Located on the northwest coast, just 8 kilometres off the mainland, the history of the ‘Perfumed Island’ of Nosy Be dates to the 15th Century when the first Indian and Swahili settlers were thought to have arrived. Today, the island is a popular spot for tourism with its main draw being its string of beaches, some of which are nearly deserted.Known for its vanilla, pepper and ylang-ylang infused air, brilliantly colourful sunsets and peaceful island life, Nosy Be, meaning ‘Big Island’, has firmly set itself on the tourism map. This large, volcanic island is easily accessible and acts as the main gateway to a stunning archipelago. Here you will find some of the best beaches in Madagascar, perfect for some relaxation after exploring the mainland’s countless natural attractions.
Its highly agreeable climate makes it a good place to visit all year round, although February and March are known to be more humid, with a small risk of cyclone.
As a rule, the further north you head, the prettier and more secluded the palm-fringed beaches become, and the hilly landscapes that encompass the eleven volcanic crater likes creates some fantastic viewing points from areas such as Mount Passot and Mount Lokone.
Within the protected rainforest of Lobeke Reserve in the southeast of the island, you can find some extraordinary fauna, such as black lemurs, the smallest chameleon in the world and the pocket-sized, miniature frog that grows to a just 1 centimetre in length.
Amongst the small islands that comprise the Mitsio archipelago, Nosy Tsarabanjina is an idyllic and mountainous private island just 40 miles northeast of Nosy Be. This is a stunning getaway for those seeking beautiful natural surroundings and pristine coral reef for world-class diving. The main Constance Tsarabanjina Lodge on the island uses indigenous rosewood and thatch to excellent effect.
Nosy Komba is also known as Ambariovato, which translates as the ‘island surrounded by rocks’. An island covered in thick jungle rainforest, it plays home to many maki’s (ring-tailed lemurs) and Macaco (black lemurs), which you can also see at the Ampangorina Lemur Reserve. The island offers a truly rustic experience with no cars on the island, some superbly quaint and tranquil unspoilt villages like Anjiabe and a smattering of beaches and coves that remain beautifully untouched. Tsara Komba is our chosen base here, with unique thatch bungalows affording stunning bay views.
Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to Madagascar.
In this safari you can experience a vast amount of wildlife in a short amount of time. Head into Andasibe National Park and Mantadia Reserve to offer you a truly unique insight into the initial fauna and flora of Madagascar.
From 6000 per person
This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour.
From 12500 per person
This exhilarating adventure through some of Madagascar’s most biodiverse regions showcases the best of its wildlife and natural splendour. Lacking in the big game and fierce predators of its African relatives, Madagascar offers a unique and ‘hands on’ experience for your safari. A range of weird and wonderful insects and reptiles can be discovered and closely inspected, and the instant appeal of cuddly lemurs is magnetic for many travellers.
From 54000 per person
