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The Masoala peninsula is very uneven in its northern and western parts. Further south, the slopes are less steep and a coastal plain stretches between [[Tampolo]] and [[Cap Masoala]]. The east side descents to a coastal plain with a width of up to 15km. Along the coast rocks alternate with sandy bays and reefs are located not far from the shore.
The particularity of Masoala is its terrestrial ecosystem, which is characterised by rainforests ranging from 0m to 1,300m above sea level. Masoala is one of the rare regions of Madagascar where the edge of the forest literally meets the sea. A fragile forest corridor joins the forest of the Masoala peninsula with the [[Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve|Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve]] and the [[Makira Plateau]]. The existence of this the corridor is essential to avoid that prevent Masoala becomes a genetic isletfrom becoming an isolated ecosystem in terms of wildlife.
The marine and coastal ecosystem belongs to the ecoregion of the northeast, with is characterised by several forest and/or rock patches, sandy bays, coral reefs, seagrass beds and narrow strips of mangrove forest.
In terms of biodiversity, Masoala is one of the richest regions of Madagascar. 50% of Madagascar's plant species and more than 50% of Madagascar's mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles can be found therehere.
According to the history of Madagascar, the first people arriving on the island inhabitants of Madagascar settled in the Masoala region. During the 15th and 16th century, slave traders stopped at [[Nosy Mangabe]] on their sails to Asia or Europe. Today, the [[Betsimisaraka are ]] remain the dominant ethnic group of the [[Antalaha ]] and [[Maroantsetra ]] region. The people of Maroantsetra call themselve themselves ''Antimaroa''.
== How to get there ==
There are two ways to reach the park, either via [[Maroantsetra]] or via [[Antalaha]]. The easiest and fastest mode of transport is by plane. [[Air Madagascar]] operates scheduled flights to Maroantsetra and Antalaha.
A car ride from [[Tamatave]] to Maroantsetra along the RN5 takes about two days (400km) mostly on a very bad road, which is often closed due to cyclones from December to March. Coming from Antalaha, there is a 45km stretch to [[Andranoanala]] (Cap Est). During the dry season the ride takes about four hours by 4x4 car, while in the rainy season some bridges may be impassable and rivers must be crossed by pirogue.
