Masoala National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rainforests Of The Atsinanana (2007), Managed By Madagascar National Parks. Madagascar'S Largest Protected Area, A Coastal Rainforest Peninsula With Red Ruffed Lemurs, Marine Parks And Humpback Whales Offshore In Season · Maroantsetra, Analanjirofo

Masoala is Madagascar's largest protected area, a rainforest peninsula in the north-east that drops straight to the Indian Ocean. It is part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana World Heritage listing and is run by Madagascar National Parks. Red-ruffed lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs, chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos and hundreds of bird species live here, and the aye-aye is present but very rarely seen. Offshore, marine park islands such as those near Tampolo protect reef and mangrove, and humpback whales pass in season. This is not an easy or cheap trip, and it can be disappointing in bad weather. There are no roads in, rain falls most of the year, and lodges are basic. Visitors who accept that find real wilderness, with few other tourists, and money spent here goes to guides, boatmen and park upkeep in an area with little other income. Go with patience, flexible dates and low expectations of comfort, and you are likely to leave glad you made the effort.

Masoala Peninsula in north-eastern Madagascar, reached by boat or small plane from Maroantsetra or Antalaha, Maroantsetra, Analanjirofo, Madagascar

No fixed gate hours; visits are guided and arranged around daylight, usually starting early morning, with night walks for nocturnal species. Guides are compulsory, so book through a park office or lodge. Access is by boat or small plane from Maroantsetra or Antalaha; boats depend on tide and sea, and flights can be cancelled. Cyclone season, roughly January to March, often closes sections or makes travel unsafe. Confirm opening and transport with Madagascar National Parks before you go.

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