Masoala National Park
The Masoala National Park is located on the Masoala peninsula in the north-east of Madagascar. The peninsula is enclosed by the Indian Ocean in the east and Antongil Bay in the west. Masoala itself is a group of several protected areas, divided into four terrestrial sections and three marine sections. The Masoala complex, which is made up of the Masoala National Park and the Mangabe Special Reserve, is the largest nature protected area in Madagascar.
Masoala National Park is one of the six national parks on the east coast of Madagascar, all of which were declared by UNESCO a World Heritage in Danger under the name Rainforests of the Atsinanana in 2010.
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 or Antalaha.
A car ride from Tamatave to Maroantsetra along the RN5 takes about two days (400km) along a very bad road, which is often closed due to cyclones from December to March. From Antalaha it is a 45km stretch to Andranoanala (Cap Est). During the dry season it takes about 4 hours by 4x4, whilst in the rainy season some bridges may be impassable and the use of pirogues may be necessary to cross the river.
Depending on the season, cargo boats leave 3 to 6 times a week from Tamatave to Maroantsetra. The sea journey takes between one and two days.
Accommodation
Tampolodge
Fax: +261 020 5772149
Email: f-f@wanadoo.mg
Website: www.masoalamadagascar.com
Masoala Forest Lodge
Tel: +41 52624 1077 (Switzerland)
Email: mea@wanadoo.mg
Website: www.masoalaforestlodge.com
Arol Lodge
Tel: 033 12 902 77
Email: masoala@free.fr
Website: http://arollodge.free.fr/home.htm
Cap Est
Cap Est is the eastern most point of Madagascar and can reached by boat or by trekking from Antalaha or Maroantsetra. The closest town is Ambodirafia.
- La Résidence du Cap
- Hotel du Voyage
