MASOALA FOREST LODGE

Mornings can begin with sunrise yoga while you admire the fiery hues dissipate over the Masoala Peninsula, perhaps followed by a delicious breakfast with wood-oven baked bread and local rainforest coffee on the Sea Deck - a stilted pavilion offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the  national park. Enjoy guided treks in the lodge’s ten hectares of private rainforest reserve, home to Madagascar's renowned red-ruffed lemurs, vibrant chameleons and striking birdlife, such as the helmet vanga with its distinctive blue bill. Thrilling night walks in search of the elusive aye-aye offer an experience unavailable in any of Madagascar's other national parks.

After snorkelling in crystal-clear rock pools or kayaking through the rainforest shrouded waterways, enjoy afternoon tea ar The Beach House or relax with a massage at the Masoala Spa Tent, where treatments employ fresh coconut oil sourced on-site. Round the day off with an indulgent three-course dinner which may feature tempting dishes like octopus salad, vanilla-corn soup and freshly-made gnocchi.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Wildlife lovers
• Serenity seekers
• Those in search of an authentic castaway experience

THINGS TO DO AT THE LODGE:

• Begin the day with sunrise yoga followed by freshly baked bread and locally-grown rainforest coffee
• Snorkel straight from the beach in the crystal clear waters and bountiful rock pools
• Swing in your hammock listening to the sounds of the rainforest
• Unwind in the spa tent sampling some of the selection of massages that incorporate locally-made coconut oil
• Explore the coastline on a leisurely kayaking expedition in a traditional pirogue
• Share your day's adventures over sundowners at the Sea Deck

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

• Enjoy guided nature walks through the lush rainforest reserve, spotting mini waterfalls and colourful flora on the way
• Glimpse the country’s iconic lemurs in the treetops, as well as thousands of reptile and bird species
• Witness the majestic humpback whale migration from July to September
• Meet the local Betsimisaraka tribe and learn about traditional ways of life in the rainforest
• Cruise across the bay to Nosy Mangabe, an island nature reserve home to the streaked tenrec, Madagascar sparrowhawk and over 240 species of frog