astern Madagascar is slightly more rainy than the rest of the country but is truly beautiful. Between July and September you have the Humpback Whales at Masoala, who come to the warm tropical waters to mate and give birth, a truly unforgettable experience.
Perinet National Park (Andasibe)
Situated in the province of Toamasina between 930m and 1040m of altitude the reserve is a complex of protected areas that can be visited individually or by groups: La Réserve Spéciale d’Indri is a reserve especially for the Indri Indri Lemur and also contains other species as well as great Flora.
The Vakona Reserve is a private reserve owned by Vakona Forest Lodge and includes Lemur Island which is a great opportunity to get up close to Lemurs in a natural setting.
Vakona Forest Lodge
Mantadia National Park
The National Park of Mantadia is a mass of rainforest and has a damp tropical climate. Its flora is rich with ferns, mosses, orchids and it also has medicinal plants. Its fauna represents no less than 11 endemic species of lemurs and many diurnal and nocturnal species. You also might discover the smallest chameleon, and other reptiles in the park as well as the very colourful Mantella frog which is easily spotted.
Masoala Peninsula
The Masoala peninsular is one of the largest and most biologically diverse areas of virgin rainforest in Madagascar and probably contains the largest number of unclassified species. The park rises from its three Marine reserves protecting coral reefs up to a height of over 1300m at its peak. Humpback whales use the nearby Bay of Antongil for calving and can be seen from the park's coastline. The park forests abound with chameleons and geckos, as well as several previously undiscovered species of butterfly and fish.
Masoala Forest Lodge
Relais du Masoala
The Special Reserve of Nosy Mangabe, covered in humid thick forest is a remote island with incredible natural beauty. You can still find traces of its former human inhabitants: the graves of an Antimaroa family are located deep in the forest, and rocks where Dutch sailors scratched out engravings in the XVIIth century can be discovered along the coast. The island is thought by many to be the best place to observe the Aye-Aye, considered by many to be Madagascar's strangest lemur. This is also one of the places where you can find the Uroplatus, a well camouflaged and otherworldly looking lizard. Nosy Mangabe also shelters the world's smallest chameleon, the tiny Brookesia. Each year between July and September the bay plays host to hundreds of Humpback Whales who come to the warm tropical waters to mate and give birth.
The Pangalanes
The Pangalanes canal is a man made waterway which connects a series of lakes on the eastern coast of Madagascar. Along it you will see deserted beaches and scattered forests with many orchids and traveller’s trees as well as many birds. It is the primary North / South transportation route and allows the local villagers to carry their goods safely along the coast as well as offering them good fishing. Lake Ampitabe is one of the larger lakes and is accessible only by boat. This beautiful isolated lake is wonderfully peaceful with broad sparklingly white beaches and clear water; there is a private nature reserve as well.