Walking in Masoala National Park

There are no roads on the Masoala peninsula, and it can only be explored on foot and by water. As the country’s largest protected park, it features a rare combination of tropical rainforest and coral reefs, making it home to countless endemic species like the red ruffed lemur, leaf-tailed geckos, and rare birds. Its remote location has helped preserve its pristine ecosystems, both on land and in the sea, and it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This itinerary is guided by one of the area's most experience nature guides, and avails of tourist lodging in the small cosatal villages of the Masoala Peninsula. The villages are accessed by boat transfer from Maroantsetra, so provide maximum time in the park and its environs. 

A highlight of the tour is an overnight on the pristine rainforest island of Nosy Mangabe.

This itinerary can be extended to take in Farankaraina Private Park (to stay at Aye Aye forest camp and observe Aye Aye lemurs) and Makira Natural forest or Simpona lodge (to find the Silky Sifaka).     

Day 1 

Transfer by boat Maroantsetra – Masoala Park to the lodge – day in the park –snorkelling along the coral reef in the village marine park in front of lodge – after lunch we will get in the jungle – easy path-to search for the red ruffed lemur – bird –frog- leaf tail gecko. 

At night, a nocturnal visit will allow us to see the night active animal – lemur – mouse lemur – dwarf lemur – Aye Aye – frogs.                                                                                                                                                                                   

Day 2 

Day in the park – birdwatching – helmet vanga – red breasted coua –blue coua -roller –up and down path – primary forest –search for endemic lemur   After lunch , snorkelling in village marine park – small waterfall - walking on the beach.                 

At night, a nocturnal visit around the village – to see chameleon – tenrec –hedgehog – striped tenrec.   

Day 3 

Walking to the littoral forest – easy path along the beach – view of bay – birding – white fronted brown lemur - chameleon – Snorkelling in Tampolo marine park around of small island –nice coral reef – fish –  coral garden – tortoise.

Picnic on the beach in front of marine park After lunch back to the hotel by pirogue or on foot   Night walk – aye aye – mouse lemur –frog – leaf-tail gecko.

Day  4 

Walking to great water fall – bath in waterfall- walking in littoral forest and mountainous forest – picnic in forest – birding – lemur – forest palm – up and down path  - aerial roots plant- frog – back to the lodge along the beach. Night visit along the beach.                

Day 5              

In the morning , walking uphill and downhill , green landscape of primary forest goes down to sea and also red lemur ,brown lemur – frogs – endemic bird – helmeted vanga- Coua – roller –cameleon – aeral roots tree , buttress tree – view of small waterfall in down hill – gecko –leaf-tail gecko.

Afternoon : visit village Betsimisaraka – village activity – vanilla plantation – coffee – cloves – pepper - local dance organized by woman association in village.  Night walk – night active animals.

Day 6  Masoala – Nosy Mangabe     

Transfer to Nosy Mangabe-  island– 1h boating – Camping on the beach in camp site with shelter – visit of primary forest of the Iland – walking to the Betsimisaraka tomb – yellow back and green back frog – black and white ruffed lemur – leaf tail gecko –  Brookesia or pygmy chameleon - big batress tree – aerial roots tree.

Afternoon , visit Dutch beach – frog – white fronted brown lemur. Easy path – Night walk looking for Aye Aye – mouse lemur – frog – active leaf-tail gecko- snake.                                                 

Full board in camp Nosy Mangabe.

 Day 7                                                                  

Transfer to Nosy Mangabe to Maroantsetra. Market visit – looking for tomato frog – art – marine carpenter.

Overnight at a hotel in town or  to the airport.

• Meet & greet at the airport
• Boat transfer from hotel to the park and vice versa
• Daily entrance tickets to the park 
• Guiding fees 
• Cooks
• Full board accomodation in a bungalow in the park
• Mineral water 1,5L /day/person
• Camping gear for Nosy Mangabe
• Night walks
• Town visit
• Pirogue trip in the marine park

• Drinks
• Tips and personal expenses