Aye-aye Island (= Ile Roger) **

This small island is located in northeastern Madagascar, just a couple of kilometers from the airstrip for the town of Mananara-Nord. At this time, it is the best place in the country for seeing the elusive aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in a natural setting. Several aye-aye were introduced there years ago by the owner of the island, Monsieur Roger, and seeing at least one is almost guaranteed during a nocturnal visit. The island is basically an old overgrown plantation with various stages of secondary forest, but it is quite good for seeing lemurs. Also present are bamboo lemurs (Hapalemur sp.) and the white-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur albifrons). Comfortable bungalow accommodations are available at the Aye-aye Hotel in Mananara-Nord, situated conveniently about 100 m from the edge of the airstrip. Note that, as of 2009, Air Madagascar no longer operates scheduled flights to Mananara, so it is necessary to either charter a flight or travel by means of a motorized boat transfer arranged by hotels, such as Relais du Masoala in Maroantsetra.