Masoala National Park
The densely forested Masoala Peninsula contains the largest remaining block of protected rainforest in Madagascar and harbours a wealth of rare and unique species.
Masoala Safaris
The 2,300 km sq of the magnificent Masoala lowland forest is protected by National Park status – and for good reason. The park is stunning, with sheets of green shrubbery and plenty of wildlife action; the Masoala safari will take you truly off-grid to experience authentic Madagascan life.
For those that make the journey here, there are rich rewards. The glamorous red-ruffed lemur can only be found here and, for keen birders, the best chance on the island of seeing Madagascan serpent eagles, red owls, short-legged ground rollers and helmet vangas is here.
The Masoala peninsula can only be reached by crossing Antongil Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) by boat, which is definitely part of the adventure and a real demonstration of how off-grid you will be. Once there you can relax and spend your time swimming, sea-kayaking, snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching as well as undertaking guided walks into the forest.
Although you may be sighting them from afar and red-ruffed lemurs are almost exclusively a high-canopy dweller, you are more likely to spot them here than anywhere else on the island. Walks in the forest are highly rewarding, although it’s worth noting the terrain can be steep and tough.
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- Protected rainforest with a wealth of rare species
- Spot the glamorous red-ruffed lemur
- Swimming, sea-kayaking and snorkelling
- Stay in the beautiful Masoala Forest Lodge
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Best time to go visit Masoala National Park
As the largest remaining rainforest in Madagascar, Masoala experiences refreshing rainfall that keeps the forest green all year round. Masoala is a mixture of sun and rain and it’s best to be prepared for both at any given moment.
May and September are known as the ‘transition months’ and visitors will usually only experience light winds. The European holiday months (June, July and August) are a great time to see the humpback whales as they arrive in the Baie d’Antongil to breed and calf.
The driest months of the year are October until the end of December – a great time to see some exotic birdlife and animals. Most of the orchids are usually in flower during this season.
Best time to go visit Masoala National Park
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Masoala’s top experiences
Madagascar’s RN5 to Masoala National Park
Unspoilt rainforest, lemurs, humpback whales and virgin forest combine with stunning beaches on this epic adventure up the wild east coast of Madagascar
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Our Favourite Camps & Lodges
The carrot at the end of any Madagascar trip is the Masoala Peninsula and the gem of a forest lodge – the Madagascar of our imagination.
Learn MoreMasoala National Park (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
Is the long journey to Masoala National Park worth it?
Though the journey may be slightly arduous, the rewards are more than worth it. On land you have the chance to spot a range of spectacular animals, including red-ruffed lemur, Madagascan serpent eagles, red owls and helmet vangas. Time your visit right and you may also be able to spot humpback whales off the coast.
What is the best way to explore the Masoala peninsula?
The Masoala peninsula can only be reached by crossing Antongil Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) by boa. Once there you can relax and spend your time swimming, sea-kayaking and snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching as well as undertaking guided walks into the forest. You travel around the peninsula on foot.
What is the accommodation in Masoala National Park like?
Reached only by foot or sea, Masoala Forest Lodge offers a superb standard of accommodation. It is a very comfortable base from which to explore the forests, beaches and marine reserve in this remote area. With a large focus on sustainability the lodge aims to give back anything taken to run it. Materials used are locally sourced and food is bought from the local community. Service is friendly, intimate and efficient and the guides are expert at finding the wildlife; guided walks into the surrounding rain forests are made in the both during the day and night.
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Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.