Masoala Forest Lodge
Located on an untouched rainforest peninsula accessible only by boat, Masoala Forest Lodge is the perfect castaway retreat. Lying along a sandy bay adjacent to the wildlife rich Masoala National Park in Western Madagascar, this remote lodge has privileged access to the marine and rainforest biodiversity of Madagascar.
Seven traditionally styled tented rooms are found in the canopy of the trees, on timber decks, with views through lush greenery and onto the golden beach below. Each en-suite room has its own private veranda with hammock and seating area to relax and enjoy the gentle wash of the coral-rich waters of the Indian Ocean. The height of each room allows the cool breeze to act as a natural air conditioner, with the rustle of the trees and birdlife inhabiting the canopy.
Cuisine at the lodge has been curated sourcing the best ingredients from the forest and the sea. Fish and seafood is bought directly from the fishermen on the beach, the chef choosing from their daily catch such as lobster, tuna fish, octopus and king mackerel.
The beach house serves as a communal dining, lounge and bar area, whilst the spectacularly located sea deck is the perfect setting for breakfast, tea and sundowners. It is also a special spot to keep a look out for humpback whales when they come into the bay for calving season between July and October or simply take a book and relax.
Days are spent at your own pace. With beaches stretching for miles and the Masoala National Park a stone’s throw away, there is a wide and wonderful number of activities to enjoy, led by expert local guides. On land this includes forest walks in search of Red Ruffed Lemurs, Helmet Vangas and array of other rainforest wildlife, night time forest walks, visits to the local preschool, Ambodiforaha village and the local market. On the water the lodge offers, traditional dugout canoes for adventures up river, ocean kayaking expeditions, whale watching (in season) and sunset cruises. Snorkelling and swimming can be enjoyed throughout the day directly from the beach or further afield in quiet bays and local coral reefs.
The Masoala Peninsula holds Madagascar’s largest remaining trace of lowland rainforest and is a haven of biodiversity and endemism. Described as an “alternate world” because of the uniqueness and rarity of many of its plan and animal species. Masoala Forest Lodge is perfectly located to explore both land and ocean-based wildlife, flora and fauna. Conservation of the area is an integral part of Masoala Forest Lodge’s footprint and embraces the philosophy of sustainable, early friendly design, construction, operations and maintenance. In addition, the lodge seeks to compliment the efforts of Madagascar National Parke, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoo Zurich as part of their DNA.