Guide

Guide

Traveling can be exciting and stressful at the same time, especially when it comes to a new destination. However, it is always wise to know where you are going. We have the “guide” for you. Find all the essential information you need to know before visiting Madagascar. Useful information especially for those who have never been there.

History of Nosy Be

Nosy Be is located in the northwest of Madagascar, precisely 8 km off the country's coast. The main island of the Nosy Be archipelago, composed of several paradisiacal islands, the history of the perfume island began with the arrival of the Arabs. Formerly called "Vario Be" by the local population, it was, at that time, governed by Queen Ambrym II. Another was built at Ambanoro in 1100, which became, 300 years later, the economic center of the island. Nosy Be is now one of the largest producers of this plant, hence its nickname: "Perfume Island." It stretches approximately 26 kilometers from north to south and 20 kilometers from east to west. It is the main island of an archipelago which includes the small islands of Nosy Komba, Nosy Fanihy, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja, Nosy Tanikely and the Mitsio and Radama archipelagos.

The island of Nosy Be and its archipelago have a particularly pleasant climate with an average annual temperature of 25°C (22°C in winter and 28°C in summer, from October to February). In the northern region of the Nosy Be archipelago, the Mitsio Islands and Baie du Courrier, a fairly strong wind called "avarabe" blows during the winter, while every afternoon, the heat of the day is tempered by a pleasant westerly breeze, called "talio," which blows until sunset. The island still offers authentic and unspoiled places to discover and stay in Nosy Be, outside of areas taken over by mass tourism. This is the case on the southeast coast and the beachside villages around the Lokobe Nature Reserve, such as the villages of Doany-Antafondro and Ampasipohy. Nosy Be is also known in the Indian Ocean for its annual Donia and Somaroho festivals, which bring together a selection of artists from Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands. Since 2014, the Nosy Be Symphonies – the Indian Ocean Classical Music Festival – has been held every year at the end of August for six days in the most prestigious hotels on Nosy Be Island, with a finale at sunset on Mont Passot. It brings together international artists from the Indian Ocean and Madagascar. The population of Nosy Be Island is very mixed and multicultural. However, the Antakarana and the Sakalava are the main ethnic groups inhabiting this region. Originating from northern Madagascar, the Antakarana remain a highly concentrated group on Nosy Be Island. With the arrival of Indian and European foreigners, known as the "Vazaha," the population has become multicultural and colorful.

THE ROYAL VILLAGE

Mahabo of Manongarivo: A mahabo is a sacred cemetery where the princes of the royal families rest. The central tomb of Manongarivo contains various graves, including those of Queen Sakalava Binao, who reigned from 1881 to 1921. The small house on the left is the Treasure House and contains the personal belongings of the remains. Access is strictly regulated; the attire and rites to be performed beforehand must be respected by both the local population and visitors. It is forbidden to go there on certain days of the week. It is essential to inquire beforehand.

The Population:

Warm and welcoming, the population of Hell-Ville is primarily from the Sakalava people, one of the 18 ethnic groups inhabiting Madagascar. It stands out for its culture and history. Taboos and prohibitions still hold an important place in the local culture. As throughout Madagascar, ancestor worship is still present. People still ask for their blessings for their daily support. The simplicity of life of the inhabitants of Nosy Be is reflected in their traditional clothing. The "kisaly" is the traditional dress for women, while for men, tradition dictates the wearing of the "kitamby." However, with the changes brought about by modernization, the wearing of the latter is obsolete, while the "kisaly" remains fashionable. During colonization, other religions such as Christianity and Islam entered the island and have, ever since, coexisted perfectly with tradition.

Historic sites mark the history of Nosy Be:

We can list a few of them, which you can visit or stay in Nosy Be with or without a guide.
The Green Camp located in Hell-Ville. The gunners were stationed there to mark the colonial era.
The Banyan Tree in Mahatsinjo. Small note: you must wear traditional local attire to access the sacred site. However, the site does have some.
Marodoka: the ghost town in Ambanoro

Means of transportation:

The island of Nosy Be offers various modes of transportation: special taxis, shared taxis, tuk-tuks, and rentals. Special taxis: Drivers only take one passenger at a time. As a precaution, agree on the price before boarding. Shared taxis: The fare is based on the destination and the number of passengers. The departure time depends on when all seats are occupied. Each passenger is then taken to their destination. Motorcycle taxis: With their three wheels and yellow color, motorcycle taxis are a cheap alternative to taxis. Rentals: Travelers can rent cars (4x4s, etc.), motorcycles, scooters, quads, and buggies (all-terrain vehicles).

The Somaroho Festival:

It's impossible to talk about Nosy Be without mentioning the Somaroho Festival. The Somaroho Festival is a true ode to Malagasy music, offering a rich and varied program. Local and international artists perform on stage, blending traditional and contemporary sounds. Somaroho showcases various Malagasy musical genres, such as salegy, tsapiky, reggae, jazz, pop, and rock. The artists perform their songs with passion, sharing their cultural heritage and messages through music. It's a unique opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of the Malagasy music scene! On the first day of the festival, the entire town of Nosy Be filled with parades: dancers, tightrope walkers on long stilts, stuntmen on roller skates jumping over tuk-tuks, youth associations working to protect the environment and combat violence against women, musicians, and more.

Top 5 hotel suggestions in Nosy Be:

Top 5 restaurant suggestions in Nosy Be Be: