The Masoala National Park protects the largest remaining Malagasy lowland rainforest and within, naturalists will take delight in the sounds, sights and smells of a truly staggering diversity of life forms.
- Forest walks
- High endemicity
- Unique species of primate
- extensive coral reefs
- Unique ecosystem
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Masoala Peninsula travel info Masoala Peninsula and Nosy Mangabe: Near Maroantsetra (north-east). Masoala National Park is a hiker and naturalist's dream! Approaching the peninsula by boat is an awe inspiring experience - it's one of the few places left where tropical rainforest extends right down to the sea. There are several trails in the Masoala, but visitors must be prepared to camp. Rare birds (especially brown mesite, red-breasted coua, scaly ground-roller, velvet asity and helmet vanga) are a prime attraction.
Nosy Mangabe is a rainforest-clad lemur reserve island, where large populations of black & white ruffed lemur, white-fronted lemur and the bizarre aye aye find sanctuary. The campsite on Nosy Mangabe has been upgraded and staying there for at least a night, is a treat. Reptiles abound on Mangabe, notably the fringed gecko (Uroplatus). Increasingly, aye ayes are being spotted on a regular basis. Today, excellent accommodation in Maroantsetra offers visitors wonderful comfort before and after Masoala expeditions.
b>Seasons
Best time to explore this wilderness is between Aug-Dec as the climate is pleasantly dy.
Precautions
Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.
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