Uncharted Trek from the Masoala Peninsula to the Highlands
The ultimate adventure between primary forest, pirate villages and peaks of the Malagasy Highlands
Duration
20 days
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
The first rays pierce the canopy of Masoala while the cries of red ruffed lemurs echo. This peninsula of 235,000 hectares, a jewel of world heritage, reveals its secrets to patient hikers. Between turquoise lagoons and dense forest, the trails wind towards forgotten pirate villages, where Arthur and his hosts perpetuate the hospitality of wild shores.
The trek crosses fifteen streams with crystal-clear waters, climbs the rugged reliefs of Makira where Indri-Indri launch their mysterious songs, then gradually ascends towards the desert plateaus of the Highlands. From bivouacs under the stars to village lodges, the journey reveals Madagascar in its raw truth - ancestral lands of coastal and mountain peoples, refuge of unique biodiversity in the world.
This twenty-day crossing unites two Madagascars: the tropical island of explorers and the secret highlands of high plateaus. An expedition that marks souls to the rhythm of porters and local guides, far from conventional routes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival at Ivato International Airport Antananarivo
Flight to the Maroantsetra destination
Boat transfer to Cape Masoala
Hiking in Cape Masoala
Hiking to Rantranavona, pirate village
Pirate Village at Antalaviana
Discovery day in Antalaviana between sea and forest
A free day at Antalaviana, allowing you to enjoy this splendid place and the numerous activities offered from the lodge according to your wishes. Possibility of swimming in the river, accompanied snorkeling excursion to admire the seabed and various fish species, visit to the village and meeting with the inhabitants, swimming, hiking, trips to waterfalls…
Hike from Antalaviana to Ambodiforaha, between beach, rivers and forest
Discovery of Masoala National Park, its Fauna and Flora
Early in the morning, we depart for a naturalist circuit in the primary forest where we will have the opportunity to observe red ruffed lemurs (varecia rubra) in the trees of Masoala park. Ornithologists are passionate about the Prevost's Long-tailed Sifaka that nest in this area.
Boat transfer Ambodiforaha and Maroantsetra
Route to Rantabe from Maroantsetra by taxi brousse
Hiking in forests crossing through villages
Hiking practically in the forests
Hiking practically in the forests
Hiking in the Highlands
Hiking in the Highlands
Last day of hiking from Ankisaka to Mandritsara
After breakfast, we continue our hike towards the Highlands with an extremely wild landscape. We walk on the plateau without villages a little further into the desert.
At the end of the afternoon, we arrive in Mandritsara, night at the hotel. Our car is already waiting for us for tomorrow's journey.
Route to Antsohihy
Fast Express Transfer Ankify - Nosy Be
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- The lunches of Day 2, Day 18, and Day 19
- Dinners on D11, D17 and D18
- Activities not mentioned in the program
- Beverages, tips, and personal expenses
- Insurance (cancellation, repatriation, baggage loss or damage ...)
- Visa fees and departure tax
Included
- Welcome and transfer from Antananarivo airport
- Transfer to the airport > hotel in Maroantsetra managed by the hotelier
- Accommodation in the hotel mentioned in the basic itinerary
- Breakfast, D18 to D19
- Half-board J2 and J19
- Full board J3 to J10 / J12 to J16
- Lunch Day 17
- Entrance fees in National Parks and guiding fees
- Nights in tents, camping equipment provided (bring a sleeping bag)
- Picnic lunches during certain transfer stages and trekking days
- Entrance fees to parks and reserves, including mandatory local guide fees
- The portage of camping equipment during hiking and trekking days
- Visits and activities as described in the program
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
More than 60 days before departure: 30% of the total price (deposit retained)
Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Your Passport:
Important: your passport must be valid. It must be mandatory and obligatorily valid for 6 months after the end of your stay in Madagascar.
Your travel documents
Your valid passport,
Your international and/or domestic flight tickets,
Your repatriation insurance/first aid expenses contract, -
Your vaccination record, not mandatory,
Your blood group card if possible.
Obtaining a visa to enter Malagasy territory
Upon arrival in the territory:
The visa cost is €35 for a stay of less than 30 days.
It is easily obtained upon your arrival in Malagasy territory.
This applies to all airports in Madagascar that receive international flights.
Upon arrival in the terminal, upon exiting the plane, a corridor for passengers is dedicated to issuing tourist visas.
This procedure is the simplest. We recommend it to you.
From the embassies and consulates of your countries of origin:
For information, download the document explaining the procedure and the constitution of the file for obtaining a visa from the Madagascar embassy.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and procedures for claiming any loss are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any loss. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Ivato Airport (Antananarivo) or online (e-visa). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Before booking your trip, check with Madagascar's consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality, including visa fees and authorized lengths of stay.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 160 and 270 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros return) are additional. Long transfers and domestic flights represent a significant portion of the budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) protection, which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — East Coast
Ambassador of Malagasy fihavanana, based in Antananarivo
For me, traveling to Madagascar is stepping into the spirit of fihavanana: sharing, helping one another, meeting people, and taking time to understand what connects them to their land.
— Noro
