Dive into the wild heart of Madagascar with "Rainforests of Madagascar: Masoala & Andasibe National Park", a thrilling expedition for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This tour immerses you in two of the island’s most biodiverse ecosystems—the remote, coastal jungles of Masoala National Park and the legendary lemur-filled rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia. Trek through pristine wilderness, spot rare wildlife like the indri lemur and leaf-tailed gecko, and unwind in eco-lodges surrounded by the sounds of the forest. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll uncover Madagascar’s natural wonders while supporting sustainable tourism. Perfect for those craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, this journey is a true escape into one of the planet’s last untouched paradises.
From Antananarivo to Antananarivo trip; 9 days
Highlights:
- With an expert guide, search Andasibe National Park for indri lemurs, one of the largest lemur species.
- Journey to the lush rainforest of Masoala to spot the remarkable scaly and short-legged ground-rollers.
- Spot black-and-white ruffed lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, and various chameleons on Nosy Mangabe Island.
- Enjoy sea kayaking and fishing in the coral-rich waters of Madagascar.
- Discover Antananarivo at your pace with tailored recommendations from your Destination Expert.
Day 1: Antananarivo
Upon arrival in Antananarivo, you will be met by your driver-guide or guide holding a sign bearing your name. They will be located in the arrival hall after you have completed visa on arrival procedures, passport control and baggage collection.
You will be given your welcome package including maps and more, and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Tamboho Waterfront Antananarivo
Day 2: Antananarivo to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
A private transfer from Antananarivo to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is provided. The approximate transfer duration is five hours.
Tonight, set out on an evening walk through Mitsinjo Reserve for an opportunity to spot some of Madagascar’s elusive nocturnal creatures. Mitsinjo is a private reserve established in an attempt to promote conservation and community tourism and it provides an ideal setting to interact with these peculiar animals. When the heat of the day subsides and the sun begins to set, many species of smaller primates and amphibians come out of their hiding spots. During your hike you may be able to encounter such fascinating species as Goodman’s mouse lemur and greater dwarf lemur. As you make your way through the forest, look out for leaf-tailed geckos, tree frogs and chameleons dozing off on tree branches. Upon the conclusion of your experience you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Andasibe – Mantadia National Park is best known for its sizable population of the indri lemurs, one of the world’s largest lemur species. These charming primates have a lovely, thick black and white coat and they are known for their distinctive songs that can be heard throughout the park. Today, venture deep into the primary forest of Madagascar alongside your local guide in search of these beautiful creatures, as well as many other species that call it home. Your trail meanders in the shade of astoundingly large trees, past hidden lakes, and passes through an area inhabited by two separate families of indris.
A sanctuary for habituated lemurs that were once kept in captivity, the Lemur Island at Vakona Forest Lodge provides you with the ultimate opportunity to get up close and personal with these furry primates. The lemurs roam freely in this small reserve foraging for leaves and other snacks. Today, visit this quiet island and explore its rainforest in search of countless lemurs. With a high lemur population living in on the island, you may expect to see various species of this peculiar animal, including bamboo lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, common brown lemurs and diademed sifakas.
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Day 4: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to Antananarivo
Immerse yourself in the Malagasy culture on a guided visit to the village of Andasibe. Witness the daily life go by as you explore this quaint and colorful settlement. With your private guide by your side, walk the narrow cobbled streets and stroll past vibrant market stalls. Get an opportunity to interact with the locals and see how they make their living and spend their free time. Stop by the old colonial train station; take in its alpine architecture and hear about its history from your guide. This experience allows you to truly see the everyday Malagasy life firsthand.
A private transfer from Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to Antananarivo is provided. The approximate transfer duration is five hours.
Explore the capital and largest city of Madagascar, Antananarivo, accompanied by your private guide. Discover the colonial history of this ancient city and find out the reason why Antananarivo was once named "The City of the Thousand." Marvel at the goings on and the daily life routines of the Malagasy people. A highlight of today’s tour will be a visit to the sections of the Old City where you can walk down picturesque avenues and take in views of Tana. You will also see the Palace of the Queen. Here, you will be introduced to the architecture and urbanism of this dynamic African city. No tour of the town is complete without a moment's pause on one of the hills to take in even more vistas over this bustling city.
Accommodation: San Cristobal Hotel
Day 5: Antananarivo to Maroantsetra to Masoala National Park
A private transfer between the airport and your accommodation in Antananarivo is provided.
Board a flight in Antananarivo with service to Maroantsetra. The approximate flight duration is two hours.
A boat transfer from Maroantsetra to the Masoala Forest Lodge is provided.
Nature lovers will be in paradise at Masoala Forest Lodge. The surrounding primary rainforest is home to a number of endemic Malagasy species, including the gorgeous red-ruffed lemur – one of the planet’s most dazzling mammals! White-fronted brown lemurs are also common in the coastal forest and sightings of dwarf, mouse and woolly lemurs are also not uncommon during night walks. In addition, Masoala provides a natural habitat for chameleons, such as the brightly colored panther chameleon. The lush rainforest at Masoala is one of Madagascar’s finest birding spots. Sightings of the incredible scaly and short-legged ground-rollers are regular; and the mixed species flocks can contain an incredible diversity of vangas – the islands most celebrated bird family. From the comfort of your lodge, get up close to the resident wildlife and immerse yourself in the unspoken beauty of this pristine natural haven with activities such as forest walks and night hikes.
Accommodation: Masoala Forest Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Masoala National Park
Nosy Mangabe is an island nature reserve with dark-green thickly forested hills rising dramatically out of the sea. A short boat voyage from Maroantsetra takes you to a beach on the island, a starting point from where you may explore the forest on a network of walking trails. The island is home to white-fronted brown lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, several species of chameleons, frogs and snakes, including the tree boa, some of which can usually be easily spotted on the forest trails in a day visit. The island is also home to traditional Malagasy tombs housed in a cave and a beach called Plage des Hollandais with rocks bearing the carved names of some XVII century Dutch sailors.
Accommodation: Masoala Forest Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Masoala National Park
Guests at the Masoala Forest Lodge are treated to an eco-inspired plethora of activities in and around the property. For those looking for further adventure, various exploratory excursions by boat, foot, or kayak are made available to some truly astounding locations including the Antalavia River or the islands of Cap Masoala. Guests can head out into the sea on various aquatic adventures. The warm, coral rich waters of the Tampolo Marine Reserve offer exciting snorkeling right off the beach. The in-house sea kayaks are ideal for exploring the islands, reefs, rivers and deserted beaches of the dynamic, sheltered coastline. They can also be used to simply enjoy a picturesque sunset over the forested mountain ranges along the water. From the sheer spectacle of whales purging the seascape to the thrill of reeling in a truly "Big-One", Masoala Forest Lodge offers the very best in water-based entertainment.
Accommodation: Masoala Forest Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Masoala National Park to Maroantsetra to Antananarivo
A transfer from Masoala Forest Lodge to Maroantsetra is provided.
Board a flight in Maroantsetra with service to Antananarivo. The approximate flight duration is two hours.
A private transfer between the airport and your accommodation in Antananarivo is provided.
Accommodation: San Cristobal Hotel
Day 9: Antananarivo
A private transfer between the airport and your accommodation in Antananarivo is provided.
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: KT
