A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Masoala National Park is an exceptional place to visit. Two percent of all of planet earth’s animals and plant species reside here. Some species like the aye-aye, the red-ruffed lemur, the Madagascar red owl and the extremely rare serpent eagle are endemic to the peninsula and thus found nowhere else. As if that wasn’t enough, there are pristine, unspoiled shores peppered with unexplored golden beaches. Presently, more than 3,000 fish species have been inventoried in the marine parks. Moreover, the Antongil Bay itself is also used as a sheltered place by humpback whales that gather here during breeding season. During the months of the austral summer, Antongil’s waters literally froth with cetaceans. The region also supports one of the most diverse groups of palm species in the world.
Masoala National Park is the largest protected area in Madagascar, encompassing 2,300 square kilometers of terrestrial habitat on the Masoala Peninsula and three distinct marine parks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for being one of the few places where pristine lowland rainforest extends unbroken all the way to the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean.
Key Features and Wildlife:
- Red Ruffed Lemur: Masoala is the only place in the world where the magnificent and highly endangered Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia rubra) is found.
- Diverse Habitats: The park protects a stunning variety of ecosystems: primary rainforest, coastal forests, flooded forests, mangroves, and pristine marine reserves, making it exceptionally biodiverse.
- Marine Life: The three marine parks (Tampolo, Cap Masoala, and Tanjona) offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and sea kayaking over coral reefs teeming with fish and sea turtles.
- Humpback Whales: From July to September, Antongil Bay—which borders the park—is a crucial breeding and calving ground for thousands of Humpback Whales, providing spectacular seasonal viewing opportunities.
- Other Endemics: The forest is home to other key species, including the elusive Aye-aye (shared with nearby Nosy Mangabe), the Tomato Frog, various tiny Stump-tailed Chameleons, and a plethora of rare birds like the Helmet Vanga and the Madagascar Serpent Eagle.
Visitor Experience:
- Remote Access: The park is remote, accessible only by a boat crossing from the town of Maroantsetra, making it an adventurous and uncrowded destination.
- Activities: Visitor activities include multi-day rainforest hikes (guided), guided night walks to spot nocturnal species, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and boat tours for wildlife viewing.
- Associated Reserve: The nearby Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve is often included in Masoala itineraries.
Masoala National Park is home to 10 species of lemurs, including several rare and highly sought-after species.1
The most notable lemur species found in Masoala are:
| Lemur Species | Activity Pattern | Key Note |
| Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia rubra) | Diurnal (Daytime) | Endemic to the Masoala Peninsula, this large, striking red and black lemur is the park’s most iconic species. |
| Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) | Nocturnal (Nighttime) | A rare, bizarre-looking lemur known for its unique finger. Its presence in the park’s forests and on Nosy Mangabe is a major conservation focus. |
| White-fronted Brown Lemur (Eulemur albifrons) | Diurnal (Daytime) | A commonly sighted species on the peninsula. |
| Masoala Woolly Lemur (Avahi mooreorum) | Nocturnal (Nighttime) | An eastern woolly lemur subspecies that is endemic to the Masoala region. |
| Eastern Fork-marked Lemur (Phaner furcifer) | Nocturnal (Nighttime) | Known for the distinctive black fork-shaped stripe on its head. |
| Mouse Lemur (Various spp.) | Nocturnal (Nighttime) | Several species, including the Brown Mouse Lemur, are common and active at night. |
Visitors typically observe the diurnal species during day hikes and the nocturnal species during guided night walks.
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Masoala National Park