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Discover the raw beauty of Madagascar’s northeast coast on an 11-day journey where primary rainforest meets the Indian Ocean. Explore the Masoala rainforest and the protected Blue Lagoon of Ambodilaitry, a remote marine reserve of coral reefs, mangroves, volcanic rock and quiet coves. Days unfold at an unhurried pace with kayaking, snorkelling, forest walks and river journeys by traditional pirogue, alongside night walks in search of lemurs and time spent on empty beaches.
Simple coastal living, fresh air and immersion in nature define the experience, with the chance to watch sunsets from historic lighthouse viewpoints. This is a rare combination of rainforest biodiversity and pristine marine wilderness, offering one of Madagascar’s most intact and remote coastal safari experiences.
Madagascar's powdery white beaches, palm trees, rainforests, lemurs and impossibly blue waters await on this tropical island escape
Everything you need to know about this safari idea
Highlights
Discover Madagascar’s pristine wilderness, combining the lush Masoala rainforest with the crystal clear waters of the Ambodilaitry Masoala Marine Reserve.
Explore biodiverse rainforests on guided walks in search of red ruffed lemurs, helmet vangas and a rich diversity of endemic wildlife.
Paddle traditional dugout canoes along the Tampolo River and through mangroves, or snorkel coral reefs and sheltered lagoons teeming with marine life.
Experience Cap Masoala’s Blue Lagoon, accessible only by boat, with white sand beaches, offshore islands and untouched coastal beauty.
Engage with local Betsimisaraka communities and conservation initiatives, including cultural encounters and reforestation efforts supporting long term habitat protection.
Locations and lodges
On Madagascar’s north-eastern coast, Maroantsetra serves as the gateway to Masoala. From here, a boat crossing of Antongil Bay replaces roads with open water, marking the transition into one of the island’s least disturbed regions.
Masoala National Park, Madagascar’s largest protected rainforest, stretches from dense primary forest to a wild, undeveloped coastline. Trails lead through towering canopy, river systems and coastal forest, revealing species found nowhere else in the world.
At the southern tip of the peninsula, the Cap Masoala's Blue Lagoon forms part of a protected marine reserve of reefs, islands and clear, shallow waters. It is a setting defined by ocean access, seclusion and direct contact with the sea.
7 nights at Masoala Forest Lodge: An intimate, beachside forest lodge positioned between primary rainforest and sheltered bay, offering direct access to guided walks, river excursions and coastal exploration in a conservation-focused setting.
3 nights at Crusoe’s Cabin: a remote coastal retreat overlooking the Blue Lagoon, designed for access to snorkelling sites, island visits and marine-based activities within the protected reserve.
Timing
The expedition operates from September to December, when sea conditions are generally favourable for snorkelling and boating, and forest activity remains high for wildlife viewing.
Price per person sharing
| 10 nights (11 days) | Sep to Dec 2026 |
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Includes: All flights between Antananarivo and Maroantsetra, all road and boat transfers between the airport, harbour and camps, accommodation throughout, all meals, local drinks, laundry and national park entrance permits, guide fees and activities: guided walks in primary and coastal forest, guided nocturnal walks, guided sea kayaking, snorkelling with equipment and instruction, a guided pirogue trip on the Tampolo River, a sunset sailing cruise, mangrove and lagoon boat excursions as per itinerary, visits to the reforestation program and local villages, and 24-hour logistical support.
Excludes: International flights, visas, massages, whale watching and optional excursions not specified as included, premium liquors and imported wines and spirits, curios, high-speed internet vouchers, tips and gratuities, and mandatory cancellation, travel and medical insurance.
Thank you!
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
Day 1 – Travel from Antananarivo to Masoala. Fly to Maroantsetra and transfer by road to the harbour. Cross Antongil Bay by boat to the Masoala Peninsula. Settle in and spend the afternoon exploring the beach and coastal forest.
Day 2 – Morning guided walk in the primary forest in search of red-ruffed lemurs and endemic birdlife. Afternoon snorkelling and swimming from shore. After dinner, an optional guided night walk.
Day 3 – Morning snorkelling at nearby reefs. In the afternoon, walk to the Tampolo River and travel upstream by traditional dugout canoe through mangroves and forest. Overnight on the Masoala coast.
Day 4 – Boat past Tampolo Point to a remote white sand beach. Swim and snorkel, followed by mangrove exploration by kayak and a picnic lunch. Return to camp by boat, kayak, or on foot through the national park.
Day 5 – Visit the reforestation project and plant endemic trees. Late-afternoon pirogue cruise at sunset. Overnight on the Masoala coast.
Day 6 – Walk to the local village for a Malagasy cultural visit with traditional music and a dance performance. Evening Malagasy dinner experience.
Day 7 – Travel by expedition boat 40 km south to Cap Masoala and settle beside the Blue Lagoon. Afternoon exploration of the lagoon’s beaches and waters.
Day 8 – Kayak to nearby islands, snorkel coral reefs and walk to the old lighthouse. Optional visit to Ville Masoala.
Day 9 – Spend a full day exploring the Blue Lagoon, Sacred Point and surrounding islands, with swimming and snorkelling and an Optional night walk.
Day 10 – Boat north along the coast back to Masoala. Afternoon at leisure or enjoy a guided walk in the private reserve on your final night.
Day 11 – Boat transfer to Maroantsetra and scheduled flight to Antananarivo for onward travel.
“Untamed escape”
Christian Boix, AG Madagascar safari expert: "Go alone… ditch your phone… get lost… befriend a coconut… listen to the wind… and Masoala will answer. A wild paradise where emerald rainforests meet turquoise waters, untouched and unforgettable"
“Masoala immersion”
Ramona Rubach, AG Madagascar safari expert: “Masoala was the most immersive stay, with leisurely breakfasts after morning yoga at the water’s edge, remote rainforest hikes in complete solitude, afternoon snorkelling, and sunset dhow sails. Each day feels like paradise"
“Pair with Andasibe”
Our destination expert, Nadia Lautenbach, says, “For a richer Madagascar journey, I highly recommend pairing this with Andasibe. Its misty forests and iconic indri offer the perfect contrast to Masoala. We can easily tailor the length to suit your time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Masoala's primary rainforest is home to red ruffed lemurs, helmet vangas and a rich diversity of endemic wildlife. Guided day and nocturnal walks maximise sightings, while the surrounding marine reserve offers coral reefs teeming with marine life for snorkellers.
Included activities cover guided forest and nocturnal walks, sea kayaking, snorkelling with equipment, a pirogue trip on the Tampolo River, a sunset sailing cruise, mangrove and lagoon excursions, visits to a reforestation programme and local villages, plus all park entrance fees and guide fees.
This expedition runs from September to December, when sea conditions are generally favourable for snorkelling and boating and forest wildlife activity is high. This seasonal window ensures the best access to both Masoala National Park and the Cap Masoala Blue Lagoon marine reserve.
Masoala is one of Madagascar's most remote coastal regions. After flying from Antananarivo to Maroantsetra, guests cross Antongil Bay by boat to reach the peninsula — roads are replaced by open water, marking entry into one of the island's least disturbed wilderness areas.
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Why book your safari with us?
Deep Experience & Knowledge
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
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Make A Difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!