Nosy MangabeNosy Mangabe at a Glance
About Nosy Mangabe
Nosy Mangabe is a small island reserve in Antongil Bay off Madagascar’s northeast coast, within the Analanjirofo region. The island is protected for its rainforest habitat and for the conservation of several endemic species.
It is known for dense coastal rainforest, trails through primary vegetation and for wildlife such as lemurs and other endemic fauna, including nocturnal species often sought by visitors. The reserve is used for research and conservation as well as controlled ecotourism.
The island lies in Antongil Bay near the port town of Maroantsetra and is accessed by boat; it is closely linked to nearby protected areas on the mainland and to Masoala National Park.
Nosy Mangabe is offshore from northeastern Madagascar, set in a bay that provides shelter from open-ocean conditions and places the island within a tropical coastal landscape.
- Access: Accessible by boat from the coastal town of Maroantsetra, visits are usually arranged as day trips or short stays combined with Masoala National Park excursions.
Best Time to Visit Nosy Mangabe
The dry season (May-October) is best for wildlife watching and for safer boat access from Maroantsetra.
Weather & Climate near Nosy Mangabe
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3190 mm/year), wettest in March.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 365 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.8h |
| February | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 388 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.5h |
| March | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 429 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 408 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| May | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 281 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| June | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 260 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| July | Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 273 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.2h |
| August | Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 199 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.5h |
| September | Very Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 105 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 80 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| November | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 124 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.7h |
| December | Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 278 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.9h |
How to Get to Nosy Mangabe
Access is by boat from Maroantsetra on Madagascar’s northeast coast. Trips are typically arranged through local operators or lodge-based services; permits for the reserve are managed locally.
Tips for Visiting Nosy Mangabe
- Hire a local guide from Maroantsetra to organize permits and transport-trips to Nosy Mangabe require park permission and usually an overnight stay.
- Bring a headlamp for night walks-aye-ayes and other nocturnal species are most active after dark.
- Respect the reserve's rules: no collecting, no single-use plastics left on beaches, and keep noise to a minimum during wildlife spotting.