The Masoala tour safari is an affordable African safari tour in Madagascar. This 8 day Madagascar wildlife safari takes you to the Masoala Peninsula to look for the Aye Aye.

About Masoala Tour in Madagascar

The Masoala tour safari is an affordable African safari tour in Madagascar. This 8 day Madagascar wildlife safari takes you to the Masoala Peninsula. Masoala peninsula is a large and most diverse areas of un-spoilt rainforest in Madagascar. It holds possibly the greatest number of unclassified species on the island.

On this Masoala tour, you’ll come across a large number of lemurs. There are many chameleons and spectacular birdlife. Masoala can only be reached by boat. This takes approximately 2 hours from Maroantsetra. The visit is only for avid nature-lovers who have an average level of fitness.

The area also boasts stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Included in this Masoala tour is a trip to the island of Nosy Mangabe. Here you’ll see the famous for its Aye- aye lemurs and the leaf-tailed gecko.

The reserve has beautiful sandy coves, a mass of trees and strangler figs. This Madagascar wildlife safari begins and ends in Antananarivo.

Highlights of the 8 Day Masoala Tour in Madagascar

The highlights of the 8 day Masoala tour includes:

• Forest Hike
• Tracking Aye Aye
• Reptile Counts
• Boat trips
• Beach Relaxation

The Masoala tour safari is only for avid nature-lovers who have an average level of fitness. You will on this Masoala trekking tour enjoy the beach. This is because the area also boasts stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and beautiful scenery.

Included in this Masoala tour is a trip to the island of Nosy Mangabe. Here you’ll see the famous for its Aye- aye lemurs and the leaf-tailed gecko.

The reserve has beautiful sandy coves, a mass of trees and strangler figs. This Madagascar wildlife safari begins and ends in Antananarivo.

Detailed 8 Day Masoala Tour in Madagascar Itinerary

Day 1: Antananarivo

meet and greet upon arrival at the airport by our Madagascar safari rep. You’ll be briefed on the 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar. You will then enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo. Here you can enjoy your day with some relaxation or go out and discover Antananarivo.

Day 2: Antananarivo – Maroantsetra

You will begin your 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar with breakfast.  Enjoy a transfer from your hotel to the airport. You’ll be in time for your flight to Maroantsetra.

On arrival you’ll be met by our safari guide who has been waiting for your arrival. With introductions done, enjoy the transfer to your Maroantsetra hotel.

Maroantsetra is a charming town situated at the bottom of the Antongil Bay. This is in beautiful riverine scenery where the scent of vanilla and cloves fills the air. Its surrounding area is lush and green dotted with rice paddies and stands of coconut palm.

You will have the rest of the day here with the option of a tour of the town. Overnight will be at your hotel in Maroantsera.

Day 3: Maroantsetra – Masoala

Start your day on 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar with breakfast at your hotel. This is before pick up and a transfer to the port. Your 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar will embark a boat to Masoala.

The Masoala Peninsula is the site of a 230,000 ha national park. It contains one of the best rain forests in the country. It is the largest protected area, terrestrial and marine, in Madagascar.

Today, you’ll have a 3 hour walk in the primary forest to see reptiles upon arrival. You’ll also see birds, lemurs and orchids as well as rare and unique species. These include the green lizard, the red owl, the tomato frog or the serpent eagle.

There will be an opportunity to relax and swim in the refreshing cool water of a river. You’ll end your day with a barbeque party at night.

About Masoala National Park

The Masoala National Park is on the Masoala peninsula. This is in the north-east of Madagascar. The peninsula is enclosed by the Indian Ocean in the east and Antongil Bay in the west. On and around the Masoala peninsula are several protected areas. The Masoala National Park combineswith the Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve within the bay. This forms the largest nature protected area in Madagascar.

Masoala can be translated to the eye of the forest – maso meaning eye and ala meaning forest in Malagasy. According to history, the first inhabitants of Madagascar settled in the Masoala region. During the 15th and 16th century, slave traders stopped at Nosy Mangabe on their sails to Asia or Europe. Today, the Betsimisaraka remain the dominant ethnic group of the Antalaha and Maroantsetra region. The people of Maroantsetra call themselves Antimaroa.

The Masoala National Park was created on the 2nd March 1997. The Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve was established earlier on the 14th December 1965. Masoala National Park is one of six national parks on the east coast of Madagascar. All the 6 parks are a World Heritage in Danger by UNESCO. They are under the combined name Rainforests of the Atsinanana.

Day 4: Masoala

The day will start with an early breakfast at your hotel. You’ll then embark on a 3 hour bird watching excursion. Your 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar will then visit to a typical village. This is to see plantations of vanilla, cloves and coffee.

Masoala Peninsula is one of Madagascar’s premier trekking and hiking areas. It also offers excellent opportunities for sea kayaking and snorkelling. A simple mask is enough to admire the colorful marine world. Between July and September, you may see the majestic humpback whale in the Bay of Antongil.

Day 5: Masoala

This will be a free day on Madagascar wildlife safari. You are free to relax or go snorkelling in the Masoala Marine Reserve. This is inside the Masoala National Park, off the coast of Tampolo. You might spot the giant humpback whales in the Antongil Bay.

Day 6: Masoala – Nosy Mangabe – Maroantsetra

Your 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar will go on a boat transfer to Nosy Mangabe. This is a scenic island with a variety of wildlife. This reserve is also one of the best places to see aye-ayes in the wild.

You’ll visit the reserve to admire its endemic flora and fauna. Later you’ll have the exciting opportunity to see the Betsimisaraka tombs. The Betsimisaraka tribe is Madagascar’s second largest ethnic group. It inhabits most of the central and north-eastern coastal region.

The name Betsimisaraka means “those who stand together”. This is in reference to the time when the tribe’s confederation was forged. It is an amalgamation of several smaller tribes in the early 18th century.

Later in the afternoon the Masoala tour in Madagascar takes a boat ride back. You will be heading to the mainland at Maroantsetra in the Analanjirofo Region.

Day 7: Maroantsetra – Antananarivo

Start your 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar day with breakfast. This will be followed by a transfer to the airport. This is in time for your flight to Antananarivo.

On arrival, you’ll enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Antananarivo. You can wander through the capital’s steep and narrow streets. Enjoy the architecture, atmosphere and pace. You may climb up to the old rova (palace). This is to enjoy the views over Antananarivo and the surrounding countryside.

Day 8: Departure

Start the last day of your 8 day Masoala tour in Madagascar with breakfast. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. You’ll enjoy a transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight back home.

———- End of 8 day Masoala Tour in Madagascar ———-

8 day Masoala Tour in Madagascar Costs:

What is included in the cost of 8 days Masoala Tour in Madagascar?

• Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel and from the hotel to the Airport
• Car and Fuel during the whole trip
• The boat trip to: Masoala, the marine park, to Nosy Managabe and from Nosy Mangabe to Maroantsetra
• Budget hotel accommodation as per program
• Driver guide will help with his food and hotel
• Entrance fees to the National park and the private Parks

8 days Masoala Tour in Madagascar Price excludes:

• Your food and drinks during the whole tour
• The local guide fees for the National Park and the private Park
• local flights

What to Carry on the 8 days Masoala Tour in Madagascar

• Light and a few heavy clothings for evenings
• Poncho
• long sleeved shirts
• Closed, comfortable shoes
• Sun protection like sun cream, hat
• Insect repellent

Masoala Tour Safari Destination

Mariantsora

On this Masoala trekking tour, you will go to Maroantsetra. This is also the gateway to the Masoala peninsula and is a showcase for unique animal and plant life not found anywhere else in the world. Maroantsetra is the main entry point to the Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve. This is the perfect base for exploring the entire bay, including the humpback whales that visit and give birth from July to September on your Masoala trekking tour.

Maroantsetra is located between the sea and the humid and luxuriant tropical forest. A Masoala tour safari to this toun takes you 100 km north from Mananara. This is at the end of the “road” from Tamatave, at the apex of the Baie d’Antongil.

The town is near the mouth of the Antainambalana River, it is full of languid charm, and enjoys both river scenery and ocean views. From here only forest trails through the thick jungle or the coastal line lead northern to Antalaha. Locals will tell you that very little has changed here in 30 years. And yet there is a lot for the visitor to do including those on Masoala tour safari.

Starting point for Masoala Trekking Tour

Maroantsetra is the starting point for many trips on foot including for those on Masoala trekking tour, by boat and even sea kayaking. It is here that your Masoala trekking tour will have the occasion to experience an untouched Madagascar. This town had immaculate and endless beaches of fine sand and fantastic sceneries.

You will find an intact traditional culture that await those on Masoala trekking tour daring to come to the extreme northeast part of Madagascar.

Also, the town is a point of departure for trekking allowing joining the other regions. You can extend our Masoala trekking tour by going to Antalaha or Andapa. These are very often true expeditions where it is necessary to be used to walk in sometimes difficult conditions.

The town, which is of a rather average size, is rather pleasant. Like every areas of Madagascar, life in Maroantsetra is peacefully. It consequently makes it possible to offer to those on Masoala tour safari a few days of relaxation.

Masoala National Park

The Masoala tour safari takes you to Masoala National Park, to the northeast of Madagascar is also the largest island in Madagascar. The Masoala National Park was established in 1997 and covers an area of about 2300 square kilometers. The marine parks covers an area of 100 square kilometers. The Masoala National Park is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Masoala National Park features a massive flooded forest, coastal forest, rainforest, mangrove and marsh. Your Masoala tour safari to the island features exceptional flora and fauna and 10 species of lemur that include the Red Ruffed Lemur. The Nosy Mangabe located close to the park is one of the best sites to visit for those on Masoala trekking tour.

The harbors at the Masoala is also home for several birds. Among them the rare species found here are Helmet Vanga, Tomato frog and Red Owl. In addition the island also features the Madagascar Serpent-eagle. Those on Masoala tour safari can be seen in many parts of the Madagascar region.

3 Parks of Masoala National Park

The Masoala National Park includes three more parks. They are Tampolo, located to the west, Ifaho, to the east, and Ambodilaitry, in the south. These three parks are rich in marine life and is also one of the best places for snorkeling and kayaking. Going on Masoala tour safari in season takes you to Antongil Bay is visited by the Humpback Whales in massive numbers at the time of its migration.

Those on Masoala tour safari to Masoala National Park can be accessed from the Antalaha and Maroantsetra towns. From Antalaha, the park can be accessed by taxis and mountain bikes. From Maroantsetra, the park can be accessed by a boat. The major sites in the park are Cao Est, Nosy Mangabe and the three parks.

Nosy Mangabe

Your Masoala tour safari will also go to Nosy Mangabe. This small tropical island of just 5,2 km², situated in the Antongil Bay. It is just about 4 km from the city of Maroantsetra, is totally covered by dense humid forests.

Those on Masoala trekking tour can reach Nosy Mange by a small boat in less than 1 hour from Maroantsetra. This makes it an ideal day-trip whan on Masoala tour safari . It was the refuge of many Dutch during the seventeenth century.

In the following century the French colonial power conquered it and made it a trading post. Today the island has turned into Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve. It is famous because of the imperceptible and nocturnal Aye-Aye. These extremely rare lemurs were introduced by humans during the 60´s in order to create a reserve to protect them from extinction.

What to See on you Masoala Trekking Tour

There are many things to do in Madagascar on yous Masoala trekking tour. Your Masoala tour safari goes to two places known for its incredible array of biodiversity. The Masoala National Park and its offshore island reserve of Nosy Mangabe represent the largest of Madagascar’s protected land areas and some of its least visited.

The habitats you are likely to come across here on your Masoala tour safari are wide-ranging, from flooded forest marshland and coastal forests to mangroves, which collectively teem with life and provide a fascinating look at the island’s many natural wonders.

The highlight of your Masoala tour safari will be a sighting of the red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra). This is endemic to the peninsula and relatively easy to find due to its loud vocalizations. The white-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur albifrons) is common, and the northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis) can also be seen by those on Masoala trekking tour.

Night Hikes in Masoala National Park

Night hikes in the forests near the Lohatrozona campsite on your Masoala tour safari offer the opportunity to see the Masoala fork-marked lemur (Phaner furcifer). You may also see the Masoala sportive lemur (Lepilemur scottorum), and the Masoala woolly lemur (Avahi mooreorum), the latter two also endemic to the peninsula.

Other species reported in the park include an undescribed form of mouse lemur (Microcebus), hairy-eared dwarf lemur (Allocebus trichotis), greater dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus major), and aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis).