Lokobe Special Reserve: Nosy Be’s Last Lowland Rainforest

Experience Highlights

The Traditional Pirogue Journey The adventure to Lokobe often begins on the water. To reach the heart of the reserve, travelers typically board traditional wooden outrigger canoes (pirogues) from the fishing village of Ambatozavavy. Paddling through calm mangrove channels and across turquoise waters to the village of Ampasipohy, you arrive at the park’s edge in the same way locals have traveled for centuries. This tranquil entry provides a rare opportunity to spot coastal birds and witness the traditional rowing techniques of the Sakalava people.

Ancient Giants & Hidden Canyons Inside the reserve, the landscape is defined by its primeval character. Towering hardwood trees like the Ramy (Canarium madagascariense) create a thick canopy that keeps the forest floor cool and damp. Trails wind through this humid environment, leading past giant ferns, rare palms, and lichen-covered rocks. The forest is so dense and well-preserved that it feels entirely disconnected from the modern world, offering a profound sense of isolation.

Nocturnal Wildlife Exploration In recent years, Lokobe has become one of the few national parks to offer guided night walks. As darkness falls, the forest transforms. With the help of a specialist guide, you can search for the glowing eyes of nocturnal lemurs and the intricate silhouettes of geckos that remain perfectly camouflaged during the day.

Key Species to Spot

• Primates: The star of the park is the Black Lemur (Eulemur macaco); males are jet black while females are a striking reddish-brown. You can also spot the Nosy Be Sportive Lemur and the tiny Nosy Be Mouse Lemur.

• Reptiles & Amphibians: The vibrant Nosy Be Panther Chameleon, the world’s second-smallest lizard (the Nosy Be Pygmy Leaf Chameleon), and the masterfully disguised Leaf-tailed Gecko. Look out for the impressive Madagascar Tree Boa coiled in the branches.

• Birdlife: Over 40 species call the park home, including the Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, the Madagascar Long-eared Owl, and various endemic sunbirds.

• Flora: Endemic palms like the Dypsis nossibeensis and wild vanilla orchids that thrive in the humid undergrowth.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Lokobe has a tropical microclimate that remains warm throughout the year:

• May to October: The dry season is the most comfortable time for trekking, as the forest trails are less slippery and the weather is ideal for the canoe journey.

• November to April: The rainy season brings lush growth and active amphibians, though the humidity is much higher and afternoon downpours are common.

The Earth Trip Experience

We include Lokobe in our Nosy Be and Northern expeditions because it represents the last wild frontier of the island. We work exclusively with local guides from the nearby villages who have an unparalleled ability to spot the most well-hidden creatures, from tiny frogs to camouflaged boas. Whether you are paddling through the mangroves at sunrise or enjoying a traditional seafood lunch in Ampasipohy after your trek, Lokobe provides an authentic encounter with the “many colours” of Madagascar’s nature.

Ready to journey into the last primeval forest of Nosy Be?

Enquire Today about a Tailor-Made Madagascar Holiday