- Address: Antsiranana, Madagascar
- Website: nicotoursmasoala.wordpress.com
- Area: 2400 sq. M. km
- Year of foundation: 1997
- Management: Madagascar National Parks
The island of Madagascar is famous for its nature and diversity of fauna and flora. Thousands of tourists come here with the main purpose to visit the virgin forests and get acquainted with the local inhabitants. In Madagascar, national parks, reserves and reserves were organized to preserve the island's main resources. They have the status of state or private property, and in size are small, small or rather large, for example, as the Masuala National Park.
More about Masuala Park
Masuala National Park (or Masoala) is the largest nature reserve on the island. It was founded in 1997. Geographically, Masuala is located in the northeast of Madagascar and covers the entire peninsula. It consists of 2300 square meters. km of selva and 100 sq. km. km of marine park, including reefs and underwater biodiversity.
The nature of the peninsula is very diverse due to its huge size: the selva, swamps, mangroves and coastal forests - all this is the park of Masoala. This protected area is an exceptionally wet place in Madagascar. The dry period is observed from September to December.
The whole park is divided into 29 zones, its boundaries include some reserves. The structure of Masuala includes three marine parks: in the west - Tampula, in the east - Ifahu and in the south - Ambodilaitri. They are considered the most interesting sea areas of Madagascar. For tourists these places are also attractive for diving and rowing kayaks.
Since June 2007, Masuala National Park has been included in the UNESCO list as part of the clusters representing the biological diversity of the country's eastern selva.
What is interesting about the park?
On the territory of the Masuala National Park, you can meet unique wildlife representatives of the Malagasy island: 150 plant species and 140 animal species. Here there are 10 species of lemurs, including bright-red fluffy lemur-endemic. On the island of Nusi-Mangabi, there is an opportunity to meet the night Madagascar puket (ay-ay).
In the reserve of Masuala there are such interesting species as uroplatus, Madagascar diurnal gecko, chameleons of all sizes, tomato frog and Madagascar barn, bird of helmeted vanga. In Masuala Park you can find a beautiful butterfly - Madagascar's uranium. The living snake here was opened and lives only in this area of the island of Madagascar.
Every year from July to September in the coastal waters of the Antonhil bay during the migration period humpback whales come. In the warm waters of Madagascar, new individuals of this mammal are born.
How to get to Masuala?
The territory of the Masalu National Park can be reached from the cities of Maroantsera and Antalaha. From Antalaha, on the way to Cap-Ita, there are shuttle buses and avbots, and you can also ride a mountain bike yourself. From Maroantseur tourists sail on a motor boat, as the park is connected with Madagascar only by a small isthmus.
In the territory of Masoala there are 6 campsites, where you can comfortably accommodate, so as not to rush to inspect all the fun. The hiking trails pass through Tampula / Ambodiforaha, Cap-East and Nosi-Mangabi. If desired, you can become a participant in a multi-day hike through the entire peninsula.
All information about campsites and other places of residence and stops can be obtained from the park administration. Staying in the territory of the National Park of Madagascar Masuala is possible only with a guide, approved by the park. Detailed information about the visit can be obtained from the representatives of the park or in the tourist offices of guides in the cities of Maroantsera and Antalaha.