Trekking at Masoala

Several treks of differing lengths are possible at Masoala National Park. The following is a brief description of the three main routes. The descriptions are written for treks based from Maroantsetra. Treks can also be based out of Antalaha. Experienced guides will help you plan all of the details.

Maroantsetra - Antalaha. 3 – 5 days, depending on conditions and pace. 

The towns of Antalaha and Maroantsetra are separated by approximately 80 kilometers of forests, agricultural lands and villages. There is no road connecting the towns. Villagers commute by foot on a trail known as “route national 5.” This trail passes through villages, rice fields, and a corridor of protected forest. 
If you begin your excursion in Maroantsetra, it is possible to rent a small motorboat to take you to the village of Navana. Otherwise, it is necessary to travel for 20km by pirogue and on foot. Once in Navana, you walk through several idyllic villages on your way north. On the periphery of these villages, you will discover vanilla plantations, coffee trees, terraced rice fields and banana trees.
Mahalevona is approximately 1.5 hours from Navana. Like other villages along the route, it offers several locations where you can eat Malagasy “hotely” meals, or even rent a small room for the night. From Mahalevona, the trail slowly ascends as you travel north toward Antalaha. You will notice that you are walking through a valley and following the course of a river, which you will cross many times during your trek.
At Ambatoledama, you will find a forest research station, where trees are grown for forest restoration projects. Depending on the season, the demonstration garden may be bursting with produce. Here, park agents help to teach villagers how to grow vegetables for improved nutrition and for sale in local markets. There are two tent shelters here where you can stay for the night. The Ambatoledama forest corridor is an excellent place to look for red-ruffed, white fronted brown, and several other lemur species. If you want to experience the rain forest on this trek, it is best to spend the night in Ambatoledama and explore the Ambatoledama corridor. Otherwise, the 45-minute walk through the corridor will be your only chance to experience the protected forest of the park on this route.
As you travel north, the trail will continue to ascend to an altitude of approximately 600 meters. You will descend slightly to the town of Ampokafo. Here, it is possible to find modest accommodations and meals. In Ampokafo, you can decide whether you want to continue northeast toward Antalaha, or east toward Cap Est. If you continue the slow descent toward Antalaha, you will find several bush taxis, as well as modest accommodations, waiting for you in the village of Marofinaritra (a 1 to 2 day trek, depending on pace). The bush taxi ride to Antalaha takes about 4 hours and usually departs mid-morning on most days.

Cap Est Extension – Allow 5 to 7 days total from Maroantsetra.
 
The trip east toward Cap Est from Ampokafo will take you into the Masoala National Park. After a challenging ascent to approximately 1000m, you will later pass by the beautiful Bevontsira waterfall, and challenge yourself in the wet conditions of the forest. Several river crossings are dangerous, with swift currents and chest high water. It may be necessary to wait many hours to allow water levels to return to normal after rainstorms. The route slowly descends over several days along a river valley. People who are not absolutely confident in their trekking skills or are not comfortable in remote places (full of leeches) should not attempt this trek. This route offers 2 to 3 days within the core of the protected area. After leaving the park, you enter a zone of villages bordering a broad river, on your way east toward the coast.
Once you arrive in the village of Antanandavahely, you can hire a dugout canoe to transport you to the coast. Cap Est is about 7 km south of the village of Ambohitralalana.   

Maroantsetra to Antalaha – Coastal Route. Allow 10 – 14 days.

This trip will take you on local trails from Maroantsetra, down the beautiful coast of the Masoala peninsula. You will pass through the park in several locations, through villages, and along the coastline of the marine parks. You may elect to stay for several nights in Tampolo. Other beautiful locations include Ambodilaitry, where there is a tent shelter, Cap Masoala, Vinanivao, Ratsianarana, and Cap Est.

Equipment Concerns for Treks

Anyone considering trekking at Masoala National Park should not have to read an equipment list for basic items. However, from experience, we do recommend serious consideration of proper footwear. 

Since all treks require that you cross rivers many times, visitors with leather boots typically worn on treks in Europe or North America may find themselves quickly contending with blisters or sores, not to mention very heavy feet. Or, you will spend an annoying amount of time taking off and putting on your boots. Aquatic shoes, like several models offered by Keen, Solomon, or Merrill, tend to be a better choice. You may elect to wear athletic sandals like those made by Chaco or Teva. Sandals and a good thick pair of socks to protect your feet work well. Think Feet!

Also make sure to bring quality rain gear, malaria medicines, water purification gear, and a medical kit.

Porters are recommended to help you carry your gear during treks. They are very skilled at carrying heavy loads on the muddy trails, strange bridges (slippery logs), and dangerous rocks along the route.