Changes



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 Lodgelodge.


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
lodge
.

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
lodge
.

'''Day 6: Nosy Mangabe - Maroantsetra - [[Sambava]] (B/L/D)'''<br>
Speed boat transfer back to Maroantsetra. Transfer to the airport and flight from Maroantsetra to Sambava. Depending on the flight schedule, we have a short stop and walk through town to explore the wonderful colourful Tomato frog endemic to the area. '''Day 7: Sambava - Marojejy National Park - Camp Mantella (B/L/D)'''<br>Breakfast and departure to Marojejy National Park (5h drive). Picnic lunch on the way. Arrival at the camp. The Marojejy massif mountains are extremely rich and diverse in fauna and flora. The park is home to 12 species of lemurs and the best place in Madagascar to see the Silky sifaka, which is endemic to this region, including the five rarest primates in the world. There are over 125 bird species, 150 species of reptiles and amphibians, 30 species of palm trees and over 300 species of ferns. It is also the place to find the Takhtajania perrieri - a tree which is believed to exist on earth for about 120 million years.<br>From the village of Manantenina we start the hike to Camp Mantella. We discover the primary rainforest. We may have the opportunity to see several species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as bird species such as the Hook-billed vanga, White-headed vanga, Helmet vanga and Red-breasted coua. Arrival at Camp Mantella (450m altitude) and lunch. In the afternoon we discover the surroundings of Camp Mantella and visit the Humbert waterfall. Dinner and night at Camp Mantella. '''Day 8: Camp Mantella - Camp Simpona (B/L/D)
'''<br>Breakfast and hiking up to Camp Simpona (about 6h). We have the opportunity to see the rare Silky sifaka which is endemic to this rainforest. We stop at Camp Marojejya for lunch. In the afternoon we continue our walk to Camp Simpona. Arrival at the camp at 1250m altitude. A night walk around the camp is possible. Dinner and night at Camp Simpona.  '''Day 9: Camp Simpona - Summit - Camp Marojejya (B/L/D)'''<br>Early breakfast and departure for the highest elevation and rising up to the peak of Marojejy’s summit at 2132m altitude. This will be a long and strenuous day of hiking. The trails in the park and up to the summit are very hard and steep, so one needs strong physical condition. The summit is often wet and cloudy. Marojejy mountain - an astoundingly isolated island of lush rainforest. From the summit we enjoy great views onto the beautiful forest with the mighty Indian Ocean at the horizon. Spend full morning hiking and then walk back to the camp for lunch. In the afternoon we walk down to Camp Marojejya. At sunset, possibility to go for a night walk around the camp. Dinner and night in a hut at Camp Marojejya.  '''Day 10: Camp Marojejya - Camp Mantella - Sambava (B/L/D)'''<br>Breakfast and thereafter a long hike off the mountain, though this time with gravity on our side! Along the way, we will have chances to continue savouring the unique and rarely seen birdlife of Marojejy. We continue to leave the primary forest towards the national park boundary. Steep slopes, mud and several small river crossings will make for a truly adventurous day 5h to walk. Picnic lunch on the road and drive back to Sambava (2h). Arrival at the hotel. Night in Sambava. '''Day 11: Sambava - [[Vohemar]] - Daraina Reserve (B/L/D)'''<br>
Breakfast and early departure from Sambava to Vohemar (3h). Lunch on the way in a local restaurant. To reach the remote paradise of Daraina Reserve from Vohemar is not easy; this is a tough drive on a very bad road including river crossings (4h of bumpy road). Arrival at the camp. At sunset, possibility to go for a night walk in search of the rare [[Aye-aye]]. Night in Daraina Reserve.