Nosy Be combines beach holidays with Madagascar’s unique nature and a relaxed island culture.
- Lokobe National Park — A protected area of original rainforest in the island’s south-east, home to black lemurs, chameleons and boas.
- Mont Passot — The island’s highest point, with panoramic views over crater lakes and the sea, popular at sunset.
- Andilana Beach — A long, beautiful beach in the north-west with calm, clear water for swimming.
- Nosy Tanikely — A small marine reserve island where snorkellers see turtles, reef fish and coral.
- Nosy Komba — A nearby island known for lemurs, embroidered linens and woodcraft sold in its village.
- Hell-Ville market — Explore the main town, also called Andoany, with its colourful market and colonial-era buildings.
- Ylang-ylang plantations — Learn how the fragrant flowers are grown and distilled into essential oil for perfume.
Nosy Be has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures pleasant all year. The rainy season runs from about December to March, bringing heavy showers, humidity and a risk of cyclones. The dry season, from April to November, is sunnier and more comfortable, though Nosy Be’s sheltered position means it often enjoys good weather even outside this period.
April to November is the best time for beaches, diving and boat trips. Whale sharks are often seen in the surrounding waters roughly between September and December, and humpback whales pass through in the middle of the year, making the later dry season especially rewarding for marine life.
Fascene Airport lies in the centre-east of the island, within easy driving distance of Hell-Ville and the main beach areas such as Ambatoloaka and the west coast. It handles domestic flights and international routes, mainly to the Indian Ocean region and Europe.
Taxis wait outside the terminal, and most hotels offer airport transfers, which are recommended for a first visit. Car and scooter hire are available on the island. Journey times are short, but roads can be narrow and winding, so drive with care.
Most accommodation lines the west and south-west coasts, where sunsets are best.
- Ambatoloaka — The liveliest beach area, with restaurants, bars and dive centres; good for social travellers.
- Madirokely — A neighbouring beach that is quieter but close to Ambatoloaka’s amenities.
- Andilana — The north-west tip, with beautiful beaches and resorts; ideal for families and relaxation.
- Hell-Ville (Andoany) — The main town and port, practical for budget travellers and boat departures.
- Money: Carry ariary in cash; cards are accepted mainly at larger hotels, and euros are widely recognised in tourism.
- Getting around: Use taxis or tuk-tuks for short trips and agree the fare before setting off.
- Health: Malaria is present, so seek medical advice before travel and protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Wildlife: Do not feed lemurs or handle chameleons; follow your guide’s advice in protected areas.
- Language: French and Malagasy are the main languages; English is spoken in many hotels but less elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Nosy Be?
Nosy Be is served by Fascene Airport (NOS), located in the centre-east of the island.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Taxis and hotel transfers are the usual options. Most beach areas are a short drive from the airport.
What currency is used in Nosy Be?
The Malagasy ariary (MGA) is the official currency. Cash is important, and euros are often recognised in tourist businesses.
Do I need a visa to visit Madagascar?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before travelling.
When is the best time to visit Nosy Be?
April to November, the dry season, offers sunny weather ideal for beaches, diving and island trips.
Where can I see lemurs on Nosy Be?
Lokobe National Park on Nosy Be and the nearby island of Nosy Komba are the best places to see lemurs, usually with a local guide.
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