Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
idea was first conceived in 1992. The biome, known as Masoala Kely, gives an im-
pressive snapshot of the Malagasy rainforest and has really captured the natural rela-
tionships between the tropical plant and animal worlds.
Thereareapproximatelyahundreddifferentplantandtreespecies,with55%ofthe
trees being endemic to Madagascar. About 20% of the 17,000 trees, shrubs and plants
in the exhibit were brought in directly from a specially established nursery in Mada-
gascar while others were located in various botanical gardens around the world. With
a temperature of 26°C and 80% humidity, there are plants in flower year-round.
About 30 species of Malagasy animals, reptiles and birds live in the biome, includ-
ing a superb group of Aldabra giant tortoises - a species now extinct in Madagascar.
As in the real rainforest, you need to use your ears and eyes as you wander between
lush green-fringed pathways with the occasional glint of water from the streams run-
ning through to lakes. A rustling overhead gives notice that flying foxes are on the
move.Thenthetiniestofmovementsonatraveller'spalmshowsupalargedaygecko,
slowly making his way along a frond, which takes your eye to a chameleon sitting si-
lentandstationaryafewfeetaway.And,suddenly,acacophonyofnoisefromdeepin
theforestdisturbsthewhisperingconversationoftheviewingpublicasfourredruffed
lemurs chase each other out onto the branches above the path. Round bright eyes star-
ing out of dark faces, they look at us, realise we are not a threat, and then run up and
downthetrees,ontoafallenbranchbeforedisappearingbackintotheforest.Magical.
In Madagascar an area of rainforest as large as the entire Masoala Kely biome is
destroyed every five minutes. This is a project that is helping to stop the destruction.
See
www.zoo.ch
and
www.masoala.ch
.
Where to Stay
Tent shelters cost 7,000Ar per night. While camping is popular
and gives instant access to the rainforest, there are three lodges that allow a more com-
fortable stay, all near Tampolo, arguably the most picturesque beach in Madagascar. The
orange-gold sand is backed bythe dark green ofthe rainforest; fresh water runsdownfrom
the hillsides into the sea, and comet orchids shine like stars against the dark eroded rocks.
You can book through Rakotovazaha (Maroa Tours), Relais de Masoala or at the lodges'
Maroantsetra offices.
Masoala Forest Lodge
(5 canvas bungalows) 22 261 14;
e
mea@moov.mg
;
www.masoalaforestlodge.com
.
An upmarket South African/Swiss-owned camp with swish
African safari-style tents. The furnished tents under thatched shelters are on hard-wood
decks. Toilets & bathrooms with hot water are in separate huts. Excursions include kayak
trips, snorkelling, rainforest walks & village visits. €€€€€-
