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The Masoala peninsula is very uneven in its northern and western parts. Further south, the slopes are less steep and a coastal plain stretches between [[Tampolo]] and [[Cap Masoala]]. The east side descents to a coastal plain with a width of up to 15km. Along the coast rocks alternate with sandy bays and reefs are located not far from the shore.
The particularity of Masoala is its terrestrial ecosystem, which is characterised by rainforests ranging from 0m to 1,300m above sea level. Masoala is one of the rare regions of Madagascar where the forest literally meets the sea. The marine and coastal ecosystem belongs to the ecoregion of the northeast, with several forest and/or rock patches, sandy bays, coral reefs, seagrass beds and narrow strips of mangrove forest. A fragile forest corridor joins the forest of the Masoala peninsula with the [[Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve]] and the Makira Plateau. The existence of this corridor is essential to avoid that Masoala becomes a genetic islet.
The marine and coastal ecosystem belongs to the ecoregion of the northeast, with several forest and/or rock patches, sandy bays, coral reefs, seagrass beds and narrow strips of mangrove forest.
In terms of biodiversity, Masoala is one of the richest regions of Madagascar. 50% of Madagascar's plant species and more than 50% of Madagascar's mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles can be found there.
According to the history of Madagascar, the first people arriving on the island settled in the Masoala region. During the 15th and 16th century, slave traders stopped at [[Nosy Mangabe]] on their sails to Asia or Europe. Today, the Betsimisaraka are the dominant ethnic group of the Antalaha and Maroantsetra region. The people of Maroantsetra call themselve ''Antimaroa''.
== How to get there ==
