Visit Masoala, Toamasina Province, Madagascar

5Jane S 5:00 PM Dec 30, 2022

Email the Visit Masoala team ASAP
My husband and I wanted to spend time at Masoala National Park but it was so difficult to figure out how to do it. The information online is limited, and aside from a few reviews here and there, it was really unclear what the situation would be like, even though everyone said it was an unforgettable place. I saw that Visit Masoala had such good reviews, so I just went for it and emailed Lauriot ([email protected]). He was really quick, thorough, and kind over email, asked me what we were looking for, and gave me a very reasonable quote. I still wasn't sure whether I should book because it felt like just a random email address! But I just went for it and booked. He said we could pay on arrival which gave me comfort. He even helped me book the domestic airline flights to Maroantsetra (and also to Diego Suarez for an unrelated leg of our trip!), which I wasn't able to do from New York. I have zero regrets about our decision and don't think we could have had a better stay. Everything was absolutely terrific - from our guide Claudio, who had the eagle eye to spot every kind of wildlife you want to see while in Masoala (the endemic red ruffed lemur, helmet vanga, brown lemurs, leaf chameleons, leaf tailed geckos, tenrecs, the list is endless....). We had our own cooks, the best food we had during our whole trip to Madagascar, a private boat ride over to the peninsula with a skilled driver. There are only a few lodges in Masoala, Dounia and Masoala Forest Lodge seemed the nicest from the websites but we didn't want to pay a premium and I am VERY glad we didn't, even though Lauriot said he could help us book there too. The bungalow we had at l'hippocampe was huge, well ventilated and netted, no hot water but we loved it. Right on a private beach where we swam and watched the sunset every day. And it was like, hundreds of dollars cheaper. Little pineapple plants around the lodge, which is located next to the village elementary school. Visiting such a remote place with such a fun, caring, and kind crew was a true privilege and one that we won't forget for the rest of our lives. Don't miss Nosy Mangabe! Our one regret is that we couldn't spend more time there. Lauriot is such a good resource for visiting Masoala for any English-speaking visitor to Masoala. Once we got to Madagascar, I realized how difficult it is for local tour operators to set up and update websites to advertise their services. Western tourists are used to fancy websites but we would have missed out on an incredible experience if we relied on that.

5Rakarak 5:00 PM Sep 10, 2022

Second time in Masoala with Lauriot
My husband and I had been to Madagascar in 2016 and liked it so much that went there again this year. The first time we spent only 4 days in Masoala, which was great. This time we decided to spend a whole week there. As the first time, Lariot ([email protected]) organised everything for us. Instead of staying in a lodge in the Tampolo area as we did the first time, this time we hiked from Cap Masoala to Maroantsetra. Pristine nature, lots or animals... Everything you read about it (and more) is true. The scenery was unbeatable and so were the logistics as well. Lauriot organised the transportation, the accommodation, the cook and the delicious food, porters... Unforgettable experience that we can just recommend. Contact: Lariot, [email protected]