8-Day Masoala Safari Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Antananarivo to Maroantsetra-Farankaraina

Your journey begins with a scenic domestic flight from Antananarivo to Maroantsetra, gateway to Madagascar’s remote northeast. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and transfer to the harbor where a boat will take you along the lush coastline toward the remarkable Farankaraina Reserve.
Passing through Andanofotsy village, you will continue on foot along a beautiful coastal trail, crossing small rivers by traditional pirogue before reaching your forest camp. The reserve is known for its pristine rainforest and rich biodiversity. Even near camp, sightings of the ring-tailed vontsira (Malagasy mongoose) are possible.
After dinner, your first guided night walk introduces you to the extraordinary nocturnal wildlife of the reserve, including the iconic aye-aye, brown mouse lemurs, and various chameleon species.

Main Destination:

Farankaraina Reserve

Accommodation:

Aye-Aye Forest Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Farankaraina Reserve

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Faranakaraina Reserve

Over the next two days, you will fully immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Farankaraina. Guided morning treks take you deep into primary rainforest, where towering trees, endemic palms, and medicinal plants create a fascinating ecosystem.
Wildlife opportunities are excellent. You may encounter lemurs moving through the canopy, vibrant reptiles and amphibians, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. With patience and luck, even the elusive fosa—Madagascar’s largest carnivore—may be seen.
Each evening, guided night walks reveal a completely different atmosphere in the forest. The sounds intensify, and nocturnal species become active, offering further chances to observe aye-ayes, mouse lemurs, frogs, and leaf-tailed geckos in their natural habitat.

Main Destination:

Farankaraina Reserve

Accommodation:

Aye-Aye Forest Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Farankaraina Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Farankaraina to Masoala National Park

After breakfast, you will hike back to the jetty and board a boat for a scenic coastal transfer to Masoala National Park, Madagascar’s largest protected rainforest. The journey takes approximately three hours and offers magnificent views of forested coastline. Between July and September, dolphins and migrating humpback whales are often sighted offshore.
Upon arrival in Masoala, you will check into your lodge beautifully set between rainforest and ocean. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or explore the surroundings before an introductory evening forest walk to discover Masoala’s nocturnal species.

Main Destination:

Masoala National Park

Best Time To Visit August to November (Less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (Though the park doesn’t get busy)

Best Weather August to November

Wildlife in Masoala NP

Red Ruffed Lemur Common

Humpback
Whale Common

White-fronted
Brown Lemur Common

Masoala Sportive
Lemur

Common

Leaf-tailed
Geckos Common

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Masoala
Woolly Lemur Occasional

Masoala
Fork-marked Lemur

Occasional

Mouse Lemurs Occasional

Tomato Frog Occasional

Panther
Chameleon Occasional

Lowland
Streaked Tenrec Rare

Greater
Hedgehog Tenrec Rare

Aye-aye Very Rare

Fossa Very Rare

Accommodation:

Dounia Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masoala NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masoala National Park

The following days are dedicated to exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of Masoala. Guided rainforest hikes lead you through dense primary forest, home to the striking red ruffed lemur, white-fronted brown lemurs, and the Masoala woolly lemur. Bird enthusiasts will search for endemic specialties such as the Helmet Vanga, red-breasted coua, brown mesite, and Bernier’s vanga.
Beyond the rainforest, you will enjoy time on pristine beaches and may take part in a peaceful canoe excursion along the Tampolo River, bordered by mangroves and rich vegetation. The river flows toward a protected marine reserve where snorkeling reveals colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
You will also visit a local plantation to learn about the cultivation of vanilla, cloves, coffee, and pepper—valuable products that define Madagascar’s global reputation. Evenings offer additional guided night walks, providing intimate encounters with frogs, chameleons, and nocturnal lemurs.

Main Destination:

Masoala National Park

Accommodation:

Dounia Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masoala NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masoala to Nosy Mnagabe and Maroantsetra

Today, you will depart Masoala by boat toward Maroantsetra, stopping en route at Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve for a guided visit. This pristine rainforest island is home to black-and-white ruffed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, panther chameleons, and remarkable leaf-tailed geckos. You will explore forest trails, visit historic Betsimisaraka tombs, and see the famous 16th-century Dutch carvings at “Plage des Hollandais” before continuing by boat to Maroantsetra in the afternoon.

Main Destination:

Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve

Best Time To Visit August to November (Less rain)

High Season July, August and December holidays (Though it doesn’t get busy)

Best Weather August to November

Wildlife in Nosy Mangabe SR

Black-and-white
Ruffed Lemur Common

Humpback Whale Common

White-fronted
Brown Lemur Common

Leaf-tailed
Geckos Common

Greater
Hedgehog Tenrec Occasional

Show more

Panther
Chameleon Occasional

Climbing
Mantella Occasional

Webb's
Bridge Frog

Occasional

Madagascar
Tree Boa Occasional

Green
Sea Turtle Occasional

Antongil
Leaf Chameleon Occasional

Speckled
Day Gecko Occasional

Aye-aye Rare

Hawksbill
Sea Turtle Rare

Accommodation:

Biza Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Maroantsetra (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly back to Antananarivo

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your return flight to Antananarivo, concluding your unforgettable journey through Madagascar’s northeast—where rainforest, marine life, and rare wildlife combine in one of the island’s most exceptional regions.
End of tour.

Main Destination:

Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.