The Masoala National Park is in the northeast of Madagascar, on the Half-island Masoala, is one of the most specie-rich patches of the earth. It was declared a National Park in 1997 and covers a total area of over 2000 km2. The entire reserve is characterized by a variety of landscapes and a large diversity of flora and fauna. Inside the Park you will find the largest rain forest of Madagascar. Furthermore, the Masoala National Park includes extensive coastal forests, mangrove swamps and the fascinating underwater world of the Indian Ocean.
Since 2007, the National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus it has a protected status and can provide so many animal and plant species undisturbed habitat. The visitor will be able to discover 11 different types of lemurs, including the Red Maki, which is only native to the forests of Masoala. Furthermore, Masoala is home to numerous rare species of birds, the red Madagascar Owl and the Madagascar Short-toed Eagle. Already considered as an extinct species was the Madagascar snake hawk, which was found again in 1993 for the first time in the national park . The flora there also has a considerable diversity of over 2400 plant species, including numerous species of carnivorous plants. In three maritime reserves stretch beautiful coral reefs, which are a paradise for diving and snorkeling. A special attraction is the humpback whales, which pass along the coast between July and September and give birth and raise their young in the bay of Antongil.
If you want to explore the national park, you can do so on foot or by boat. Qualified guides lead the visitors and immerse them in the fascinating world of Madagascar. There are no overnight accommodations in the National Park itself, the visitor will find accommodations in the small town of Maroantsetra. From there, the boats that depart for the national park also start. The best time to visit Masoala National Park is from May to November. The prevailing rainy season from December to April makes it impossible to make trips to the park.
Highlights
– 11 lemur species
– humpback whales
– carnivorous plants
Equipment
– Hiking shoes or trekking shoes
– enough liquid
– Sunscreen
– Swimming suits
Tour Duration
Day Tour (2-4 hours)
Multi-day tour (3-8 days)
