Nosy Be: Lemurs, Vanilla and the Mozambique Channel

Field notes

Nosy Be ('big island' in Malagasy) is Madagascar's premier beach destination, a small volcanic island off the northwest coast with white sand beaches, warm turquoise water, and a string of smaller islands a short boat ride away. The interior of Madagascar is where the lemurs live; Nosy Be itself has limited wildlife, but day trips to Nosy Komba (home to black lemurs) and Nosy Tanikely (a marine reserve) are easy to organise.

Why go: It is the most accessible part of Madagascar for first-time visitors — direct flights from Europe via Antananarivo, a developed hotel scene, and reliable infrastructure. Outside the main resorts, you find ylang-ylang and vanilla plantations, rum distilleries, and small fishing villages. Madagascar's unique flora and fauna (90% endemic) make even short stays remarkable.

How to get there: Air Madagascar and Turkish Airlines fly from Antananarivo (TNR) to Nosy Be (NOS), 1h 30m. Connections from Paris via TNR.

Practical notes: Malaria is present; prophylaxis required. The currency (ariary) is unstable — bring EUR or USD and exchange on arrival. Roads around the island are rough; a guide is essential for self-driving.