8-Day Masoala and Nosy Mangabe Birding Expedition
An eight-day guided rainforest and island journey from Maroantsetra through Farankaraina, Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe, with dedicated birding in habitats known for northeastern Madagascar endemics.
About this tour
Explore the forests and coast of northeastern Madagascar with Jean Emile, a Maroantsetra-based guide and tour organizer who specializes in Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe. This eight-day journey links Farankaraina, the Masoala rainforest, Tampolo and Nosy Mangabe, combining focused birding with day and night walks through several forest types.
The route is especially suited to birders interested in the endemic-rich forests of the Masoala Peninsula. Guided sessions look for species such as Bernier’s Vanga, Helmet Vanga, Scaly Ground Roller, Short-legged Ground Roller and Madagascar Serpent Eagle. These are wild birds, so observations depend on season, weather and current bird activity.
Travel begins and ends in Maroantsetra. Boat transfers connect the mainland sites and Nosy Mangabe, while the land program includes primary rainforest, secondary and littoral forest, and longer trail days. Nights include lodge or bungalow accommodation and camping on Nosy Mangabe. The published package includes guiding, park entry, boat transfers, meals, a cook and camping equipment. Air tickets, drinks other than tea or coffee, and any additional Maroantsetra hotel nights are not included.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Madagascar.
Birds you can spot
Oriolia bernieri
target
Euryceros prevostii
target
Corythornis madagascariensis
target
Eutriorchis astur
target
Otus rutilus
target
Geobiastes squamiger
target
Brachypteracias leptosomus
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Maroantsetra to Farankaraina
Meet in Maroantsetra and transfer by boat to Farankaraina. After arrival, begin exploring the private forest with guided afternoon and night sessions for birds and other rainforest wildlife.
Day 2
Farankaraina to Masoala
Continue birding in Farankaraina before travelling onward to the Masoala lodge area. Settle in and take an afternoon walk, followed by an optional guided night outing.
Day 3
Masoala rainforest birding
Spend the day birding in primary rainforest. The local source highlights Helmet Vanga, Bernier’s Vanga, Scaly Ground Roller, Short-legged Ground Roller, Madagascar Serpent Eagle and several couas as possibilities. Rest or snorkel during the hottest part of the day, then return to the forest for late-afternoon and night birding.
Day 4
Full-day primary rainforest trek
Undertake a seven- to eight-hour guided rainforest trek, with time for birding and broader natural-history observation along the route. Expect sustained walking on tropical forest trails.
Day 5
Tampolo littoral forest and coast
Explore secondary and littoral forest around Tampolo, with birding opportunities alongside the wider coastal nature program. A marine-park visit and snorkeling can be included when conditions allow.
Day 6
Boat to Nosy Mangabe
Travel by boat to Nosy Mangabe, establish camp and begin exploring the island reserve. A guided night walk offers another chance to experience nocturnal forest activity.
Day 7
Nosy Mangabe forest day
Spend a full day on Nosy Mangabe, combining forest walks with the lighthouse and beach area. Birding continues through the day, followed by a final night walk.
Day 8
Return to Maroantsetra
Return by boat to Maroantsetra and transfer to the airport or another confirmed point in town, timed around the onward flight.
Locations & map
- Farankaraina - Analanjirofo Madagascar
- Masoala National Park - Analanjirofo Madagascar
- Tampolo - Masoala Peninsula Madagascar
- Nosy Mangabe - Bay of Antongil Madagascar
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request. Jean confirms current access, weather, transport and suitable travel dates after inquiry.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Boat transfers
- National park entry
- Local guiding
- Meals and cook
- Nosy Mangabe camping equipment
- Two airport taxi transfers
Not included
- Domestic flights
- Drinks other than tea or coffee
- Extra hotel nights in Maroantsetra
Transport & stays
- Boat and local taxi transfers Boat travel links Maroantsetra, Farankaraina, Masoala and Nosy Mangabe. Two airport taxi transfers are included. | Meet: Maroantsetra | Pickup: Airport pickup is coordinated after flight details are confirmed.
Accommodations
- Hyppocampe Lodge (days 2-5)
- Nosy Mangabe camp (days 6-7) Camping
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are the departure dates fixed?
Current dates are confirmed after inquiry because flights, weather, boat access and local conditions affect the itinerary.
Is the tour price published?
The current package price is available on request. BirdWatch.info will confirm it with Masoala Nature Guide before booking.
How demanding is the itinerary?
The program includes repeated forest walks and one seven- to eight-hour trek on humid, uneven rainforest trails, plus boat travel and island camping.
Are target bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The itinerary visits suitable habitat and is guided by a local specialist, but all sightings depend on wild bird activity and field conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.