Explore the Wild Beauty of Madagascar - Masoala peninsula
Discover the Wonders of Bird Watching
About Us
ABOUT US: We are a tour operator based in Maroantsetra in the North-East of Madagascar. We have more than 20 years’ experience in guiding through the varying forest and hilly terrains of the area. We are permanently working in the field, so we have the latest knowledge and updates on the locations of wildlife in the area. Therefore, we can be sure to take you to the best sites to spot the birds in Masoala.
It is our policy to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. This is ensured by contributing a minimum of ten percent of our profits to conservation and local communities. We are passionate about birding and also about leaving a legacy genuinely helping people and conserving bird-life for future generations.
PLACES TO VISIT
The "standard" tour is focused on the Masoala Peninsula which we reach by boat from Maroantsetra. Masoala is about quality but not quantity - we walk the paths and trails through the forest and hills locating birds such as Ground rollers, Couas and Vangas, several lemur species, chameleons including the largest at 60-70 cm (Calumma parsonii) and second smallest (Brookesia minima) at 3.5cm.
Normally the maximum group size is 4 people. We aim to spot all your target birds (depending on distribution).
From Maroantsetra, the island of Nosy Mangabe is home to birds, lemurs, chameleons and "leaf geckos" - famous for their amazing camouflage.
Various rivers are accessible from Maroantsetra and we can spend time in the Farankaraina Park
For the more intrepid, the forests of the Makira National park can be visited. Due to its isolation, this park is home to a wide range of exotic endemic birds and wildlife.
The best time to visit is between September and January as that is the breeding season for most of the birds.
Climate: Warm to very hot, but cool in the evening. Some rainfall may occur.
Walking Pace: slow, moderate
Tour types
Masoala birdwatching tour
Based at the Arol ecolodge towards the southern tip of the Masoala peninsula, we walk the trails through the forests and farmland. We will see Ground roller species (Scaly, short-legged & Pitta-like), couas (red-fronted, red-breasted and blue); vangas including the wonderful helmet vanga with a huge blue bill and the very restricted Bernier’s vanga. Cost per person based on 4 participants: 550Euros
Bespoke Birding/wildlife tour
We can visit a number of parks, the island of Nosy Mangabe, the Makira forest - remote but excellent habitat for many specialised endemics. We can take a longer route through the Masoala peninsula.
Beach and Wildlife
For those wanting to be more at leisure, part of the day on the sandy bayside beach can be combined with strolling through the forest looking at lemurs, chameleons and birds.
Typical Itinerary
Day 1: arrival from international flight, Welcome at Antananarivo, transfer to local hotel.
Day 2: fly (2h) Antananarivo to Maroantsetra: transfer to dock to board motor-boat for 2 hour crossing to Masoala peninsula. After a quick check-in at the Arol ecolodge, spend the rest of the day birding around the hotel. Overnight at the lodge
Days 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7: full day birding in jungle to look for all the target species. During birding you will encounter much other wild-life from chameleons to lemurs. Night walk can be offered at your request, to look for night bird species and lemurs.
Day 8: after early breakfast, take a boat back to Maroantsetra and transfer to airport for flight back to Antananarivo,
ACCOMMODATION:Accommodation at the Arol lodge is in individual cabins of different size. You can choose the accommodation according to preference and budget
Gallery
Contact
- Masoala, Madagascar
- Whatsapp: +261381908129
- +261-381908129 - Joseph Raveloson
- josephbolgar@yahoo.fr
- Mon-Fri - 08:00-19:00