Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to various lemurs, including the elusive aye-aye, which was introduced here in 1967 to pro-
tect the species from extinction. A sighting is by no means guaranteed.
INFORMATION
Entry permits can be obtained at the MNP office in Maroantsetra, or on the island itself.
A permit costs Ar20,000 for three days, and does not include the nearby Parc National de
Masoala.
Guides are compulsory. An experienced guide (with wildlife knowledge) is Ar35,000 per
group per day. A simple trail guide is Ar15,000 per day. Night walks (recommended) cost
Ar10,000 for groups of up to four, plus Ar2000 for the guide's evening meal. Some guides
will cook in the evenings for an extra fee.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Boat transfers can be arranged through the MNP office. Rates per person for a return day
trip are Ar100,000/60,000/40,000/35,000 for one/two/three/four people. The trip takes 30
to 45 minutes, but is weather-dependent, so it is best not to wait until your last day.
Parc National de Masoala
The magical Masoala (mash-wala) Peninsula is the site of a 210,000-hectare national park
containing one of the best rainforests in the country. It also encompasses three protected
marine areas: Tampolo Marine Park on the peninsula's southwestern coast, Cap Maso-ala
Marine Park at the tip of the peninsula and Tanjona Marine Park on the southeastern coast.
Most of the park is spread across the central part of the peninsula, extending southwest to
Tampolo Marine Park. There are several small discrete parcels
(parcs détachés)
elsewhere
on the peninsula as well. At the peninsula's southernmost tip is the beautiful Cap Masoala,
which can be reached on foot or by bicycle from Cap Est.
The peninsula is famous for its vegetation, which includes primary forest, rainforest and
coastal forest as well as a variety of palm and orchid species. Ten lemur species are found
here,alongwithseveral tenrec andmongoosespecies, 14batspecies, 60reptile species and
about 85 bird species. The marine national parks protect mangrove ecosystems, coral reefs,
dolphins, dugong and turtles.
There are excellent opportunities here for sea kayaking, snorkelling and swimming. The
entire peninsula is exceptionally wet, however, particularly during June and July, when
river levels are highest. The months between October and December are somewhat drier
and best for trekking.
