A Rainforest Kingdom of Biodiversity, Masoala National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular and untouched tropical rainforest ecosystems in Madagascar. The National Park extends from the coastal sandy beaches, into the hills, along one of Madagascar’s wettest and thus most lush rainforests. With an ecological transition stretching from sea level to several hundred metres, this region of Madagascar supports a wide variety of plants and animal life. The vast protected area comprises littoral forest, lowland evergreen forest, mid-altitude evergreen forest and a beautiful tantalizing diversity of wildlife. It is home to 3 Lemur species including the endemic and charismatic Red Ruffed Lemur, 16 species of Bats, and a diverse array of endemic Birds including the Helmet Vanga – an increasingly sought-after avian sighting among bird watchers. Just across the bay from Masoala, an island reserve that complements the park in every way, is Nosy Mangabe. This moist evergreen forested island is alive with Lemurs-5 species, 20 Reptiles, 19 Amphibians, 52 Birds, as well as Bats and small Mammals. The experience starts at sea level, and trekking through the forest on this island gives you opportunities to see species in their natural habitat without having to carry a pack. Masoala and Nosy Mangabe represent one of Madagascar’s richest and most fulfilling wilderness experiences, and they will appeal to nature lovers, researchers, or the simply adventurers.
