Madagascar's Beach, Culture & Rainforest

Itinerary information

On arrival at Ivato International Airport, you'll be escorted through the arrivals terminal by a representative. You will then be handed over to a driver for a road transfer to Novotel, where you will spend one night in the city.

Settle into your accommodation by refreshing with a hot shower and enjoying a light lunch at the hotel's on-site restaurant. Then, lace up your walking shoes for a stroll through the Tsarasaotra Bird Park. Here, you may spot the endangered Madagascar Pond Heron or the vulnerable Meller's Duck wading across the lake's tree-lined waters.

Back at the hotel, your first night culminates in fine dining and the clinking of wine glasses as you toast to your upcoming adventure.

Itinerary information

Fly to Maroantsetra for a scenic boat transfer across Antongil Bay, with a chance to spot whales and dolphins surfacing gracefully from the waters as you set your sights on Masoala Forest Lodge. Tampolo Point is your first area to explore, where a guided forest walk reveals white-fronted brown lemurs leaping across the treelines. 

Throughout your stay, delight in breakfasts on the sea deck, with each day's adventures ending in sundowner drinks around a crackling beachside fire, while leisurely afternoons beckon you to swim in crystal-clear, warm waters.

On your first full-day, hike into the misty rainforest, passing thickets of tree ferns and hardwood trees in search of red-ruffed lemurs and dwarf chameleons. Later, snorkel the nearby coral reefs or set out on a guided kayaking excursion to a romantic look-out point known as Secret Cove.

The next day, head to the crystal-clear waters of the Tampolo River located at the foot of a forested mountain. After a refreshing swim, return by canoe in eager anticipation of a twilight forest walk, where you might spot the more elusive Aye-Aye lemurs and nocturnal mouse lemurs.

Rise early the following morning to explore calm waters by kayak, pausing for a swim at Sacred Island before gliding into pristine mangroves and forested rivers. Blue-spotted stingrays are often seen dancing in the shallows, while lesser bamboo lemurs cross the marshy riverbeds. A quiet picnic lunch closes the day, followed by an evening of traditional Malagasy song and dance back at camp.

The following day, slow the pace with a leisurely boat ride through the Tampolo Marine Reserve to Antalavia, where a paddle up the estuary leads to an afternoon of swimming, picnicking and lemur-spotting beneath the dappled forest shade. Return to camp either by boat or with a gentle stroll.

Your second last day is filled with cultural immersion and invites you along forested trails to the rice fields and farms of Ambodiforaha village. Meet the locals, learn about their sustainable farming practices, and visit the nearby school before returning for a pirogue trip along the Tampolo River.

The final day at Masoala is yours to enjoy at your own pace — perhaps a self-guided walk through the forests or a few indulgent hours at the Beach House with a cocktail in hand, drifting from bar to beach beneath the sunshine.

Itinerary information

Savour an early morning breakfast on the sea deck before boarding a boat back to Maroantsetra for your flight to Antananarivo. There, you'll be met by a representative who will transfer you to the international terminal for your onward journey.