Exploring the primary rainforest of Masoala Park, the lungs of Madagascar
Crusoe’s Cabin in the Cap Masoala Marine Reserve
Incredible biodiversity: Nature in its purest form
Observe the spectacular lemur Varecia Rubra in its natural habitat.
Night trek in search of Aye-Aye
Snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching…
Listen to the shuddering cry of the Indri in the Andasibe-Mantadia jungle.
The unknown Tsarasotra Park, RAMSAR Site
Cultural immersion with the Betsimisaraka ethnic group.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Best time of year
Departures from September to December
16 days
desde
6.91€
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Madagascar BLUE LAGOON EXPEDITION
ItineraryRates and DatesExtensions+ Info
New special route for fauna and flora lovers, both terrestrial and marine. EXPEDITION BLUE LAGOON is the result of a growing demand for 100% nature trips.
During the last decade, scientists have discovered 615 new species in Madagascar. The island has an immense natural wealth, 80% of the species that live there are unique in the world. This is why it is one of the 17 Megadiverse countries on the planet.
Masoala National Park is part of the Antsinanana Rainforest, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ZICO (Zone of Ornithological Community Importance) and AZE (Alliance for Zero Extinction). If there were a small “Amazon” in Madagascar, it would be Masoala.
The biodiversity and endemism rate of this national park is among the highest on the planet. The jungle is so immensely dense that only 10% of the sunlight penetrates to the ground, this together with a humid tropical climate with an average maximum temperature of 24ºC and a minimum of 21ºC and an annual rainfall between 2200mm and 7000mm make the vegetation representative of the low altitude humid dense forests that ensure the survival of various species of fauna and flora endemic to the eastern region. This peninsula is home to one of the largest remaining low-elevation (699 m) rainforests on the island.
This route combines the visit of three National Parks of vital importance such as Analamazaotra and Mantadia in Andasibe, and Masoala and Cap Masoala Marine Reserve, all of them located in the eastern part of the island.
In them we will discover several species of lemurs that live exclusively in freedom in these eastern forests such as the Indri, the Propithecus Diadema, the Varecia Rubra, the Eulemur Albifrons or the Aye-Aye, among other endemic species such as amphibians, reptiles, plants, corals, birds …
Itinerary
DAY 1
ARRIVAL ANTANANARIVO
Arrival at the capital’s airport, visa formalities, reception by IndigoBe’s Spanish-speaking guide, transfer to the hotel and brief briefing of the route.
AU BOIS VERT LODGE 4*.
DAY 2
ANTANANARIVO / ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and departure to Andasibe National Park. Lunch in the city of Moramanga and visit of its lively market. Continuation to Andasibe National Park. Installation at the lodge and at the scheduled time, night visit of the Vakona Private Reserve, where we will appreciate various species of endemic and nocturnal fauna.
VAKONA FOREST LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 3
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast and departure to Analamazaotra National Park (Andasibe National Park) where we will make a walking tour of ± 4 hours to observe the largest lemur of the island, the famous Indri-Indri. After picnic lunch, continuation to Mantadia National Park, where we will discover other species of lemurs such as the Varecia Variegata or the Propithecus Diadema, as well as the largest chameleon of the island, the Calumma Parsonii. Return to the lodge.
VAKONA FOREST LODGE 3*.
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 4
ANDASIBE NATIONAL PARK / ANTANANARIVO / TSARASOTRA PARK
Early breakfast and return to Antananarivo. Arrival and visit to Tsarasotra Park, declared a RAMSAR Site in 2005, the park is a refuge and nesting place for several species of freshwater aquatic birds (27 species) and other endemic species (36 species) including Ardeola idae, Anas melleri, Tachybaptus pelzelnii and corythornis vintsioides, as well as more common birds such as Dicrurus fortificatus. The Site comprises the 10-hectare Alarobia Lake, with an islet and flood zones in the heart of Antananarivo.
AU BOIS VERT LODGE 4*.
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 5
ANTANANARIVO / MAROANTSETRA / MASOALA
Breakfast and transfer to Ivato airport for flight to Maroantsetra. Arrival and transfer to the pier where we will take our boat and sail through Antongil Bay, which with an extension of 2000 km2 is the most important whale breeding area of the Indian Ocean. During our navigation we may come across dolphins and whales (depending on the season) and as a backdrop, one of the most exuberant jungles of the island. Arrival and installation at the lodge. Brief briefing with the local guide to design the activities we will do during our stay based on the weather forecast.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 6
MASOALA
Breakfast and departure to the primary forest of Masoala National Park. We will walk through the dense jungle of the national park in search of lemurs such as the Varecia Rubra or the Eulemur Albifrons, the tomato frog, the Helmet Vanga bird (Euryceros prevostii), chameleons Furcifer pardalis, brookesia or parsonii, giant millipedes, tree ferns and other species of endemic fauna and flora. Moderate to difficult hiking (uphill). Return to the lodge and free afternoon to snorkel in the reefs adjacent to our lodge. “Tea time” at 4:30 p.m. at the Sea Desk. At the scheduled time, night visit of the MFL Private Reserve for approximately 1 hour in search of the elusive aye-aye. Of the 10 species of lemurs present in Masoala, eight are nocturnal, making this visit a must-see experience.
Be+: We offer guided evening tours every night after dinner. Just come well prepared in case we get caught in the rain.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 7
MASOALA
Breakfast and day trip to the Antalaviana area. Departure by boat for 30 minutes to Saholaina, a beautiful beach with rich seabed where you can snorkel. We will explore the Antalaviana area, where the vegetation is denser and the waters flow from the mountains into waterfalls by the sea. We will return on foot for about 3 hours (11 km) along the coast to visit the village of Marofototra, where the local people grow cloves, cinnamon, cinnamon pineapple and pepper. We will also find vestiges of the region’s colonial past such as the remains of an old railroad. Arrival “Tea Time” with muffins and free time for rest or activities until dinner time.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 8
MASOALA
Breakfast and departure by kayak to the sacred island of Nosy Ndraindra from where we will have a privileged view of the lush jungle of Masoala from the sea. Encounter with sea turtles, whales (depending on departure), dolphins, flying fish, fishermen betsimisakara…Continuation to Ampamoavana beach where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon departure on foot to the Tampolo River where we will take our canoes to navigate its calm waters next to impressive mangroves. Observation of birds such as the Ploceus nelicourvi and a variety of kingfishers, the lemur Hapalemur Occidentalis, as well as various species of mangroves and trees such as rosewood and rosewood that abound in the area. Return to the lodge and private dinner at the Sea Desk. Visit the Reserve in search of the famous aye-aye among other nocturnal species.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 9
MASOALA
Breakfast and departure by boat to Cap Masoala. For 40 kilometers we will sail south to Cap Masoala, the Cape of the peninsula of the same name to explore this impressive Marine Reserve. Lunch and after settling into “Crusoe’s Cabin” we will discover the impressive “blue lagoon” of the Ambodilaitry Marine Reserve.
CRUSOE’S CABIN
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Masoala National Park includes 3 sections or marine reserves: Tanjona, Cap Masoala and Tampolo where 114 species of coral are present.
At Cap Masoala (Ambodilaitry) 41 coral genera were collected, the richest and most developed of the genus Acropora, which reflects the good condition of the reef, as this group stands out for being very fragile and sensitive to degradation.
Fauna in the marine reserves of Masoala:
114 species of coral, 104 species of mollusks, 4 species of sea turtles (Chelonia Mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea and Caretta caretta), 27 species of Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers), several species of coelacanths (the coelacanth has morphological similarities practically identical to its fossil ancestor, for this reason it is currently known as a living fossil. It is more than 1.5 meters long and lives up to 60 years at a depth of 700 meters. It is believed to have been on earth for more than 420 million years…), two species of whales (Right and Humpback), two species of dolphins and one species of dugong.
DAY 10
MASOALA
Breakfast and departure by kayak to the nearby island of Nosy Behento, where we can snorkel and hike through lush tropical vegetation to an abandoned lighthouse for a magnificent view of the “blue lagoon”. Picnic lunch on the beach and kayak back to Crusoe’s Cabin.
CRUSOE’S CABIN
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 11
MASOALA
Breakfast and full day excursion to the “blue lagoon”. A paradise for snorkeling where we will be practically alone since Masoala is one of the least touristic places in Madagascar. We will explore the island of Nosy Nepato, where we will find a small population that lives on fishing in this remote place. Night visit in the jungle of Cap Masoala in search of new species of lemurs and endemic fauna.
CRUSOE’S CABIN
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 12
MASOALA
Breakfast and return to the lodge. This is the end of our adventure at Cap Masoala. Installation at the lodge where we can enjoy the 5 marked trails in the Private Reserve and go in search of endemic fauna and flora.
After lunch, massage with Malagasy essential oils. Dinner at “table d’hôtes” with travelers who arrived during our absence and with whom we will share a pleasant chat around a campfire.
The Private Reserve has 40 hectares surrounding the lodge. Five trails have been marked so that you can walk them without a guide. The tours last between 10 and 40 minutes and involve varying degrees of difficulty. During the tour you will be able to observe all types of endemic fauna and flora of the area.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 13
MASOALA
Breakfast and visit to Masoala National Park. The encounter with the primary forest is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this trip. Observing the Varecia Rubra lemur, the Aye-Aye, the Cheirogaleus, uroplatus, the Madagascar eagle, the nepenthes, the Mantella frog or the Helmet Vanga in one of the last lush primary rainforests of the planet is a unique experience.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 14
MASOALA
Breakfast and walk through the coastal forest to the village of Ambodiforaha inhabited by the Betsimisarakaethnic group. Before a brief stop at the pre-school where we can learn about this MFL project. Continuation to the small village where we will be welcomed as is customary in Madagascar with songs and dances typical of this Malagasy ethnic group. A brief immersion in the culture and modus vivendi of this ethnic group from the east coast of Madagascar. We will visit its spice market (cloves and vanilla are abundant in the area) and enjoy its handicrafts. Return to the lodge to relax with a 30 minute massage with Malagasy essential oils. Private dinner at the Sea Desk.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Or if we are interested we can dedicate this day to the excursion to the island of Nosy Mangabe (with supplement and according to weather and availability), a jewel of biodiversity:
After breakfast departure by motor boat to the island of Nosy Mangabe. This small island of 520 hectares is located in Antongil Bay, just 2 km off the coast of Maroantsetra. Covered by a lush vegetation of low altitude rainforest, a network of trails invites us to discover the enormous biodiversity that resides on this small island: Eulemur Albifrons, Varecia Variegata subcinta as well as nocturnal species such as the aye-aye, the cheirogaleus major; uroplatus fimbriatus, the boa Sanzinia madagascariensis, the mantella laevigata frog, colorful crabs, pygmy chameleons such as Brookesia peyriasi, orchids, pandanus, palm trees…. Whales, turtles and dolphins surround the waters of this island full of pure nature, Noah’s ark in Madagascar.
DAY 15
MASOALA
Today is our last day in this natural paradise. We can choose to do any of the many options offered by the place: snorkeling, kayaking, hiking in the private reserve … or just lie in a hammock to rest. After lunch departure by canoe to watch the sunset from the sea. Meeting with the rest of the travelers around a campfire before dinner, and last visit to the jungle in search of nocturnal wildlife.
MASOALA FOREST LODGE
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 16
MASOALA / ANTANANARIVO / CONNECTION WITH RETURN FLIGHT
Early breakfast and departure to Maroantsetra by motorboat. Arrival and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the capital. Arrival and connection with international flight.
Discount for children under -19 years old sharing with two adults : -2.480 €
PRIVATE DEPARTURES 2024
Every Saturday (Sept-Oct-Nov-Dec)
THE PRICE INCLUDES
Flight by light aircraft Antananarivo-Maroantsetra-Antananarivo
Lodging in the hotels and lodges provided or similar.
4WD vehicle with driver and fuel (Antananarivo and Andasibe)
Transfers airport-hotel-airport mentioned in the program
Maroantsetra-lodge-Maroantsetra boat transfer
English-speaking guide in Antananarivo and Andasibe (ask for supplement in Masoala)
English and French-speaking local guide throughout the stay in Masoala
Half Board in Antananarivo (except for the first night) and Andasibe
Full board at Masoala, non-alcoholic beverages included.
Snorkeling equipment, kayak…
Local guides (obligatory) in parks and reserves
Entrance to National Parks and Reserves
Taxes (Tourist, Stay and Municipal)
All visits and excursions mentioned as INCLUDED in the program.
Laundry service in Masoala
Map of Madagascar
Welcome gift
Reception in English by an INDIGO BE guide at the Antananarivo airport
24h 7/7 Spanish-speaking customer support at destination
On-site assistance in case of emergency in English 24h 7/7 in Antananarivo
Reconfirmation of domestic and return flights
24-hour emergency service in Spanish for family members
Informative dossier in Spanish
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International airline tickets
Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
Beverages
Visa
Personal expenses
Medical Insurance
Tips
The order of the visits and excursions can be modified according to local constraints (air schedules, runway or road conditions, for example). If certain visits and/or excursions cannot be carried out for any reason beyond our control, we will try to substitute them whenever possible.
This program can be modified according to your expectations, also due to external causes such as the weather, so your guide will advise you which activity or visit to do according to these premises.
In Masoala only cash payments for extras are accepted in euros, dollars or pounds sterling or ariary. Credit cards are not accepted.
LIGHT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT
The maximum weight per passenger in the aircraft is 85 kilos. If the passenger exceeds this weight, he/she must request the extra supplement per kilo over this figure.
The maximum baggage weight is 20 kilos including the carry-on bag or backpack and must not exceed 140 linear centimeters.
Departure time will be confirmed the night before and will depend on weather conditions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION HOTELS
In our adventure routes and expeditions we offer variety in accommodation, in some locations it may be a 4* hotel, in others 3*, in others without stars and even some camping days. Instead of restricting our itineraries to areas that offer standard accommodation, we prefer to stay in more basic and spartan infrastructures in order to enjoy an exceptional location. The accommodations we offer on our expeditions are not selected because they have wifi, air conditioning, swimming pool or TV in the rooms, for our philosophy in adventure travel, that is not the most important thing. Our goal is to reach the most authentic, unspoiled and spectacular places. Enjoy these experiences, they are part of the trip.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR TRIPS
Our trips are designed from knowledge, we have been residents on the island for more than 18 years (2006-2024) and our team carries out more than 17 annual surveys throughout the geography of the island, to verify on the ground the state of parks, trails, hotels, new developments and discover new treasures that are still hidden in our island-continent and that for the moment we try to preserve until we have a policy of environmental protection. Our update is almost daily.
Any tour in Madagascar leaves room for the unexpected, hence we ask for your flexibility in approaching the trip as travelers and not as conventional tourists.
To participate in our trips, a minimum level of physical fitness is required, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy the parks, landscapes, or some of the animist villages farther away from the conventional routes.
Our adventure trips are not for everyone, they are participatory trips, in which you will not be made to row or wash your cutlery, for this we give employment to the local population, however, we want your passage through the island to cause the least possible impact, neither environmental nor social, that is where we ask for your collaboration.
The hotels are varied, from some 5* to simple lodges, depending on the hotel infrastructure. Adventure is not incompatible with comfort, we will never camp (free camping is prohibited in Madagascar, it is only possible in “authorized” places although they do not have any infrastructure similar to a campsite, no toilets or showers) if right next door we have a minimally correct accommodation and that our passage can benefit the local population. We always try to include the best hotels available, but sometimes we are forced to use simple lodges because the location does not have more hotel infrastructure or because it is located in an exceptional place that deserves the stay.
Madagascar does not have a tourist infrastructure like neighboring countries in their safaris, but that gives it the charm of an unspoiled and uncrowded country (150,000 tourists per year). We ask for an open spirit and large doses of patience to our travelers. That way you will enjoy your trip much more.
sales outlets through our partner agencies worldwide
as receptive at Madagascar and Indian Ocean
inspirational for dreaming from your sofa
Spanish speakers experienced
responsible tourism and sustainable
of satisfaction
18/05/2025
A phenomenal trip
A few notes to thank you for your effort and patience. A phenomenal trip that is already asking me to come back. Delighted with the destination, the selection of activities and the organization. Nomad Photo Expeditions Photographic Group.
Harry Fisch ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
An extraordinary journey
I totally recommend it, direct, clear and familiar treatment Sylvia, Jaume and Sergi are charming.
Small and well-organized groups.
Santa our guide is a crack.
And Madagascar with its lemurs, its baobabs, its people and its landscapes stole my heart, I don’t know which one to choose.
A dream come true!
We are eager to return and get to know more corners of the island. And certainly with Indigo Be!!!!
Montserrat Ros DISCOVER MADAGASCAR
Impeccable organization
Everything was excellent! Highly recommended, both the country, a place of contrasts in its landscapes and its people, and agency with an impeccable organization! Thanks to Sylvia, Jaume for the organization and of course to Luca and Mami for guiding us all over the country!
Glòria Ramon ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Professional people who love their work
Misaotra to the whole team, after 25 years traveling and having traveled through most of Africa you can feel flattered because it is the first time we meet such professional people who love their work and put so much passion in showing and sharing their country. Thank you Sylvia for your attention and for being there when needed. Of course we will see you in your next meeting adventure.
Clara Montes REMOTE RIVER EXPEDITION
A highly prepared team
An impeccable organization, with values that I share, a very professional team, highly prepared and dedicated to the traveler. They respect the country, its people and nature, and make us love Madagascar through their accompaniment.
Antonio Maria Following the Green Heart
Baobab Expedition, tough but intense
Back home and trying to assimilate everything we learned. Thank you Silvia for joining us on this fantastic trip, it has been a privilege to have you as a guide, the group already saw that we got along from the first day, and the route was amazing. We recommend the Baobab Expedition to all travelers, hard but intense.
Sara BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Magnificent trip through Madagascar
Excellent professionals who helped us to have a great trip in Madagascar. Thank you very much, Sylvia, Jaume, Sergi, Santa (great local guide) and all the staff. We will surely come back.
Norberto Rosseti ESSENCES OF THE SOUTH
Indigo Be's affection for the country is evident.
Lupe Bote BAOBAB EXPEDITION
An authentic experience
I chose the “Baobab Expedition” itinerary with Indigo Be and it has been an unforgettable and authentic experience… Indigo Be is an agency of young professionals who love and know Madagascar in depth and transmit their passion and enthusiasm for the country to the travelers.
Our guide, Jaume, has facilitated, at all times, with his efficiency and kindness, the smooth running of the day to day.
Thanks to all the professional team of Indigo Be and ENHORABONAAAAAAAAAAA Jaume “per la feina ben feta”. A hug !!!!!
Elisabeth Segui BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Unique, surprising and unforgettable island
Madagascar; it sounds remote, like a cartoon movie and impossible animals. It is that, and also an island-country with little tourism that oozes African sap sweetened with Asian touches.
Descend a river between jungle canyons and sleep on its beaches protected from crocodiles; go deep into the jungle and listen to the sounds of its most characteristic animals, the lemurs; dive among tropical fish with the sound of humpback whales in the background; stroll at sunset along an avenue lined with giant baobabs; discover impressive rock formations in the shape of thousands of needles; taste seafood seasoned with French-influenced dyes or simply stroll along a beach waiting for the arrival of fishermen. All this is Madagascar.
Madagascar promises disconnection, adventure and exoticism…and with Indigo Be you get it!
Thank you for being wonderful hosts of this unique, surprising and unforgettable island.
Antonia Rubio BAOBAB EXPEDITION
Experiences that will stay with me for life
Among shadowy jungles, deep rock canyons and red clay moors, I found sights and experiences that will stay with me for life. And what better than from the hand of local experts like Indigo Be.
Raul Martin MADA & SEYCHELLES ADVENTURE
Ready, set... GO!
Because every trip is different and every traveller is unique, you have the opportunity to co-create YOUR PERFECT TRIP with us. And you ask yourself, how?
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OUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
A meeting via WhatsApp or Zoom with us to have a virtual tea or coffee and guide you on what we can offer you based on your travel requirements.
ROUTE DESIGN
We work with you to create a route that is 100% tailored to your preferences: accommodation, vehicle, guide, visits, activities, meetings...
SERVICES
We offer you the chance to enhance your trip with our little ‘pills’ that will make your experience unique and memorable.
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Tailor-made trips
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