Northern Madagascar & Nosy Be Archipelago, Madagascar
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: High

    Safari in Réserve Nosy Hara

    Réserve Nosy Hara is a protected area in Madagascar.

    Best timeApril to November (dry season) for wildlife and trekking. September to November for lemur births.
    Species
    1
    Big Five
    0/5
    Area
    125,471 km²
    Recommended stay
    4-5 days
    Est.
    2005

    Réserve Nosy Hara Map

    Park location

    Recent sightings at Réserve Nosy Hara

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    1 species recorded in Réserve Nosy Hara1 threatened

    No lodges listed for this park yet.

    Try searching nearby lodges on Go2Africa or SafariBookings.

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    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Réserve Nosy Hara

    Madagascar is a year-round destination, but we find the dry season from April to October offers the most comfortable travel conditions and excellent wildlife viewing. For lemur enthusiasts, the 'baby...

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Cyclones are possible, particularly in the east.

    This is baby season for many lemur species, offering incredible opportunities to see mothers with their newborns. Birding is also excellent with resident birds in full plumage.

    We love spotting the tiny new lemur babies clinging to their mothers' backs during this lush, green time.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with the highest rainfall typically occurring this month. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    Lemur infants are growing, and the rainforests are teeming with life. It's a prime time for observing chameleon activity as they are very active.

    We recommend embracing the humidity for unparalleled access to the vibrant, post-rainy season jungle and its active inhabitants.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains warm and humid. The landscape is incredibly verdant and beautiful.

    The island is at its greenest, making for stunning photographic opportunities. Lemur activity is high, and many species are still seen with their young.

    We find March offers a perfect blend of lush scenery and accessible wildlife viewing before the main tourist season begins.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Isalo National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather starts to dry out, becoming more pleasant with less humidity and rainfall. Temperatures are still warm.

    Lemurs are active and easier to spot as vegetation thins slightly. It's a good month for seeing the iconic baobab trees in bloom in the west.

    We love the transition to drier weather, making trekking more comfortable and wildlife spotting more rewarding.

    Isalo National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant and dry with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is generally considered one of the best times to visit.

    Lemur spotting is excellent as they are very active. The dry conditions make it easier to traverse parks and observe wildlife.

    We highly recommend May for its comfortable climate and the ease with which we can find lemurs and other unique creatures.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler and dry, particularly in the highlands. The west remains warmer. This is peak dry season.

    Excellent visibility for spotting wildlife, including the elusive fossa. Birding is good, though some migratory species may have departed.

    We adore the crisp, dry air of June which makes exploring the Tsingy formations an absolute joy.

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    July

    peak

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping further in the highlands. The west is still warm and dry.

    This is prime time for whale watching off the coast, particularly humpback whales. Lemur spotting remains excellent.

    We recommend July for the incredible spectacle of humpback whales breaching off the coast of Sainte Marie.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with minimal rainfall across the island. The highlands can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

    Humpback whale migration continues. Lemur activity is high, and the dry conditions aid in spotting them.

    We find August offers fantastic opportunities for both terrestrial wildlife and marine encounters, especially with the whales.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Ranomafana National Park
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures starting to warm up again. It's a shoulder month before the rains return.

    Lemur breeding season begins, with males becoming more active and vocal. Birding is good as resident species prepare for nesting.

    We love September for the energetic lemur courtship displays and the comfortable, warming weather.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The first rains begin, bringing humidity and warmer temperatures. Showers are usually short and localized.

    The landscape starts to green up. Chameleons become very active, and it's a great time for birdwatching as many species start nesting.

    We recommend October for the vibrant colours returning to the landscape and the exciting activity of chameleons.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing rainfall, though it is generally less intense than the main rainy season.

    Lemur infants start to appear, marking the beginning of baby season. The island is lush and vibrant, with excellent photographic conditions.

    We adore November for the return of the baby lemurs and the incredibly lush, green scenery.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Ranomafana National Park

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Hot and humid with frequent, often heavy, afternoon rains. Cyclones are possible, especially in the east.

    This is peak baby season for lemurs, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities. Birding is excellent with resident birds in full breeding plumage.

    We find December to be magical for witnessing the very first moments of new lemur life amidst the vibrant, rain-kissed forests.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Cyclones are possible, particularly in the east.

    This is baby season for many lemur species, offering incredible opportunities to see mothers with their newborns. Birding is also excellent with resident birds in full plumage.

    We love spotting the tiny new lemur babies clinging to their mothers' backs during this lush, green time.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with the highest rainfall typically occurring this month. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    Lemur infants are growing, and the rainforests are teeming with life. It's a prime time for observing chameleon activity as they are very active.

    We recommend embracing the humidity for unparalleled access to the vibrant, post-rainy season jungle and its active inhabitants.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains warm and humid. The landscape is incredibly verdant and beautiful.

    The island is at its greenest, making for stunning photographic opportunities. Lemur activity is high, and many species are still seen with their young.

    We find March offers a perfect blend of lush scenery and accessible wildlife viewing before the main tourist season begins.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Isalo National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather starts to dry out, becoming more pleasant with less humidity and rainfall. Temperatures are still warm.

    Lemurs are active and easier to spot as vegetation thins slightly. It's a good month for seeing the iconic baobab trees in bloom in the west.

    We love the transition to drier weather, making trekking more comfortable and wildlife spotting more rewarding.

    Isalo National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant and dry with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is generally considered one of the best times to visit.

    Lemur spotting is excellent as they are very active. The dry conditions make it easier to traverse parks and observe wildlife.

    We highly recommend May for its comfortable climate and the ease with which we can find lemurs and other unique creatures.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler and dry, particularly in the highlands. The west remains warmer. This is peak dry season.

    Excellent visibility for spotting wildlife, including the elusive fossa. Birding is good, though some migratory species may have departed.

    We adore the crisp, dry air of June which makes exploring the Tsingy formations an absolute joy.

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    July

    peak

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping further in the highlands. The west is still warm and dry.

    This is prime time for whale watching off the coast, particularly humpback whales. Lemur spotting remains excellent.

    We recommend July for the incredible spectacle of humpback whales breaching off the coast of Sainte Marie.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with minimal rainfall across the island. The highlands can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

    Humpback whale migration continues. Lemur activity is high, and the dry conditions aid in spotting them.

    We find August offers fantastic opportunities for both terrestrial wildlife and marine encounters, especially with the whales.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Ranomafana National Park
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures starting to warm up again. It's a shoulder month before the rains return.

    Lemur breeding season begins, with males becoming more active and vocal. Birding is good as resident species prepare for nesting.

    We love September for the energetic lemur courtship displays and the comfortable, warming weather.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The first rains begin, bringing humidity and warmer temperatures. Showers are usually short and localized.

    The landscape starts to green up. Chameleons become very active, and it's a great time for birdwatching as many species start nesting.

    We recommend October for the vibrant colours returning to the landscape and the exciting activity of chameleons.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing rainfall, though it is generally less intense than the main rainy season.

    Lemur infants start to appear, marking the beginning of baby season. The island is lush and vibrant, with excellent photographic conditions.

    We adore November for the return of the baby lemurs and the incredibly lush, green scenery.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Ranomafana National Park

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Hot and humid with frequent, often heavy, afternoon rains. Cyclones are possible, especially in the east.

    This is peak baby season for lemurs, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities. Birding is excellent with resident birds in full breeding plumage.

    We find December to be magical for witnessing the very first moments of new lemur life amidst the vibrant, rain-kissed forests.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Green Season

    Expect hot and humid conditions with frequent heavy rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Cyclones are possible, particularly in the east.

    This is baby season for many lemur species, offering incredible opportunities to see mothers with their newborns. Birding is also excellent with resident birds in full plumage.

    We love spotting the tiny new lemur babies clinging to their mothers' backs during this lush, green time.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

    February

    low

    Green Season

    Still very hot and wet, with the highest rainfall typically occurring this month. Roads can become impassable in some areas.

    Lemur infants are growing, and the rainforests are teeming with life. It's a prime time for observing chameleon activity as they are very active.

    We recommend embracing the humidity for unparalleled access to the vibrant, post-rainy season jungle and its active inhabitants.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    March

    low

    Green Season

    Rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains warm and humid. The landscape is incredibly verdant and beautiful.

    The island is at its greenest, making for stunning photographic opportunities. Lemur activity is high, and many species are still seen with their young.

    We find March offers a perfect blend of lush scenery and accessible wildlife viewing before the main tourist season begins.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Isalo National Park

    April

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather starts to dry out, becoming more pleasant with less humidity and rainfall. Temperatures are still warm.

    Lemurs are active and easier to spot as vegetation thins slightly. It's a good month for seeing the iconic baobab trees in bloom in the west.

    We love the transition to drier weather, making trekking more comfortable and wildlife spotting more rewarding.

    Isalo National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Pleasant and dry with cooler temperatures, especially at night. This is generally considered one of the best times to visit.

    Lemur spotting is excellent as they are very active. The dry conditions make it easier to traverse parks and observe wildlife.

    We highly recommend May for its comfortable climate and the ease with which we can find lemurs and other unique creatures.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    June

    high

    Dry Season

    Cooler and dry, particularly in the highlands. The west remains warmer. This is peak dry season.

    Excellent visibility for spotting wildlife, including the elusive fossa. Birding is good, though some migratory species may have departed.

    We adore the crisp, dry air of June which makes exploring the Tsingy formations an absolute joy.

    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    July

    peak

    Dry Season

    Cool and dry, with temperatures dropping further in the highlands. The west is still warm and dry.

    This is prime time for whale watching off the coast, particularly humpback whales. Lemur spotting remains excellent.

    We recommend July for the incredible spectacle of humpback whales breaching off the coast of Sainte Marie.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Kirindy Forest Reserve
    Ankarafantsika National Park

    August

    peak

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with minimal rainfall across the island. The highlands can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.

    Humpback whale migration continues. Lemur activity is high, and the dry conditions aid in spotting them.

    We find August offers fantastic opportunities for both terrestrial wildlife and marine encounters, especially with the whales.

    Sainte Marie Island
    Ranomafana National Park
    Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

    September

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The weather remains dry and pleasant, with temperatures starting to warm up again. It's a shoulder month before the rains return.

    Lemur breeding season begins, with males becoming more active and vocal. Birding is good as resident species prepare for nesting.

    We love September for the energetic lemur courtship displays and the comfortable, warming weather.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Kirindy Forest Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The first rains begin, bringing humidity and warmer temperatures. Showers are usually short and localized.

    The landscape starts to green up. Chameleons become very active, and it's a great time for birdwatching as many species start nesting.

    We recommend October for the vibrant colours returning to the landscape and the exciting activity of chameleons.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Masoala National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    Expect warm and humid conditions with increasing rainfall, though it is generally less intense than the main rainy season.

    Lemur infants start to appear, marking the beginning of baby season. The island is lush and vibrant, with excellent photographic conditions.

    We adore November for the return of the baby lemurs and the incredibly lush, green scenery.

    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Ranomafana National Park

    December

    low

    Green Season

    Hot and humid with frequent, often heavy, afternoon rains. Cyclones are possible, especially in the east.

    This is peak baby season for lemurs, offering unparalleled viewing opportunities. Birding is excellent with resident birds in full breeding plumage.

    We find December to be magical for witnessing the very first moments of new lemur life amidst the vibrant, rain-kissed forests.

    Ranomafana National Park
    Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
    Planning & reference

    Nosy Hara offers an intimate encounter with Madagascar's unique biodiversity, far from the usual tourist trails. We love the feeling of discovery here, where the ancient spiny forest meets the turquoise sea. The sunsets over the water are simply sensational, painting the sky in hues you won't forget.

    Gate Times

    Access to Réserve Nosy Hara is generally from sunrise to sunset. As it is a protected area, specific gate times might be enforced by park authorities. We recommend confirming exact timings and any necessary entry permits or booking requirements with your lodge or local tour operator in advance, especially if arriving or departing outside standard hours. Independent travel can be complex here, so pre-arrangement is key.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary and appreciated in Madagascar, particularly for guides, camp staff, and rangers who provide excellent service. For a private guide, we suggest around 10-20 USD per day. For camp staff, a collective tip of 5-10 USD per guest per day, distributed by management, is a good benchmark. Rangers on patrols might appreciate a small gratuity, perhaps 5-10 USD, if they've been particularly helpful. Always tip in local currency (Malagasy Ariary) or USD if Ariary is unavailable, and hand it over discreetly.

    Dress Code

    Think neutral, breathable, and comfortable. For game drives and walks, we favour light, long-sleeved shirts and trousers in khaki, beige, or olive green to blend with the environment and protect against the sun and insects. Avoid bright colours and black or dark blue, which can attract tsetse flies. Layers are essential as mornings can be cool, warming up significantly by midday. In camp, casual and relaxed attire is perfectly fine.

    Photography

    Photography is generally permitted, but always ask permission before photographing people. Be mindful of wildlife; maintain a respectful distance and avoid using flash, especially at night or when animals are resting. Drones are often restricted in protected areas to avoid disturbing wildlife and for privacy reasons. We strongly advise checking the latest drone regulations with park authorities or your lodge before flying. The light can be harsh midday, so early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic and flattering light for capturing the unique flora and fauna.

    Etiquette

    Maintain a low noise level on drives and walks to avoid startling wildlife and to enhance your own experience. Always stay within designated areas or follow your guide's instructions. Never feed or approach wildlife too closely; observe from a distance. In camp, be considerate of other guests' peace and quiet. Respect the local culture and traditions; dress modestly when interacting with local communities outside the reserve.

    What to Bring

    Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts
    Lightweight, long trousers
    Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
    Sun hat with a wide brim
    High SPF sunscreen
    Insect repellent with DEET
    Reusable water bottle
    Binoculars
    Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
    Small backpack for day trips
    Personal first-aid kit
    Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor)

    Temperature

    27.2°C

    81°F · Range: 26.04–28.2°C

    Rainfall

    346.9 mm

    Heavy rains · 24.6 rainy days

    Humidity

    80.6%

    Sunshine

    9.4 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    6.89 m/s

    24.8 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Réserve Nosy Hara Reviews