Nosy Mangabe is a small island near Madagascar's Masoala Peninsula known for its population of aye-ayes, which were introduced there in the 1960s when this peculiar creature was thought to be on the brink of extinction. The aye-ayes are quite easy to locate, but since they are nocturnal, that's only on night walks. There are several other lemur species on the island, as well as chameleons, birds, frogs and a native snake.
It was a refuge for the Dutch in the 17th century and a trading port during the French colonization. You can still see inscriptions on the rocks left by Dutch sailors on the beach. The graves of the first inhabitants of the island are also still there.
Permits and transportation can be arranged in Maroantsetra. It's possible to stay overnight on Nosy Mangabe, which is 265 mi/425 km northeast of Antananarivo, but you must take your own tent.
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