Masoala National Park
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Masoala National Park is located on a peninsula in the north-east of Madagascar (see map below) with the Indian Ocean to the east and Antongil Bay to the west. Primary rainforests cover the area. When combined with the nearby "Nosy Mangabe" offshore reserve, this is the largest protected area in Madagascar and was established in 1997. While still wild, the Park sees many hikers crossing it and travelling north ot Antalaha. Marine activities are well catered for, and modern lodges are found on the western side of the peninsula.
Masoala has huge biodiversity, with 50% of Madagascar's plant species and more than 50% of Madagascar's mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles being found here. This is not all terrestrial either, with beaches, bays and marine reserves adjoining the mainland mass.
With new species of Lemur being discovered all of the time (a total of 113 lemur species by March 2018) it is not surprising that there is great debate over how many species can be seen in Masoala - some claim 10 or 11 and some say up to 19. Whatever it is, there is just as much diversity in the lemur species found here as there is in the rest of the flora and fauna of Masoala. The Red-Ruffed Lemur is found throughout the Park , while Nosy Mangabe is famous for Aye-Aye sightings.
From June to September migrating Humpback Whales frequent this area and sightings of these majestic creatures is a feature. (Southern Right Whales are also often seen)
Features of Masoala: Primary forests, endemic flora and fauna, hiking and marine activities
Time to Visit: Very rainy for much of the year, with the best times being September - December
Access: via Maroantsetra or Antalaha
Masoala has huge biodiversity, with 50% of Madagascar's plant species and more than 50% of Madagascar's mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles being found here. This is not all terrestrial either, with beaches, bays and marine reserves adjoining the mainland mass.
With new species of Lemur being discovered all of the time (a total of 113 lemur species by March 2018) it is not surprising that there is great debate over how many species can be seen in Masoala - some claim 10 or 11 and some say up to 19. Whatever it is, there is just as much diversity in the lemur species found here as there is in the rest of the flora and fauna of Masoala. The Red-Ruffed Lemur is found throughout the Park , while Nosy Mangabe is famous for Aye-Aye sightings.
From June to September migrating Humpback Whales frequent this area and sightings of these majestic creatures is a feature. (Southern Right Whales are also often seen)
Features of Masoala: Primary forests, endemic flora and fauna, hiking and marine activities
Time to Visit: Very rainy for much of the year, with the best times being September - December
Access: via Maroantsetra or Antalaha
