Difference between revisions of "Masoala & Nosy Mangabe Holiday Excursion"

Revision as of 08:20, 2 June 2018

Masoala National Park - Nosy Mangabe - Maroantsetra - Farankaraina Tropical Park
This tour offers to explore the Masoala National Park, Nosy Mangabe and Farankaraina Tropical Park and gives adventurers the flexibility and ease to travel some of the most fascinating and remote destinations on earth.
8 days & 7 nights

Highlights

Masoala National Park: Discover endemic Red ruffed lemur, Masoala wolly lemur, Masoala sportive lemur, Helmet vanga, Bernier's vanga, Red-breasted coua, Short-legged ground-roller
Nosy Mangabe: visit Dutchmen’s beach to see the rock inscription by Dutch sailors, Betsimisaraka tomb, observe Black-and-white ruffed lemur, White-fronted brown lemur, Antongil leaf chameleon, Climbing mantella, Common leaf-tailed gecko
Maroantsetra: Discover colourfully Tomato frog
Farankaraina Tropical Park: Observe Aye-aye, Ring-tailed mongoose, Big-nosed chameleon 


Tour description

Day 1: Tana - Maroantsetra - Masoala National Park (L/D)
Fly from Tana to Maroantsetra where a guide will meet and assist you. 
Then transfer from the airport to the harbour (45 minutes) and continue by speed boat to Masoala peninsula.
The boat trip takes about 2h and if we are lucky we might encounter dolphins and Humpback whales during July to September.
 Arrival at the lodge in the afternoon, relaxing on the beach, swimming or exploration of the surroundings of the hotel. 
Nightwalk in the forest surrounding the camp to see some night-active lemurs 
(Masoala mouse lemur, Brown mouse lemur, snakes and frogs)
. Overnight in the lodge in Masoala
.

Day 2: Masoala National Park (B/L/D)


Breakfast and thereafter day visit of the rainforest of the park.
 Masoala National Park consists of rainforest with a rare endemic wildlife. 
Several species of lemurs can be found, such as Red ruffed lemur and White-fronted lemur. 
The site is also popular for bird watching by the presence of the unusual Helmet vanga,
 an enormous vanga with an enormous blue beak. The Helmet vanga is the star of Masoala, followed by the Parson's chameleon. Lunch at the hotel. 
Afternoon free: time to relax or walk on the beach or to go swimming. Night walk in another part of the forest near the camp. Overnight at the lodge
.

Day 3: Masoala National Park (B/L/D)


Breakfast and early morning start to observe the birds in Masoala National Park.
 
Some of the more common birds are the Red-breasted coua, Helmet vanga, Brown mesite, 
and the handsome Scaly ground-roller and Short-legged ground-roller. 
However, our hike will set off with higher hopes, as we also stand a good chance of finding the elusive Bernier’s vanga, which prefers Pandanus palm swamps. Although sightings are not likely, the peninsula is also home to the magnificent Madagascar scops-owl, Madagascar nightjar... 
Afternoon free: relax or walk on the beach or swimming. Night walk in another part of the forest near the camp. Overnight at the lodge.


Day 4: Masoala National Park (B/L/D)


Breakfast and thereafter day excursion by traditional pirogue on the Tampolo River to visit beautiful landscapes and mangroves and thereafter snorkelling in the corral reef. 
The marine protected reserve has very colourful corals, several reef fish species such as parrotfish, surgeonfish and clownfish swim amongst sea anemones and shellfish. It is possible to see Green sea turtles and dolphins. Picnic lunch based on seafood on the beach. Afternoon, visit of a plantation growing vanilla, coffee, clove and pepper followed by traditional dance and singing. Dinner and overnight in the Lodge
.

Day 5: Masoala National Park - Nosy Mangabe (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer by boat (2h). If we are lucky we might see dolphins and Humpback whales during July and the first two weeks in September. Nosy Mangabe is a pristine lowland rainforest island of 5.20km² and the best place to see Black-and-white ruffed lemur and White-fronted brown lemur.
 Nosy Mangabe's reptile and amphibian fauna is equally dramatic; among others there are countless colourful and photogenic frogs, chameleons and geckos. We may encounter the Panther chameleon, Antongil leaf chameleon (the second smallest chameleon in the world), Climbing mantella (mantellaleavigata), Green day-gecko and the incredibly camouflaged Common flat-tail gecko 
sleeping during the day. We may see snakes such as the Madagascar tree boa and Madagascan giant hognose snake.