Mbola tsara e! Welcome to Nosy Bé

Nosy Bé is a relaxing, laid-back and exotic destination, with much to offer travellers!

In the northwest of the large island of Madagascar, on the Indian Ocean, exists the island of Nosy Bé. A small island of only three hundred square kilometres, Nosy Bé is populated by approximately 60,000 inhabitants. Its population is very diverse, with many cultural and ethnic backgrounds represented, and the island is characterized mostly by its hot, sunny weather and the kindness of its inhabitants.

Although most people come to Nosy Bé for the glorious, deserted beaches, there are a number of other sights and things to see and do. Included is the old colonial town of Hell-Ville, a chance to visit some of the small, picturesque fishing villages dotting the island, or the opportunity to witness the numerous plantations that constitute much of the island's economy. Taking a tour in Nosy Bé is a great way to explore the island.

There is a wide range of places to stay in Nosy Bé to suit any budget. If you'd prefer to choose your hotel in Nosy Bé based on its location, click on our Nosy Bé map first. And while in Madagascar, why not visit some other fascinating destinations, such as Fort Dauphin or Antananarivo? Or you could include some other great African places like Tanzania, Kenya, Swaziland, or South Africa.

Nearby are a number of other islands that also draw visitors. Nosy Bé is the launching off point for many of the Nosy Bé tours or cruises that journey across to islands such as Nosy Komba (Lemur Island) and Nosy Tanikely, which offer a chance for more wildlife viewing, untouched beaches and some great snorkelling and diving opportunities.

The island of Nosy Bé has been granted a number of different nicknames throughout the centuries. One of the most fitting is Nosy Manitra, which means "Perfumed/Scented Island". It was given this name due to the intoxicating fragrances of ylang ylang, frangipani trees, cocoa, vanilla, cinammon, coffee and sugar cane, all of which grow either wild or in orderly, harvested plantations. The economy of Nosy Bé is heavily reliant upon these plantations, which are heavily cultivated throughout the island.

The first inhabitants of Nosy Bé were made up of a number of ethnic groups, including the Sakalava, presently the most numerous on the island, as well as smaller numbers of Antankarana and Zafinofotsy. Others such as the Antandroy, Comorians and Indians soon followed. King Radama the First was the first with ambitions of conquering the west coast, in order to unify the whole of Madagascar. This aim was realised after the Sakalava Boeni Kingdom came under his control, with Queen Tsiomeko’s army defeated in 1837. The Sakalava took refuge on the islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely, where the mainland Merina were unable to defeat them. They then negotiated a treaty with the French, which enabled Nosy Bé and Nosy Komba to become French protectorates. The merina continued raids on the islands until 1870, whereby the conflict ceased and peace soon followed.

The island of Nosy Bé lies in the tropics, and is protected from north-east winds by the Tsaratanana Massif. Its location as a tropical island means that it has an ideal climate and an abundance of flora and fauna. The lush vegetation of the island ensures a varied and flourishing wildlife. The Mozambique Canal, where the island is placed, has warm waters and teeming marine life. Nosy Bé also features eleven volcanic crater lakes, which hold massive water reserves. The landscape of the island is quite varied, with a number of hills that are overshadowed by Mount Lokone and Mount Passot. These two both give splendid panoramic views of Hell-Ville, the bay and nearby islands.

A softy spoken "Mbola tsara e!" will greet wherever you go on the island. It means "Hello, welcome" and its offered with sincerity and enthusiasm by the friendly inhabitants of this island paradise. Nosy Bé is an exotic, relaxing and romantic destination!