Madagascar Masoala Peninsula Wildlife Safari

This affordable tour takes you to the Masoala Peninsula which is one of the largest and most diverse areas of unspoilt rainforest in Madagascar, and holds possibly the greatest number of unclassified species on the island. You will come across a large number of lemurs, chameleons and spectacular birdlife.

Masoala can only be reached by boat, which takes approximately 2 hours from Maroantsetra, and 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 the tour is a trip to the island of Nosy Mangabe. Bursting with wildlife, and is famous for its Aye- aye lemurs and the leaf-tailed gecko, the reserve has beautiful sandy coves, a mass of trees and strangler figs.

The Madagascar Masoala Peninsula Wildlife Safari begins and ends in Antananarivo, you have ample opportunity to explore the capital city, its bustling markets, diverse culture and streets decorated with craft designs!

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Antananarivo – Madagascar B

On arrival in Antananarivo you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can simply relax or go out and discover Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar.

With its bustling markets, friendly people and ancient town on a hill with freestone churches and ancient royal places, it is unique among the world's other capitals.

DAY 2: Antananarivo to Maroantsetra – Madagascar B

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Maroantsetra. You will be met at the airport and a transfer will take you to your hotel.

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

DAY 3: Maroantsetra to Masoala – Madagascar BLD

You will be transferred to the port where you will embark a boat to Masoala.

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

After our arrival we will go on a 3 hour walk in the primary forest to see reptiles, birds, lemurs and orchids as well as rare and unique species such as the green lizard, the red owl, the tomato frog or the serpent eagle. You will even have the opportunity to relax and swim in the refreshing cool water of a river.

To round off the day we will have a barbeque party at night.

DAY 4: Masoala – Madagascar BLD

We will start our day with a 3 hour bird watching excursion followed by a visit to a typical village with 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 colourful marine world. Between July and September you will also have the chance to see the majestic humpback whale in the Bay of Antongil.

DAY 5: Masoala to Nosy Mangabe – Madagascar BLD

You will go on a boat transfer to Nosy Mangabe, a scenic island with a variety of wildlife. This reserve is also one of the best places to see aye-ayes in the wild. We will visit the reserve to admire its endemic flora and fauna.

Later you will have the exciting opportunity to see the Betsimisaraka tombs. The Betsimisaraka tribe is Madagascar's second largest ethnic group and inhabits most of the central and north-eastern coastal region.

The name Betsimisaraka, which means "those who stand together", refers to the time when the tribe's confederation was forged from several smaller tribes in the early 18th century.

In the evening we will go on a night walk in the reserve where we will have the chance to spot the endangered aye-aye, the world's largest nocturnal primate.

DAY 6: Nosy Mangabe to Maroantsetra – Madagascar B

On day six of the Madagascar Masoala Peninsula Wildlife Safari we will go on a 3 hour boat transfer back to Maroantsetra.

You can rent a mountain bike, motorcycle or 4WD vehicle and explore the area or go snorkelling in the crystal clear water.

There are also numerous excellent routes for sea kayaking. Between July and September you will have the chance to see the majestic humpback whale in the Bay of Antongil.

DAY 7: Maroantsetra to Antananarivo – Madagascar B

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antananarivo, where a transfer will take you to your hotel in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital of Madagascar.

You can wander through the capital's steep and narrow streets, taking in its architecture, atmosphere and pace.

Or you can climb up to the old rova (palace) and enjoy the views over Antananarivo and the surrounding countryside. The town is at its best in the evening when the setting sun spectacularly illuminates its hillsides.

DAY 8: Antananarivo – Madagascar B

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, where your unforgettable Madagascar Masoala Peninsula Safari ends.

We hope to welcoming you in Madagascar again very soon!

Madagascar Tour Accommodation:

Accommodation on this Madagascar Tour is in basic, yet clean and comfortable mid-range Hotels.

The Madagascar toursim industry is relatively young, therefore accommodation is sometimes limited. Similar accommodation establishments of the same or higher standards are used depending on availability.

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