammal & reptile spotting at Cap Masoala
•Guided visit to the local Ville Masoala to experience the local culture
•Guided nocturnal walks at Cap Masoala
•Guided visit to Anjanaharibe, ancient rock formation
•Exploration of the white sand beaches in the area
•A visit to the local mangrove forest at Cap Masoala
•Snorkelling at the reefs, equipment included
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 – Wednesday
- Scheduled charter from Antananarivo to the small coastal trading town of Maroantsetra.
- Meet our team, road transfer to the harbour and boat across Antongil Bay to Masoala Forest Lodge.
- On arrival at the lodge beach, you are welcomed ashore by the lodge manager and settle into camp.
- The afternoon activities include exploring the beaches and coastal forest in the lodge area and enjoying a swim in the sea.
- Meet the other guests at cocktail hour around the bonfire to enjoy the sunset.
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Day 02 – Thursday
- 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 – Friday
- Take a short walk to visit the Betsimisaraka people.
- We will stop by the Masoala preschool which is run by Masoala Forest Lodge.
- Together with the kids we continue 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.
- Tonight, we invite you to join us around the family table for a traditional Malagasy meal.
Day 04 – Saturday
- This morning we load our expedition boat and travel 40km south to Cap Masoala, the very tip of the Peninsula. After lunch we settle into Crusoe’s Cabin.
- In the afternoon we explore the “Blue Lagoon” of the Ambodilaitry Masoala Marine Reserve.
- Expect bright white beaches, waving Coconut Palms and impossibly azure waters.
Day 05 – Sunday
Day 06 – Monday
- Today we enjoy a full-day outing on the Blue Lagoon; snorkelling, swimming, and exploring the Sacred Point and the island of Nosy Nepato with likely interactions with the small population of Malagasy fishermen living in this remote location.
- A night walk after dinner may reveal new lemur species for the trip.
Day 07 – Tuesday
- After breakfast and a swim we return north along the coast. Back in the comfort of Masoala Forest Lodge enjoy your lunch and meeting the new guests.
- In the afternoon we recommend doing a basket weaving course, taking a lodge tour with one of our managers or going for a walk in the private reserve.
Day 08 – Wednesday
- 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 09 – Thursday
- 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.
Day 10 – Friday
- The primary forest beckons again today, with another chance to see Red Ruffed Lemur, White-fronted Brown Lemur, Short-legged Ground Roller and a number of Vanga species in amongst the giant hardwoods of the rainforest.
- We suggest to book a massage for this afternoon
- Don’t miss the chance to do one last night walk. Who knows; it could be the Aye-Aye tonight…
Day 11 – Saturday
- 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 12 – Sunday
- Today after breakfast we head back by boat to Maroantsetra to catch your scheduled charter flight to Antananarivo and your onward travel arrangements.