Kayaking Masoala Peninsula

About Masoala

The Masoala Peninsula.

As always we refer to the Bradt Guide to Madagascar: "The peninsula (pronounced mashwahl) is one of the largest and most diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar, and probably harbours the greatest number of unclassified species. The peninsula’s importance was recognised by the French back in 1927 when they created a small reserve there. ... There are still large expanses of virgin forest along with stunning  beaches of golden sand dotted with eroded rocks.  Some parts of the peninsula, seen on a sunny day, can arguably be described as the most beautiful in Madagascar.

The wildlife is equally stunning. You will need to work for it, but nevertheless the opportunity to see red ruffed lemur in its only habitat, helmet and  Bernier’s vangas, scaly ground-roller and other rare endemic birds plus a host of reptiles and invertebrates is not to be missed."

Masoala National Park is the largest of Madagascar’s protected areas (230,000ha). Its extraordinary biodiversity was recognized when it was declared a World Heritage Site earlier this year. The park encompasses rainforest, coastal forest, marsh and mangrove habitats, and is one of the few places where the primordial rainforest extends unbroken from the mountains to the sea. Created in 1997, Masoala covers 840 square miles (2,475 square kilometres) including intact rain forest from sea level to 4,000 feet (1,200 meters), including three marine reserves home to vibrant coral reefs. Three marine parks are included in the Masoala National Park: Tampolo in the West, Ambodilaitry in the South, & Ifaho in the East. The park is the largest protected area in Madagascar & protects rainforest, coastal forest, flooded forest, marsh, & mangrove. This is the only place to see red-ruffed lemur. Only accessible by boat, around 3 hours from Maroantsetra.

The Masoala Forest Lodge.

• EXCLUSIVE 12 BED LUXURY TENTED CAMP
• 10 HECTARE PRIVATE FOREST AND BEACH RESERVE
• MASOALA NATIONAL PARK AND MARINE RESERVE
• GUIDED WALKS IN THE PRIMARY AND COASTAL RAINFOREST
• ENDEMIC WILDLIFE, LEMURS, BIRDS, REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
• ENDEMIC PLANTS, PALMS, HARDWOOD TREES AND ORCHIDS
• SEA KAYAKING ON SHELTERED TROPICAL SEA
• DESERTED SHADY BEACHES
• BREEDING GROUND HUMPBACK WHALES
• SNORKELLING ON CORAL REEFS IN CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER
• WHOLESOME ORGANIC LOCAL PRODUCE AND SEA FOOD
• TRADITIONAL CULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING

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