The flight by Sky Services from Antanarivo was delightful. It was a very small plane but the views over Madagascar were amazing. I had not realised how hilly it was. You certainly get to see the country well from the air.

We were met at the airport and taken by minibus to get the boat. On the way in the minibus it was interesting to see the villages and local life. We had a breakfast before going on the boat.

We first went to an island where we went for a walk in the forest. We did see a couple of lemurs and a couple while we were eating our lunch.

Then it was back on the boat to Masoala Lodge. Though it was a sunny day the sea was very rough and the three hour crossing was not pleasant and we were very glad to get there.

We had tent number 2. It was a very interesting place to stay and even better when we asked if some of the branches could be pruned back a little so as to have a view of the sea. The bed was very comfortable to sleep in. The bathroom was down stairs in a wooden room and had everything you needed and a generous supply of towels. There was a laundry basket there which was a very efficient system to use wile we were there. Make sure to take the rechargeable Torch supplied when you go to the bathroom at night!! Make sure you take the torch over in the evening as it is exceptionally dark going back to your tent at night.!!!!

The breakfasts were very good with a great choice of things to have and a very good range of teas too. The views from the sea deck were very good and on two occasions we saw whales onl a brief sighting but a lot of people were unlucky. We had rather believe from the website that you would see more at this time of the year. Sadly there do not seem to be hardly any there. Perhaps they have changed there migration roots.

We felt that the choice of food was poor. There was a slight choice at lunch with a choice between green or blue menu. However both had the same starter and usually one seemed to be Beans and rice on most days. In the evening there was no choice at all.

There was a good supply of Alcohol that was include and some great flavoured rums to try. Such a pity that there was no such choice in the food.

We did go to the primary forest with our guide and saw two lemurs a Chameleon, leaf Gecko and some frogs and birds. It would have been good to see more wildlife. The biggest problem was that some of the sections were not only tricky but at times dangerous to the point that I hurt my knee to the extent it was difficult to go up small steps and was in a ot of pain. I was surprised to find there did not appear to be any first aid there especially as you are some way from the nearest town.

We had taken walking poles that we used and would certainly recommend taking one to help with the paths. Also wearing Aqua shoes gave you grips and at times when you went through small rivers they were perfect.

We did do a couple of night walks but again the condition of the paths was a concern and also the lack of wildlife. We never saw any Lemurs on the night walks nor did any other guests who were there at the same time. We saw a couple of sleeping birds, some crickets, and frogs.

WE went on the day trip that was included and that was good. We were glad to be able to use the boat to come back rather than the long walk back. I did go snorkelling but found that although there were some fish and sea urchins I have been spolt by Snorkelling in amazing settings elsewhere in the world. The waterfall was beautiful and good to go in the pool at the base. The problem being that the last part of the path is very very difficult even with walking poles.

The picnic on the beach was fun even when it rained we just put up the umbrellas and the rain soon stopped.

The trip to the village was one of our most enjoyable days. The children sing and dancing in the school were a delight to watch. Then we went into the village where the ladies sang and danced. They were amazing and seemed to really enjoy their performance as much as we did. After this we had the opportunity to buy items that they had made and they were very reasonable. In the evening there was a Madagascar evening and we were supplied with a sarong style cloth to wear in any way we liked. The food was served on a table covered in Travellers Palm. The rice was directly on this and you ate from it in Madagascar style. We did feel it would have been good to have some Madagascar dancing and singing to accompany the meal.

We did go on the sunset cruise in the outrigger canoe which was wonderful and we were lucky to have a glorious sun set.

One of the biggest problems was that we both had stomach problems that continued on our return too. We were not the only ones to suffer when we were there. So make sure you pack Imodium style tablets when you go. Also walking poles and a first aid kit .

Masoala Forest Lodge ("MFL") was my first stop in Madagascar after my two night stint in Tana. I left Masoala with one thought: I am not sure that anything will top this experience.

Nothing did.

I took the little puddle jumper from Tana to Maroantsetra (which was delayed almost 2 hours because of fog) and was met by Dash, one of the American ex-pats who help run the lodge. (He did a stint in the Peace Corp in Madagascar and speaks fluent Malagasy).

We pile into a truck and make our way to the boat launch, where I meet my guide for my stay, Serafin. He's been a guide at Masoala for 25 years. I already know he's going to be amazing.

Our next stop is Nosy Mangabe, where Serafin and I take a hike while Dash and our boat captain (I'm a jerk and forget his name) wait for our return with lunch. After Mangabe we take the boat to MFL, where we are greeted by other staff members and Sam, the other American expat (also Peace Corp alum) and enjoy Soursop juice. Sam shows me my accommodations for my stay. My tent on stilts. It's perfection.

Every night I go to sleep with the sound of the waves crashing against the beach. I awake with the sunrise. I have an amazing breakfast on the sea deck. And then Serafin and I cross the bay to Masoala where we hike for hours and see the Helmet Vanga, Bernier's Vanga, the Red Ruffed, and the Brown and White Fronted Lemur. Every day in that rain forest is a gift.

In the afternoon there is tea on the sea deck, a sundowner with a bonfire on the beach, and then, for dinner, some of the best food I had on the island. And then? Night walk with Serafin on MFL's private reserve where we see Wooly Lemurs and Sportive Lemurs. And yeah, I did it barefoot (I accept no responsibility if you also do this). In the morning? Look under your stilt hiked tent for animal prints. Relish the beetle in your soap dish. And take pictures of your gecko visitor/friend on your private deck/in your tent.

What can I say... we stayed at Masoala Forest Lodge and we simply loved every moment.

Our hosts made us feel at home from the very first moment, making sure all our needs were satisfied and adjusting to anything we needed or asked for. We got used to hearing "anything is possible" :)

Our guide, Pascal, was the perfect match for us and accompanied us in all activities, from walking in the primary forest to kayaking to the mangroves, always sharing his immense knowledge about Masoala's nature.

We will definitely return and kayak with wales in the wale season!

It is, as advertised, an unspoiled place where the rainforest meets the sea.