Masoala National Park, in northeast Madagascar, is the largest of the island’s protected areas and yet is rarely visited. It is accessed by a flight from the capital to Maroansetra, followed by an hour-and-a-half boat ride.

The park protects beautiful rainforests, marshes, and mangroves that are home to many species of geckos, chameleons, and frogs. Masoala is the last refuge of the rare red-ruffed lemur. Other lemurs present include the aye-aye, eastern woolly lemurs, brown mouse lemurs, and white-fronted brown lemurs. There are also adorable lowland-streaked tenrecs.

Masoala boasts beautifully wild beaches and clear waters filled with tropical marine life. Three marine parks protect coral reefs and a huge array of marine life, allowing visitors to explore on land and in the sea.

As the area receives very high rainfall, it is best visited during the driest part of the year, from September to December. The annual migration of humpback whales occurs between July and September, and this can also be a good time to visit but expect more rainfall.