Holiday in Nosy Be
Island in Madagaskar — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
Madagaskar
Type
Island
Best time to travel
April to November (dry season, 25-32 °C). July-September is the most pleasant. December-March is cyclone season and rainy season.
Budget/day
60-130 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Nosy Be (NOS, approx. 13-16 h with a stopover in Paris, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa). Visa on arrival (approx. €35, 30 days).
Deals for Nosy Be:
What makes Nosy Be special as a destination?
Nosy Be is Madagascar's most popular beach island and carries the poetic nickname "the Perfume Island" — Ylang-Ylang plantations, vanilla, pepper, and cocoa give the air a captivating scent. The island off the northwest coast of Madagascar combines tropical beaches with the unique wildlife of the island continent. The Lokobe Nature Reserve in the southeast is the last original rainforest of Nosy Be and home to the rare Black Lemurs, chameleons, and boas. A guided hike through the dense forest is like a miniature expedition into Madagascar's unique biodiversity. The offshore island of Nosy Tanikely is a marine reserve with spectacular snorkeling: turtles, rays, and hundreds of colorful fish in crystal-clear water. Nosy Komba, the "Lemur Island," offers tame black-and-white ruffed lemurs that climb onto visitors' shoulders, and a village with traditional wood carving art. Hell-Ville (Andoany), the capital, shows the charm of a decaying colonial town with French architecture, a lively market, and the scent of street food. The sunsets over the Mozambique Channel are among the most spectacular in the world — glowing red light over baobab silhouettes.
What are the top highlights in Nosy Be?
The top highlights in Nosy Be include Lokobe Nature Reserve, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Komba, Ylang-Ylang Plantations, Hell-Ville Market.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Lokobe Nature Reserve
Last primeval forest of Nosy Be: Black lemurs, chameleons, and boas in dense rainforest.
Nosy Tanikely
Marine reserve with turtles and colorful fish: the best snorkeling area in the region.
Nosy Komba
Lemur island with tame black-and-white ruffed lemurs: the friendly primates climb onto visitors' shoulders.
Ylang-Ylang Plantations
The perfume island: visit distilleries and experience the captivating scent that gave Nosy Be its name.
Hell-Ville Market
Lively colonial town market: exotic fruits, spices, vanilla, and Malagasy street food.
Sunsets
Glowing red light over the Mozambique Channel: baobab silhouettes and one of the most beautiful sundowners in the world.
Hotels in Nosy Be
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Reise-SIM für Nosy Be
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Nosy Be?
The best time to visit Nosy Be is April to November (dry season, 25-32 °C). July-September is the most pleasant. December-March is cyclone season and rainy season.. 27-33 °C, hot and humid with heavy rainfall (rainy season Nov-Mar) In winter: 23-30 °C, dry and sunny with a pleasant breeze
Recommended travel time
April to November (dry season, 25-32 °C). July-September is the most pleasant. December-March is cyclone season and rainy season.
Summer
27-33 °C, hot and humid with heavy rainfall (rainy season Nov-Mar)
Winter
23-30 °C, dry and sunny with a pleasant breeze
How much does a holiday in Nosy Be cost?
Budget travellers: 25-50 €/day, mid-range: 60-130 €/day, luxury: 150-450 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25-50 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-130 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
150-450 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Nosy Be?
Flight to Nosy Be (NOS, approx. 13-16 h with a stopover in Paris, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa). Visa on arrival (approx. €35, 30 days).
Book a package holiday to Nosy Be
Compare thousands of package holidays to Nosy Be and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Nosy Be?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visa on arrival — approx. €35 (30 days). Passport must be valid for 6 months. Return ticket will be checked.
Malaria prophylaxis — Nosy Be is a high-risk area. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended, mosquito repellent from dusk.
ATMs — there are few ATMs in Hell-Ville, which are often empty. Bring enough euros for exchange.
Boat tours — island hopping tours to Nosy Komba and Tanikely are best booked locally (approx. €30-50/person).
Bargaining — prices at the market and for tours are always negotiable. Be fair, but don't accept the first price.
What should you eat in Nosy Be?
Typical specialities in Nosy Be: Romazava — Madagascar's national dish: beef stew with brèdes (leafy greens) and rice., Ravitoto — crushed cassava leaves with pork in coconut milk: hearty and typically Malagasy., Mofo Gasy — Malagasy rice flour cakes: freshly baked at the market for breakfast, sweet or savory., Achard de Legumes — pickled vegetables with turmeric and ginger: refreshing side dish for fish and rice., Rhum Arrangé — homemade rum with vanilla, lychee, or ylang-ylang: Nosy Be's aromatic digestif..
These specialties you must try!
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