Plizio Visual Lab

Nosy Mangabe Dutch Inscriptions

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Nosy Mangabe Dutch Inscriptions (Madagascar)

Weather…

On the island of Nosy Mangabe, set within Antongil Bay, lie fascinating historical records in the form of Dutch inscriptions etched onto rocks. These engravings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, left behind by sailors of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) who stopped here during their arduous voyages to the Indies. The inscriptions functioned as a maritime postal system; captains carved ship names, arrival dates, and messages for subsequent vessels into the stone. The area is most famously known as 'Plage des Hollandais' (Dutchmen's Beach), where the flat coastal rocks provided a convenient surface for writing. These artifacts offer invaluable insights into early European seafaring history and Madagascar's importance as a replenishment station on the spice route. Despite centuries of weathering, many names and years remain remarkably legible, making the island a vital open-air archaeological site.

Location: Madagascar
Nearby: Maroantsetra (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	24	23	22	20	19	19	20	22	23	24
Rain mm	333	280	390	270	206	176	181	120	96	102	130	254

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Dutch inscriptions on Nosy Mangabe are freely accessible as the island is a nature reserve. Visitors can see the rock carvings on a guided hike or independently, but they must obtain a permit to visit the reserve.

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Typical hours

The reserve typically has set visiting hours, which need to be inquired on site or with the tour operator. Usually, the inscriptions are only accessible during daylight as there is no artificial lighting.

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Photography

Photography of the inscriptions is allowed, but flash should be avoided to protect the delicate carvings. A macro lens is good for capturing the details of letters etched into stone.

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Time needed

The hike to the inscriptions and back takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the route. Those wanting to explore the island and its wildlife (lemurs, snakes) should plan 2-3 hours.

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Combine with

Combine the trip with a visit to the mainland town of Maroantsetra, considered the gateway to the Bay of Antongil. Boat tours to the pirate island Île Sainte-Marie are also possible from here.

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Getting there

Nosy Mangabe is reached by boat from Maroantsetra; the crossing takes about 30 minutes. On site, you need to purchase an entry permit for the reserve, which can usually be arranged in advance through a travel agency.

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Insider tip

Book the boat trip early in the morning to avoid the heat and have the best chance of seeing lemurs. Wear waterproof shoes and long clothing against insects and thorny vegetation.

Geography

Coordinates

-15.50000, 49.76670

Facts

The oldest legible inscriptions on the island date back to approximately 1601.
They were left by sailors from the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
The location is locally referred to as 'Plage des Hollandais'.
The rocks served as a communication system for ships traveling the spice route.
Nosy Mangabe is part of the Masoala National Park, ensuring the site's protection.
Names from more than a dozen different Dutch ships have been identified on the rocks.