Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve
Malaria & Safety
Madagascar Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Insight guide to Madagascar.
Safety
In our opinion, most parks and reserves in Madagascar, including Nosy Mangabe, are safe to visit. The small island is uninhabited, so any crime here is very unlikely. Weather permitting, the island can be reached by boat from Maroantsetra. Independent travelers visiting towns between parks should follow normal safety procedures. Read ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below for more information.
Read the government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Madagascar’ link below) for up-to-date information about safety in Madagascar.
Malaria & Vaccinations
The main health concern in this part of Madagascar is malaria. As Nosy Mangabe has a very wet climate, malaria is present throughout the year. We highly recommend taking antimalarials. Secondary precautions include using mosquito repellent (with DEET as the main ingredient) and covering up in the evening. Your travel clinic will be able to give you different malaria prophylaxis options as well as the latest advice on vaccinations.
Wildlife Viewing
In terms of wildlife, there is really nothing to worry about in Madagascar. There are no dangerous mammals. There are some venomous spiders and scorpions on the island, but bites are rare. There are leeches in the rainforest of Nosy Mangabe, so it is therefore recommended that you wear long trousers and tuck them into long socks. Although unpleasant, it is important to know they are totally harmless. For more information, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.