Madagascar Mananara-Nord National Park Travel Postcard

Mananara-Nord National Park, on Madagascar’s northeastern coast near the Bay of Antongil, is both a national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Covering about 24,000 hectares of rainforest, mangroves, and a marine zone with offshore islands, it protects an exceptional range of habitats—humid lowland forest, coral reefs, and seagrass beds—that shelter hundreds of endemic plant species and a remarkable array of wildlife. Visitors can encounter rare lemurs such as the elusive aye-aye and black-and-white ruffed lemur, along with colorful birdlife, reptiles, and diverse marine species. The park’s humid tropical climate supports lush vegetation year-round, and its landscapes vary from coastal lagoons to small mountain massifs rising to about 569 meters. Despite its protected status, Mananara-Nord faces threats from slash-and-burn farming, illegal logging, hunting, and overfishing. Conservation efforts focus on community participation, with local villages helping manage forest use and sustainable vanilla and clove cultivation. Travelers can reach the area by road or small plane from Toamasina or Maroantsetra, then explore on guided treks and night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife or boat trips to the marine reserve’s coral reefs. The dry season from April to November offers the best conditions for visiting this biodiversity hotspot.