The small island of Nosy Be may be unassuming in land mass, but it plays an outsize role in Madagascar’s tourist industry, welcoming most of the remote country’s visitors. Just off the northwest coast of the main island, Nosy Be is home to bustling Andoany (formerly known as Hell-ville), fragrant ylang-ylang plantations, and the richly diverse Lokobe National Park. A laid-back atmosphere holds sway on Nosy Be, where things to do include shopping your way through the island’s spice markets, going on lemur-watching tours, and dining on incredible French-inspired cooking.
The winds and storms of the Indian Ocean play a large role in Madagascar’s weather, and the country is small enough that most major weather events are felt across the region. Avoid traveling during the rainy season (November to February), when the roads become tricky and underwater visibility is poor. Warm weather comes in April through October, at the end of the seasonal trade winds and monsoons.
Despite Nosy Be’s popularity with visitors, it can be tough to get around outside of the main city of Andoany. In the city, taxis are common and affordable, but if you’re planning to explore beyond, organized tours are a good option. Most locals get around via tuk-tuk, motor scooters, and boats. You won’t find any large car rental companies, but having your own car isn’t really necessary.
See why Nosy Be is nicknamed “the Perfumed Island” with a trip to the Distillerie Parfum d’Ylang N.G. You might recognize the complex scent of the ylang-ylang flower—which smells of rose, jasmine, and pear—as it’s used in plenty of popular perfumes, but a visit to the distillery offers a look at the history of its cultivation and role in the island’s ecosystem. Here, you can also pick up ylang-ylang essential oil, as well as coffee and vanilla.
