National park · Madagascar
Masoala National ParkParc National de Masoala
Enter Masoala National Park for a day hike: pay the entry fee (≈30 000 MGA) and take the 2‑hour trail to the Tampolo beach; for a multi‑day trek to the rainforest summit, book a guide and camp from June to September, avoiding the rainy season.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,280 km² (880 sq mi)880 sq mi (2,280 km²)
approximate
Established
2000
Best months
May–Aug
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 10Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- African islands ↗Sleep on the island you fly home from the night before your long-haul departure; inter-island flights and ferries in this region are cancelled or rescheduled often enough to break a same-day connection.
- African islands ↗In the Indian Ocean islands book flexible rates for December to March: a cyclone warning can shut airports, ferries and roads for two or three days.
- Madagascar ↗Check visa and e-visa rules for your passport on Madagascar's official e-visa portal before booking.
- Madagascar ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for your route.
- Madagascar ↗Hire a car with a driver for road trips; self-drive is rarely practical and driving after dark is unsafe.
- Madagascar ↗Do not buy or export wildlife, tortoise shell, precious stones without a certificate, or protected plants; enforcement at the airport is strict.
- Antsiranana Province ↗Antsiranana is a former province; since 2007 it is split into Diana (west, capital Antsiranana) and Sava (east, capital Sambava).
- Antsiranana Province ↗Hire a car with a driver for Ankarana, Amber Mountain and Ramena; there is no useful public transport for park access.
At a glance
- Country
- Madagascar
- Area
- 2,280 km² (880 sq mi)880 sq mi (2,280 km²)
- Park covers both land and marine zones; total area about 2 280 km² (check official figures).
- Established
- 2000
- Best months
- May–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Masoala National Park protects a large stretch of primary rainforest, mangroves and marine reserve on Madagascar's north‑east coast, hosting many endemic species such as red‑ruffed and fork‑marked lemurs, and offering both short beach walks and multi‑day rainforest treks.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2007Part of Rainforests of the Atsinanana.
Size and age
2,280 km² (880 sq mi)880 sq mi (2,280 km²) · national park since 2000
Park covers both land and marine zones; total area about 2 280 km² (check official figures).
Why go
- Primary rainforest with high biodiversity.
- Coastal mangroves and marine reserve for snorkeling.
- Rare lemur species such as red‑ruffed and fork‑marked.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanWet, trails muddy.
- FebHeavy rains.
- MarRainy, some trails close.
- AprStart of dry season, cooler.
- MayDry, good wildlife spotting.
- JunDry, ideal for trekking.
- JulDry, cooler nights.
- AugDry, stable weather.
- SepEnd of dry season, still good.
- OctRain increases.
- NovRainy, some trails closed.
- DecWet season begins.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red ruffed lemurAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Masoala fork‑marked lemurAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Gold dust day geckoAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Hawksbill sea turtle (nesting)Oct–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Humpback whales (migration)Jun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Maroantsetra
Boat from the harbor to the park entrance (≈30 min).
0.5 h
From Antananarivo
Fly to Maroantsetra (≈1 h 15 min) then boat to the park.
2–3 h total
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Tampolo entrance | Gate, visitor centre, short beach trail. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Rainforest interior | Longer trekking routes, waterfalls, lemur habitats. | Guided access only. |
| Marine reserve | Snorkeling sites, coral reefs. | Boat trips from Tampolo. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on park entrance and main trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person, adult) | MGA 30,000 | person | Covers day‑hike trails. |
| Guide for multi‑day trek | MGA 200,000–250,000 | group | Required by park regulations. |
| Camping permit (per night) | MGA 15,000 | person | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Multi‑day trek permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- MGA 30,000
- MGA 200,000–250,000
- MGA 15,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on UNESCO – Rainforests of the Atsinanana before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for any trek beyond the Tampolo area.
- Camping
- Only in designated sites with a permit.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited.
- Pets
- Not allowed in the park.
- Drones
- Forbidden without special permission.
Where to stay
Near the park
Tampolo eco‑lodge
Basic bungalows, meals included.
Near the park
Maroantsetra town
Hotels and guesthouses, 30 min drive to park gate.
Safety
Heavy rain and flash floods high
Mosquito‑borne diseases medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Tampolo beach walk is wheelchair‑compatible on firm sand.
- Rainforest interior trails are steep and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally owned lodges and support community projects.
- Do not collect plants or disturb wildlife.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Masoala National Park?
Entry is 30 000 MGA per adult (≈USD 8). Children under 12 pay half.
What are the best hikes in Masoala National Park?
The short Tampolo beach walk (2–3 h) for a day visit, and the multi‑day rainforest summit trek (2–3 days) for experienced hikers.
When is the best time to visit Masoala National Park?
The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable trails and wildlife viewing.
Do I need a guide for a day hike?
No, the Tampolo beach trail is self‑guided with signage. Guides are mandatory only for longer treks.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, at designated campsites with a permit (≈15 000 MGA per night).
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Masoala National Park
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