Nosy Be Info

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Nosy Be Info

Nosy Be island is situated eight kilometres off the north-west coast of Madagascar and has about 60 000 inhabitants. The volcanic island has an area of 300 km². Several smaller islands are located nearby, including Nosy Komba, Nosy Mitsio, Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tanikely. The island's main town is Hellville.

Nosy Be means "big island" in Malagasy. Its tropical climate makes it a leading sea, sun & sand destination. The average temperature is 25-30º Celsius. There are eleven volcanic crater lakes on the island.

Some of the fauna of Nosy Be is remarkable, two for their small size, the world's smallest frog (Stumpffia pygmaea) and chameleon (Brookesia minima). The Lokobe Reserve is one of Madagascar's five Nature Reserves.

To make the most of your time on Nosy Be, be sure to visit some of the surrounding islands. Deservedly the most popular of these, is Nosy Tanikely, a marine reserve offering world-class snorkelling and diving. The best beaches are Andilana Beach and Amporaha on Nosy Be itself and on the private islands Nosy Iranja and Tsarabanjina. Other places worth visiting include Lokobe Reserve located south east of Nosy Be. Travel there by local pirogue and walk one hour into a tropical forest. Discover unique fauna and flora including Lemurs, Chameleons and Boa Constrictors. Nosy Sakatia (Orchid Island) is a small lush island, a short boat trip from Nosy Be offering excellent snorkelling, diving and moderate hiking. A visit to Nosy Komba, the Lemur sanctuary allows you to get up close and personal to these endearing animals.

Back on Nosy Be, there is a wide choice of excursions to suit all tastes, visit the Ylang Ylang distilleries; visit the highest point on the island Mont Passot crater lakes. A worthwhile stop would be to the Artisans market on the outskirts of Hellville where Malagasy handicrafts can be purchased. Not to be missed are the Sunday buffet lunches on the beach at Chez Lolo on Andilana Beach, Sakatia Passions (Sakatia Island) and Hotel Ampasy Kely.

For the more energetic, Nosy Be offers a multitude of dive schools, motorbike and bicycle hire. If you have time on your hands and want to experience mainland Madagascar, take a 30-minute boat trip to Ankify or Russian Bay (opposite Nosy Be) and explore this interesting coastline.

Nosy Be offers a choice of hotels ranging from four star resort type hotels to small intimate guest houses - there is certainly accommodation to suit all budgets. There is a supermarket in the capital town of Hellville which offers a wide range of fresh and canned food including a halal meal section.

Nosy Be Excursions:
Please note: No excursions are included in any of our prices. Excursions can be booked directly the hotels. Prices are an estimate.

Nosy Sakatia (The Orchid Island)
Nosy Sakatia is situated off the north-west coast of Nosy Be. This island has white beaches and turquoise waters. Transfer to this little island by a traditional pirogue. On the island visit the small village of Bemoko and enjoy a picnic on one of the isolated beaches. A guide will take you around the island and point out the orchids and many birds. Snorkelling in the afternoon. Departure from the hotel at 09H00 and return in the late afternoon.
Approximate price per person (minimum 2 passengers): ~Euro 25.
Prices includes: Return transfers from your hotel to Nosy Sakatia, picnic lunch and mineral water, beach blankets and guide.

Nosy Tanikely (Marine Reserve) & Nosy Komba (The lemur island)
This excursion offers two islands in one visit. On Nosy Komba you will find a small lemur sanctuary with brown and black lemurs. Situated on the island is the village of Ampangorinana, a simple little village with the residents selling lovely handicrafts such as small pirogues made out of ebony or rosewood, clay animals decorated with bits of crushed shells, embroidered table cloths and good quality linen. For the more arduous take a hike up the mountain and discover a former French sanatorium.

Nosy Tanikely is situated 20 minutes south of Hellville (Nosy Be harbour) and a short boat ride from Nosy Komba. It is classified as a marine reserve and offers world-class snorkelling and diving. You may see turtles in the natural aquarium and a colony of lemurs watching over your from the lighthouse. The day is spent swimming, snorkelling and relaxing or strolling to the lighthouse. Sumptuous picnic included. Departure from the hotel at 08h30 and return before 18h00.
Approximate price per person (minimum 4 passengers):~Euro 45.
Price Includes: Return transfers from your hotel to Nosy Komba/Tanikely, picnic lunch and mineral water, beach blankets.

Nosy Fanihy (The lost island)
Nosy Fanihy is situated in the north of Nosy Be. This is a little uninhabited island with a long sand beach formed by broken corals. This is great place for snorkelling. You will see a magnitude of fish and turtles plus stunning coral. Picnic lunch is served on the Andilana Beach on Nosy Be. Departure from the hotel at 08h30 and return before 17h00.
Approximate price per person (minimum 4 passengers): ~Euro 45.
Price Includes: Return transfers from your hotel to the island, picnic lunch and mineral water, beach blankets.

Nosy Be Island Tour
Discover Nosy Be Island and its remarkable sites:

The ancient but still functioning sugar refinery of Dzamandzar (opened in 1920)
Hellville, the harbour city of Nosy Be with its lively markets and cafes.
The Ylang Ylang distillery selling the perfumes on site.
The Sacred tree which is still a place of worship.
The Cascade waterfall set in a stunning setting.
The Andilana Beach in the north of the island where you will be treated to roasted crayfish/seafood and many other Nosy Be specialities.

Departure from the hotel at 09h00 and return before 18h00.
Approximate price per person (minimum 2 passengers) with sedan vehicle: ~Euro 45
with 4x4 vehicle: ~Euro 90
Prices Include: Car for the day with driver/guide, fuel, entry fees, picnic lunch and mineral water, beach blankets.

Lokobe Reserve
Lokobe is the last primary forest of Nosy Be where you are able to explore the wildlife and natural history of the north of Madagascar. Leave the hotel and drive to the town of Ambatozavavy (in the south of Nosy Be) and then embark onto a traditional pirogue. One hour of paddling to the town of Ampasipohy established at the entrance of the Lokobe reserve where you will find the elusive Macaco lemurs, chameleons and Boa Constrictors. At the end of the visit relax under the trees and have a typical Malagasy lunch prepared in the local village. Return back to Hellville and the bus will take you back to the hotel. Departure from the hotel at 08H30 return before 18h00.
Approximate price per person (minimum 4 passengers): ~Euro 48.

Prices Include: Return transfers from your hotel to Lokobe by car and pirogue, picnic lunch and mineral water, beach blankets, entry fees and your local guide.

Excursions - Suggestions:
Please bring light shoes for walks, sunglasses, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, hat, T-shirt for snorkelling, camera, local money for drinks and souvenirs. It is forbidden to purchase any coral and shells from the vendors!

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Nosy Be Info

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