Madagascar Holidays Nosy Be.
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:
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.
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.
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):
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. 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. 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! Nosy
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