Masoala Forest National Park

The Masoala peninsula protects the last remaining extensive coastal lowland rainforest in Madagascar.  Given World Heritage Site status in June 2007 and accessible only by boat, the reserve boasts staggering biodiversity and a wide variety of habitats: rainforest, littoral forest, marsh, flooded forest, mangrove and coral reefs are all represented. Rainforest wildlife here can be more difficult to spot than in some other locations, and guided walks can be challenging due to steep and slippery trails (it’s the wettest place in Madagascar) but you may spot the red ruffed lemur (locally endemic), white-fronted brown lemur, greater hedgehog tenrec, brown-tailed mongoose, day geckos, leaf tailed geckos, panther chameleons, helmet vanga and the recently rediscovered Madagascar serpent eagle. There are three marine reserves providing excellent snorkelling and kayaking.  Humpback whales visit the Bay of Antongil between July and early September to breed and give birth and can be seen from shore or by boat. Two further areas in the Masoala area, Farakaraina and Nosy Mangabe, are described below.