Things to see in Madagascar: Masoala National Park
The Masoala Peninsula supports the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Madagascar, and the greatest number of species. The national park occupies 2,300 square kilometres of mountain and valley cloaked in primary forest, which in many places drops down to glorious sandy beaches that fringe the Bay of Antongil, on the western side of the peninsula.
This is the last refuge of the red-ruffed lemur and among its numerous reptiles are the panther chameleon and tiny stump-tailed leaf chameleon. Rare birds such as helmet vanga, Bernier's vanga and the Madagascar serpent eagle, are seen here, while nocturnal forays reveal mouse lemurs, woolly lemurs and possibly even aye-aye!
Other things to see in Madagascar
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Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
With its easy access and excellent wildlife, this is arguably Madagascar's premier rainforest…
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Andringitra National Park
Centred around Madagascar's second highest peak, Pic d'Imarivolanitra (which means 'close to the…
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Anjajavy Private Reserve
Located on a peninsula on the remote north-west coast, this private reserve is an oasis for both…
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Anjozorobe
Part of a natural corridor that is amongst the last vestiges of forest on the high plateau. …
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Ankarafantsika National Park
The island's best area of remaining deciduous forest lies a couple of hours drive inland from…
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Ankarana Reserve
This lost world in the far north, three hours drive from Antsirana, is protected by a natural…
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Antananarivo
Madagascar's vibrant capital city is amongst the most unusual and attractive capitals in the…
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Berenty Reserve
Featured in numerous television documentaries, this is perhaps Madagascar's best known…
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Ifaty Spiny Forest
Although as yet unprotected, the spiny forests near Ifaty, north of Toliara, are nevertheless of…
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Ifotaka Community Forest
This remote tract of community-owned forest is an admirable illustration of an initiative that…
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Isalo National Park
Isalo is quite unlike anywhere else in Madagascar. Its particular appeal is in its remarkable…
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Kirindy Forest
A couple of hours drive north of Morondava on the east coast, via the famed Avenue of Baobabs,…
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Madagascar's Beaches and Islands
Although Madagascar's wildlife is its main draw, the island also boasts a lovely coastline and…
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Marojejy National Park
Towards the northern end of the rainforest belt, Marojejy contains remote and unexplored…
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Masoala National Park
The Masoala peninsula supports the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest in Madagascar, and…
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Montagne d'Ambre National Park
Located close to the island's northern tip, Madagascar's first national park takes its name from…
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Nosy Boraha (Ile Sainte-Marie)
Close to Madagascar's north-east coast, Nosy Boraha epitomizes all that is good about a tropical…
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Nosy Iranja
Some 50 kilometres south-west of Nosy Be, off the Ampasindava Peninsula, Nosy Iranja becomes two…
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Nosy Mangabe
This idyllic island in the Bay of Antongil has excellent wildlife, as well as fine beaches of…
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Nosy Mitsio
Lying 70 kilometres north of Nosy Be, this archipelago can only be reached by boat.…
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Ranomafana National Park
Established in 1991 to protect the then newly-discovered golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana is one of…
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Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
This largely unexplored area contains huge tracts of limestone that have been eroded into the…
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Zombitse National Park
Lying between Isalo and the town of Toliara, this park is a remnant of transitional forest…
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Places to stay in Madagascar
Andasibe-Mantadia
Eulophiella Lodge
Set amongst spacious grounds and next to its own private area of forest, Eulophiella comprises ten… More
Hotel Feon'ny ala
This friendly lodge is situated next to a small lake, close to the reserve entrance and has a… More
Vakona Forest Lodge
Located between the two parts of the reserve, Vakona offers a high standard of hospitality and… More
Anjajavy
L'Hotel Anjajavy
French flare and panache in splendid… More
Antananarivo
Hotel le Royale Palissandre
This elegant hotel is located in the bustling centre of… More
La Pavillion de L'Emeryne
This lovely boutique hotel is located in the historic upper part of… More
Residence Lapasoa
This is a relatively new family-run hotel housed in a large colonial-style mansion with an… More
Berenty Reserve
Berenty Lodge
A complex of simple bungalows and rooms with basic facilities forms the basis of the lodge adjacent… More
Ifaty Spiny Forest
Hotel Le Paradisier
Situated overlooking the Manambolo River, this lodge consists of a series of comfortable bungalows… More
Ifotaka
Mandrare River Camp
African-style safari camping is a new innovation in Madagascar, and Mandrare exemplifies all that… More
Isalo
Hotel Jardin du Roy & Hotel Relais de la Reine
Nestling sympathetically amongst rocky outcrops on the southern boundary of the park, these… More
Kirindy Forest
Kirindy Camping
The tourist facilities in Kirindy are at best rudimentary. There is a basic camp and a small… More
Marojejy
Camps Mantella, Marojejia & Simpona
Three basic but well maintained camps (huts with bunks and separate flushing toilets) are located… More
Masoala
Arol Lodge
Located just behind the beach and near to some of the best areas of forest, Arol Lodge is simple… More
Hotel Relais du Masoala
This is the first stop for most trips to Masoala National Park and Nosy… More
Masoala Forest Lodge
Set next to the beach, this up-market lodge brings comfortable African safari-style camping to… More
Montagne d'Ambre
Nature Lodge
Located a short drive from the park entrance, Nature Lodge provides comfortable accommodation with… More
Nosy Be
Vanilla Hotel
The Vanilla Hotel is pleasantly located by the sea, on the north-western coast of Nosy Be across… More
Nosy Boraha
Boraha Village
On the east side of the island lies Boraha Village, a small hotel comprising nine simple but… More
Princess Bora Lodge
Located on the south-west coast, this is the best hotel on the… More
Nosy Iranja
Nosy Iranja Hotel
Situated on Iranja Kely, this refurbished property is now one of Madagascar's most sought-after… More
Nosy Mitsio
L'Hotel Tsarabanjina
Few places match the solitude and tranquillity of Tsarabanjina. This is the place to live out your… More
Ranomafana
Centrest
This is a simple lodge on the outskirts of Ranomafana overlooking the national park, and… More
Setam Lodge
This new lodge comprises a series of semi-detached bungalows with well-furnished… More
Tsingy de Bemaraha
L'Olympe du Bemaraha
Situated overlooking the Manambolo River, this lodge consists of a series of comfortable bungalows… More
