Nosy Mangabe

Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve is a small, 520-hectare island sanctuary in Antongil Bay, located about 5 km off the town of Maroantsetra on the northeast coast of Madagascar. It is a sub-unit of the larger Masoala National Park and is entirely covered in lush, low-altitude humid rainforest that rises steeply from palm-fringed beaches to a summit of 331m.

Key Highlights:

• The Aye-aye Sanctuary: The island was established as a special reserve in the 1960s to protect the Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), a rare and bizarre nocturnal lemur. A population was introduced here to safeguard the species, and nocturnal guided walks offer the best chance of spotting these elusive creatures with their unique skeletal middle finger.
• Lemurs and Reptiles: The island is a fantastic destination for general wildlife viewing. It is home to habituated diurnal lemurs, including the Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur and the White-fronted Brown Lemur, which are commonly seen. Nosy Mangabe is also famous for having the highest density of the highly camouflaged Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus spp.) in Madagascar, along with several species of chameleons (including the pygmy stump-tailed chameleon).
• Historical Significance: Beyond its natural treasures, the island has a rich history as a trading post and pirate refuge. You can find 17th-century rock inscriptions left by Dutch sailors at a site known as “Dutchmen’s Beach,” providing a glimpse into the island’s past.
• Whale Watching: During the Southern Hemisphere winter months (July to September), the surrounding Antongil Bay is a calving ground for thousands of Humpback Whales, which can often be observed from the island’s shores or on boat trips.

Visitor Information:

• Access: Nosy Mangabe is accessible by a short (30–45 minute) motorboat ride from Maroantsetra.
• Accommodation: There are no hotels or lodges; visitors stay at a designated, rustic campsite near the beach with sheltered platforms, requiring guests to bring all supplies, including food and tents, from the mainland.
• Activities: Activities focus on guided day and night treks through the rainforest, beach exploration, and seasonal whale watching.