Nosy Be

This volcanic island located in the northwestern corner of Madagascar, nicknamed the Perfume Island, is renowned for its dream beaches lapped by crystalline waters, its shallow marine depths, its sun-drenched paradisiacal islets blessed with sunshine nearly year-round… Nosy Be captivates the imagination!

A Brief History of Nosy Be

The island's story began long before colonisation, in an era when Nosy Be bore the name "Assada" or "Sada" around the 9th century. By around 900 AD, Arabs who periodically visited the island for supplies established the first trading post: Mahilika. Thus, by 1200, Mahilika had become Madagascar's most important city.

Following Mahilaka's decline around 1400, Indians chose to settle in Ambanoro. It wasn't until 1839 that the French discovered Nosy Be while seeking a new military port to replace Port-Louis (Mauritius). Captain Pierre Passot of the marine infantry was entrusted with the mission. Passot, assisted by sailors and a missionary (Abbé Dalmond), selected the safest anchorage on Nosy Be, where he founded a military post that he named Hell-Ville in honour of the Governor of Bourbon. Rapidly colonised, Nosy Be became an important commercial hub on Madagascar's west coast during the 19th century.

Exploring Nosy Be

At Sea:

• Beaches – Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Green sea turtles are present on the island year-round, while hawksbill turtles nest here from October to February. Set out early for Nosy Tanikely Marine Park, Nosy Sakatia, or Nosy Iranja to observe these marine giants. Snorkelling and picnic lunch are on the agenda.
• Diving: The numerous dive sites reveal vibrantly coloured seabeds teeming with extraordinary aquatic fauna thriving within magnificent coral reefs—sea turtles and whale sharks can be regularly spotted.
• Sailing Cruises: A cruise aboard a sailing vessel or traditional dhow offers authentic exploration of charming islets. Discover picture-perfect beaches, traditional villages, and untamed bays.
• Big Game Fishing: Ventures at sea also present opportunities for deep-sea fishing: trevally, marlin, yellow fin tuna, dog-tooth tuna, and more.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: Some operators offer hydrophone experiences to listen to humpback whale songs (July to September) or dolphin communications. Swimming nearby is also possible.

On Land:

• Lokobe National Park: The island peaks at Mont Lokobe, an extinct volcano standing 455 metres high; Mont Passot reaches 329 metres. This Protected Area preserves the island's sole remaining original Sambirano forest. The park shelters remarkable flora and fauna, including the Eulemur macaco macaco, a lemur endemic to the site.
• Nosy Tanikely National Park: This small island is a diving paradise! It's home to stingrays, clownfish, butterfly fish, and more.
• Other Private Parks: You can also explore private islands, notably Nosy Antsoha, which harbours a natural lemur reserve. Newly-weds might fancy the romantic "Lov Room"—a treehouse cottage available to rent.
• Mont Passot: This is the island's most visited site, celebrated for breathtaking views of volcanic crater lakes, lush vegetation, and sunsets framed by village life and animation.
• Plantations: Nosy Be is equally famed for its vanilla, clove, coffee, cacao, and especially ylang-ylang estates. Don't overlook the sugarcane plantations that supply Madagascar's celebrated rum.
• People and Traditions: The population is decidedly cosmopolitan, though Antakarana and Sakalava are the principal ethnicities. Marodoka village offers a window into the island's rich cultural heritage, blending Swahili and Indian influences among others. Traditional dance and music will enliven your stay!
• Festivals: To experience the warmth and hospitality of the Malagasy people, attend the Donia Festival in May, bringing together Malagasy musicians and artists from across the Indian Ocean.

Beachfront Accommodation

This charming small island in the Mozambique Channel basks in sunshine and gentle warmth. It's a destination that perfectly marries exotic allure with comfort. You'll find hotels offering intimate beachfront bungalows rather than sprawling concrete complexes. Its paradisiacal stretches of white sand and turquoise waters invite water sports and pure relaxation.

Climate

Nosy Be enjoys a tropical humid climate, with a dry season from April to December and a wet season from December to March. Annual rainfall averages 2,200 mm, with a mean temperature of 26°C. The destination enjoys approximately 320 days of sunshine annually.