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Established in 1997, Masoala National Park is Madagascar's largest protected area. The lush rainforests of northeastern Madagascar are the most diverse biome on the island. This tour offers the best of Madagascar’s fauna and flora. Many of the island’s most spectacular endemic birds are restricted to this rainforest, and there are opportunities to spot species such as Short-legged ground-roller, Scaly ground-roller, Red-fronted coua, Blue coua, Madagascar blue pigeon, Madagascar pygmy-kingfisher and Madagascar paradise-flycatcher. In the surroundings of the camp we might encounter the bizarre [[Lowland streaked tenrec]]. In the afternoon, relaxing on the beach, swimming in the bay or exploring the surroundings of the hotel. During a nightwalk we should find the [[Eastern woolly lemur|Masoala woolly lemur]], Dwarf lemur and Brown mouse lemur. The area’s reptile and amphibian fauna is equally dramatic; amongst it are countless colourful and photogenic frogs, chameleons and geckos. We may even encounter the Big-nosed chameleon and two species of incredibly camouflaged leaf-tailed gecko. Dinner and overnight in the lodge in Masoala.
'''Day 3: Masoala National Park (B/L/D)'''<br>
Breakfast and early morning start to observe the birds in Masoala National Park. In most years we are even lucky to see a nest of the marvelous Helmet vanga. Today will be a long and strenuous day of hiking in secondary forest inside and outside the national park, with loads of birding along the way. It will be an adventure to find the Madagascar blue pigeon, Lesser vasa parrot, Cuckoo-roller and Madagascar paradise-flycatcher. We will look for the endemic Red-breasted coua, Brown mesite and handsome Scaly ground-roller and Short-legged ground-roller. We also stand a good chance of finding the elusive [[Bernier's vanga]], which prefers the pandanus palm swamps. Although sightings are not likely, the peninsula is also home to the magnificent rail. During the search, we will find lots of other seabirds, including [[Madagascar pratincole]], Brown noddy, and tern colonies which are rarely seen in most of Madagascar. The afternoon is free: relax, swim or walk on the beach. Nightwalk in another part of the forest near the camp to observe the Madagascar scops-owl, Madagascar nightjar and nocturnal lemurs. Dinner and night in the Lodge.
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'''Day 4: Masoala National Park (B/L/D)'''<br>
Breakfast and thereafter day excursion by traditional pirogue on the Tampolo River to visit beautiful landscapes and mangroves and then 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
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'''Day 5: Masoala National Park - [[Nosy Mangabe]] (B/L/D)
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After breakfast transfer by boat (2h) to Nosy Mangabe. If we are lucky we might see dolphins and Humpback whales during July until 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, 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. We will also visit a Betsimisaraka tomb located in the middle of Nosy Mangabe, where we will see ancient graves of the first inhabitants of the island and the rock inscriptions left by Dutch sailors during the 16th century on a beach named Plage des Hollandais.
Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight in the Lodge
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