Madagascar Holidays Nosy Be.
Along
the north-west coast of Madagascar lies a number of islands, the largest of which
is Nosy Be. Nosy Be is the hub of Madagascar's tourism with something for everyone.
It offers marvelous beaches and coral reefs in a National Protected area, a natural
lemur reserve, wonderful fishing and numerous nearby islands. The air is filled
with the fragrance of vanilla, ylang ylang, flamboyant, saffron and many other
spices. The Corail
Noir is a small elegant hotel, situated approximately 40 minutes from the international
airport. It has a lovely view of the Ambaro Beach. The hotel has SCUBA diving
facilities and resort courses can be offered. The Restaurant and the Bar, right
on the beach, are ideal for watching lovely sunsets. The restaurant serves delicious
international dishes as well as Malagasy specialties, above all fresh fish caught
by local fishermen.  Dipped
in a luxuriant tropical garden, guests will find 12 rooms with a patio or a indoor
terrace that overlooks the lagoon. The rooms are elegantly furnished with rosewood
furniture and with every comfort:air conditioning, fan, warm water, fridge stocked
with drinks, telephone, TV color, safe and hair dryer.
There
are 9 bungalows, 3 standard rooms and 2 suites. The fresh-water swimming pool
is next to the restaurant. It's an ideal place to cool down during the hottest
hours of the day or at cocktail time. The coast is very jagged and punctuated
by a great many bays and gorgeous coves and also deserted beaches lined by palm
trees. There are also many small islands and rocks that may constitute perfect
refuges for tourists wanting to isolate themselves in total privacy. The inner
part of the island is covered partly by tropical forest and partly by ylang-ylang
and spices. The
best excursions are to Lokobe Natural Reserve, where macaco lemurs, chameleons,
varied birdlife and a few boa constrictors live, and to Mont Passot from where
you will have a view of the volcanic lakes and the archipelago’s islands. EXTENSIONS
FROM NOSY BE: Why
not extend a beach holiday in Nosy Be Madagascar to one of the natural reserves
or wildlife forests? We
recommend: Perinet. Perinet (Analamazaotra) is Madagascar's most visited reserve,
because it is so easy to get to. It holds a variety of rare rainforest animals,
notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of the Lemurs. Bush walks Unique species
of primate Variety of lemurs Perinet
lies in the central- eastern parts of Madagascar, covering an area of 12 810 hectares
of dense primary rainforest. It is easily accesisble from Antananarivo (142 kms
away). Its trails are well mapped. Forest guides will invariably find many animal
and plant oddities. The nearby Mantadia National Park holds a select band of rare
mammals and birds, which find sanctuary in its spectacular primary rainforest.
Seasons The best
period to visit it is between September and January, or in May. The main attractions
of the park are the two lakes (Lac Vert, Lac Rouge), 11 species of lemurs, big
chameleons and the blue boa. Perinet holds a large variety of rare rainforest
animals, notably the baboon-sized Indri, largest of the Lemurs. All sorts of rainforest-dwelling
birds, reptiles and other animal oddities abound there too - Short legged ground-roller;
Velvet and Sunbird Asitys; various species of Vanga; Emutails and all 3 Oxylabes,
and a plethora of reptiles (numerous Chameleons included) and frogs. Perinet
claims a World record for numbers of frog species among rainforests of comparable
size. Ardent naturalists should also stop by at one of the nearby marshes for
a select band of rare endemic birds, reptiles and frogs confined to marsh habitat.
Keen naturalists can also visit one of the nearby marshes, like Torotorofotsy
or Ampasopotsy, for endemic birds, reptiles and frogs. Precautions Malaria area
- minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective
insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under
treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation
are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will
further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria
tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil).
It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that
Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart. | 
