Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Masoala National Park

Discovering Nature's Wonders

Today was a day of deep immersion into the heart of Madagascar's incredible biodiversity. From exploring national parks teeming with unique wildlife to savoring local flavors, every moment was a reminder of why I returned to my homeland with my family. It was a day where the vibrant ecosystems of Madagascar truly came alive, leaving us with memories we'll treasure forever.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Masoala Forest Lodge. The simple yet delicious meal, made with fresh, local ingredients, gave us the perfect start for our explorations. Jean-Pierre especially enjoyed the fresh fruit, a taste of the tropics he can't get enough of. Fuelled up, we set out to discover the wonders of Parc National de Mananara-Nord.


Explore the diverse ecosystems and natural wonders of Parc National de Mananara-Nord in Madagascar, a haven for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

Mananara-Nord National Park is a core area of the first Biosphere Reserve created in Madagascar. It comprises 23,000 hectares of land and 1,000 hectares of marine park. This park plays a key role in representing Madagascar's rich biodiversity. As we ventured into the park, I was immediately struck by the sheer density of life surrounding us. The air was filled with the calls of exotic birds, a symphony of nature that both Jean-Pierre and the kids found captivating. We were on the lookout for lemurs, of course, and Mananara-Nord is home to 13 species, including the critically endangered Lepilemur hollandrum.

We hiked along the trails, our eyes peeled, and it wasn't long before we spotted a group of white-headed lemurs (Eulemur albifrons). Their playful antics in the trees brought smiles to everyone's faces. It’s moments like these that I cherish, sharing the beauty of my homeland with my family. The park's diverse flora was equally impressive, with 259 plant species, many of which are endemic to Madagascar. The kids were fascinated by the unique shapes and colors of the plants, a stark contrast to the more familiar flora of Montreal.

The true essence of Madagascar lies in its vibrant ecosystems and the warm hearts of its people.

After a morning of hiking, we made our way to Sakamanga Restaurant in Maroantsetra for lunch. The restaurant, known for its French cuisine and Malagasy specialties, offered a delightful culinary experience. I savored the zebu tournedos with green pepper, a dish that always reminds me of home. Jean-Pierre opted for the Antalaha vanilla chicken, a sweet and savory combination he thoroughly enjoyed. The kids, always a bit more adventurous when it comes to food, tried the bluefin tuna sashimi. The Sakamanga also offers pizzas cooked in a wood fire as well as sandwiches. It was a perfect midday break, refueling us for our afternoon adventure.

With our bellies full, we headed to Riserva Speciale di Anjanaharibe Sud. This special reserve protects 27,051 hectares of the Anjanaharibe-Sud Massif. Anjanaharibe-Sud has a rich vertebrate fauna, including many endemic species with restricted geographical distribution. The reserve is also the northernmost refuge for the Indri indri. As we entered the reserve, the landscape shifted to dense evergreen mid-altitude rainforest. The air was cooler here, and the sounds of the forest seemed to intensify. Anjanaharibe-Sud is home to 11 species of primates.


Explore the breathtaking biodiversity of Riserva Speciale di Anjanaharibe Sud, a nature lover's paradise in Madagascar's enchanting rainforest.

Our primary goal was to spot the silky sifaka, one of the world's rarest and most critically endangered primates. With only a few hundred estimated to remain in the wild, the odds were against us. We hiked deeper into the forest, guided by a local expert who knew the reserve like the back of his hand. He shared stories of the forest, its creatures, and the challenges of conservation. It was an enlightening experience, providing context to the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.

While we didn't see a silky sifaka, we were fortunate enough to encounter a group of Indri lemurs. Their distinctive calls echoed through the forest, a haunting and beautiful sound. The kids were thrilled, pointing and whispering as the lemurs swung effortlessly through the trees. It was a moment of pure joy, connecting us to the wild heart of Madagascar. Anjanaharibe-Sud is home to 112 species of birds. Birders come here to spot the Malagasy serpent eagle. The reserve also has 43 species of reptiles and 43 species of amphibians.

As the day drew to a close, we returned to Maroantsetra for dinner at Sakamanga Hôtel. This time, we opted for a different dining experience, enjoying a meal on the terrace. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the food was just as delicious as before. We shared stories of our day, laughing and reminiscing about our adventures. I felt a deep sense of gratitude, thankful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family.

Before heading back to Masoala Forest Lodge, Jean-Pierre and I decided to check out Kenway Grill. It was a great way to experience the local culture. The vibrant ambiance and exquisite drinks made it a memorable experience.


Experience the vibrant ambiance and exquisite drinks at Kenway Grill, a must-visit bar in Antalaha, Madagascar, that offers a taste of local culture.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Antalaha and its beautiful beach. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this region and sharing those experiences with you all. For now, though, I'm content to drift off to sleep, lulled by the sounds of the forest and the memories of a day well spent. It’s comforting knowing that we are contributing to the local economy by staying at local guesthouses.

This trip back home is turning out to be everything I had hoped for and more. Reconnecting with my roots, sharing my heritage with my family, and experiencing the wonders of Madagascar – it’s a dream come true. And I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

The northeastern portion of Madagascar harbors some of the island's largest remaining tracts of intact rainforest. Within this region lies Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve. This mountainous and rainy region shows exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and local endemism. There are efforts being made to link parks and reserves through protection of continuous forest corridors, such as Makira, linking Anjanaharibe-Sud with Masoala National Park to the south. It is important to support organizations, including the Lemur Conservation Foundation, that are working with local communities to promote environmental awareness and resource conservation.