6 or 7 NIGHT MASOALA TOUR ITINERARY

Day One:You will be met by a Masoala Forest Lodge representative on arrival at the Maroantsetra airport for the transfer to the Maroansetra boat port. Boat transfer to the island of Nosy Mangabe, (6 km, approx 20 minutes) for a picnic lunch and guided walk on the forest trails. Sightings of white-fronted brown and black and white ruffed lemurs, leaf tailed geckos and boas are common.
"plaige des hollandaise". Return by boat to the boat port of Maroantsetra and then transfer to the Coco Beach Hotel. Depending on time, there are the options of an evening walk through the sleepy traditional town, or a stroll to the beach, or a short river cruise, by arrangement with the hotel.
Overnight at Coco Beach on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day Two:After an early breakfast, transfer to the boat port and then depart Maroantsetra by boat for the voyage across the Baie d'Antongil to the Masoala Forest Lodge at Tampolo on the Masoala Peninsula. The journey of 40 km takes between 1 - 3 hours, with the possibility of dolphin and whale sightings in season and the thickly forested mountains of the peninsula as a dramatic backdrop to the destination. Settle into and explore the camp and nearby beaches and forest or maybe a quick snorkel on the reefs before lunch.
After lunch enjoy a short siesta, followed by a guided walk along the stunning coast line to view the sacred island at Tampolo point.
Return by sunset, in time for a hot shower and sun-downers on the beach before dinner.
Overnight to the sound of the sea and the forest in the Masoala Forest Lodge - full board

Day Three:After breakfast, a guided walk into the primary rainforest of the Masoala National Park to view the birds, lemurs and countless other creatures endemic to this forest.
Return to the camp for a well earned lunch and rest and possibly a short kayak outing in the evening for the energetic, with the option of a night walk to view the nocturnal wildlife after dinner.
Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge FB

Day Four:After breakfast, a guided walk into the primary rainforest of the Masoala National Park to view the birds, lemurs and countless other creatures endemic to this forest.
Return to the camp for a well earned lunch and rest and possibly a short kayak outing in the evening for the energetic, with the option of a night walk to view the nocturnal wildlife after dinner.
Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge FB

Day Five:After breakfast, a day excursion by boat, on foot, or by kayak through the Tampolo Marine Reserve and coastal forest, to the Antalavia River, ten kilometres down the peninsula. The forested coast is beautiful with numerous deserted beaches and sheltered water rich with coral and sea life.
A short distance from the beach are the cascades of the Antalavia River. Refreshingly cool, clear water cascade down into perfect swimming pools, overhung by the lush forest.
After a picnic lunch take a short tour of the traditional forest farm of the local Malagasy family, with vanilla, coffee, cloves and many exotic fruits. This is a rare opportunity to experience true sustainable living in complete harmony with nature.
Return by boat to the Masoala Forest Lodge for a swim off the beach, followed by sun-downers and dinner.
Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge FB

Day Six -Seven:Opportunity to return to the primary forest, or for some more snorkelling on other reefs, or some more sea kayaking, including the possibility of a half day outing by sea kayak past the sacred island at Tampolo point to a pristine mangrove estuary and forest river, total distance approximately 8 kilometres, or other relaxing activities in the lodge surroundings.
Overnight in the Masoala Forest Lodge FB

Day Eight:After breakfast, board the boat for the return voyage to Maroantsetra and the transfer to the airport for the flight out.

Additional Two Night Camping in Nosy Mangabe Option

Nosy Mangabe is an island park aimed primarily at the protection of the Aye Aye. There is very little infrastructure on the island which is - for me - the main attraction. For the adventurous a two night camping trip is highly recommended. We can arrange this for you - a knowledgeable guide, cook and boatman will accompany you to the island and set up your small tent under one of the basic shelters. Your meals will be prepared for you and you will be able to go on as many guided walks as you wish.  Swimming is wonderful but the greatest attraction (other than the forest itself) is the cool, clear fresh waterfall that is near the camp. This is the ultimate in outdoor showers and, although there are simple shower and toilet facilities, the only one we used. A huge bonus about Mangabe is that the mosquitoes are diurnal - meaning they also go to bed at night!