Masoala National Park – Overview

Remote and utterly magnificent, Masoala National Park (Parc National de Masoala) is Madagascar’s largest national park and perhaps its most exciting and diverse. Masoala is only accessible by boat or on foot, and it offers wild hiking, an incredible array of wildlife, and spectacular scenery with primary and coastal forests. Getting here can mean a major expedition, but it will repay any time, effort and money spent a million times over.

Best Time To Go

August to November (Less rain)

High Season

July, August and December holidays (Though the park doesn’t get busy)

Size More info

2,205km² / 851mi²

Altitude More info

7-1,196m / 23-3,924ft

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Pros & Cons

• Adventurous off-the-beaten-track destination
• One of the most beautiful parks in Madagascar, with dense primary forest
• Exciting and serious hiking opportunities
• Lemurs, humpback whales, reptiles and more
• Kayaking possible in Antongil Bay
• Can be an expensive destination
• Accessible by chartered boat or on foot only
• Wet climate can make for uncomfortable conditions

Wildlife

Masoala is home to 10 species of lemur, including the sought-after, charismatic and endemic red ruffed lemur. Other lemurs to look for are the Masoala woolly lemur and white-fronted brown lemur. The lowland streaked tenrec can sometimes be found during the Wet season (December to July). There is lots of wildlife offshore as well, including humpback whales, which gather in Antongil Bay to breed from July to late September.

Scenery

Masoala protects the largest tract of lowland rainforest in the country and is an incredibly beautiful place. In Masoala, the primary forest comes down the slopes right to the coast, surrounding little white-sand bays. Small streams crisscross the forest, and the large variety of orchids and palm trees is a treat for botanists in particular.

Activities

Wildlife viewing and bird watching are the main activities in the park. These are usually combined with kayaking, hiking and boating. Hiking and boat trips also happen to be the main ways to get around the park, as there are no real roads for vehicle access within Masoala.

Weather & Climate

Masoala has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall: rain is possible at any time. The driest months are August to November. At this time, the average temperature is a comfortable 26°C/79°F. The rest of the year is warmer, with temperatures averaging 28°C/82°F but peaking much higher. January to March often see extreme weather, and the risk of cyclones is high during these months. Waterproof clothing is essential throughout the year.

Best Time To Visit

The period from August to November has the nicest weather as it is warm and the sea tends to be calm. Masoala has a wet climate and it makes sense to avoid the worst of the rains between January and April. Humpback whales can be spotted between July and late September, and lemurs have their young around October and November.

Want To Visit Masoala NP?

• Masoala Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Masoala