Nosy Be

About this place

Nosy Be is a volcanic island off the north-west coast of Madagascar and the country's largest and busiest tourist destination. It covers 320 square km and had more than 109,000 people at the 2018 census. Its name means big island, and it is also called the scented island, and visitors find beaches, lakes and forests in an area that is easy to get around. Small bands from the Antankarana and Zafinofotsy groups first lived here, followed by the Sakalava. From 1840 the French founded an outpost they called Hell-Ville after Admiral de Hell, today Andoany, the largest town. The French of the early 17th century knew it as Assada, according to sources. Old colonial buildings still appear in the streets of the town. The island has volcanic lakes in old craters, including Lake Antsidihy, Lake Tanilatsaka and Lake Bemapaza, and Mont Passot looks over them with its finest view at sunset. At the south-east end is the Lokobe Reserve with its forest and black lemurs. Some lakes may be sacred to local people, so ask before swimming and respect local taboos. Its airport is about two hours by air from Antananarivo, and small ferries come from the mainland. Get around by taxi or hired motorbike. The best time is May to November, after which the cyclone season begins.