Accommodation
Manga Soa Lodge
Star-named lodges and family villa Stargazing tours and live piano Hiking to Lokobe Nature…
From€ 180per night
Island
Nosy Be
Nosy Be, the Big Island, is Madagascar's main island gateway and the beating heart of the Nosy Be archipelago. Known as the Perfume Island for its ylang-ylang plantations, it blends warm Mozambique Channel waters, volcanic scenery and easy access to diving, island hopping and…
◷ Best time May to October
◎ 4 to 10 nights
☼ Divers, island hoppers, beach lovers and first-time visitors to Madagascar.
▣
Best timeMay to OctoberDry season, ideal weather
◷
Ideal length4 to 10 nightsRecommended stay
◎
Best forDivers, island hoppers, beach lovers and first-time visitors to Madagascar.Nature, adventure and relaxation
⌖
RegionNorth-west MadagascarMadagascar / Indian Ocean
Where to stay
View all Madagascar lodges →
Accommodation
Vanila Hotel & Spa
Beachfront on Nosy Be Private beach access to Sakatia Spa with four treatment rooms…
From€ 160per night
Accommodation
Villa Sakina
Terrace with ocean and island views Jacuzzi and waterfall wall Private beach 50 metres…
From€ 200per night
Things to do
View all Madagascar activities →
Wildlife
Lemur Trekking
Meet Madagascar's famous lemurs up close, from the friendly black lemurs of Nosy Komba…
FromOn request
Marine
Snorkelling at Nosy Tanikely
The marine reserve of Nosy Tanikely is one of the best snorkelling spots in…
FromOn request
Marine
Whale Watching
Between roughly July and September, humpback whales pass the channel between Nosy Be and…
FromOn request
Suggested packages
View all Madagascar packages →
7 Nights
Yacht Charter Safari
It is the island factor that makes this 7-day Madagascar yacht charter safari so…
FromOn request
7 Nights
Island Hopping
Journey through Madagascar's aquamarine bays and lagoons, mixing a rustic tented camp with island…
FromR 17 499per person sharing
7 Nights
Dive Safari
Turquoise waters and coral reefs with plenty to marvel at underwater in the Nosy…
FromR 14 995per person sharing
Climate & quick facts
When to go to Madagascar
Warm and tropical year-round. The dry season (May-Oct) is ideal for wildlife and diving; January-March is wet with a cyclone risk on the coast.
Rainfall & temperature
Rainfall Avg high °C
JFMAMJJASOND
Best time to travelMay to October (dry season)
Indicative monthly averages. Sea temperature ranges 26-29°C; daytime highs 28-32°C.
Flight timeApprox. 3h from Johannesburg (+ light aircraft to the islands)
Time zoneUTC+3 (EAT)
LanguageMalagasy & French
CurrencyMalagasy Ariary (MGA)
VisaVisa on arrival (30-90 days)
Best monthsMay to October (dry season)
Sea temperature26-29°C year-round
Overview
Nosy Be, the Big Island, is Madagascar’s main island gateway and the beating heart of the Nosy Be archipelago. Known as the Perfume Island for its ylang-ylang plantations, it blends warm Mozambique Channel waters, volcanic scenery and easy access to diving, island hopping and remote beaches.
Why visit Nosy Be
Nosy Be is the natural starting point for a Madagascar island safari. It offers comfortable lodges, reliable flight access and a huge range of activities, from diving and snorkelling to forest walks, while remaining within easy boat range of quieter surrounding islands.
♧
Main gateway and dive hub of the archipelago
See memorable landscapes and wildlife.
🏝
Ylang-ylang plantations and Mount Passot
Every route can feel different.
☼
Easy island hopping to Nosy Komba and Nosy Sakatia
Local expertise shapes the journey.
Best time to go
May to October is the prime dry-season window. The sea is warm and swimmable for most of the year.
Dry seasonMay to October
Green seasonLush landscapes and fewer crowds
Travel noteMatched to lodge availability
How to get there
Fly direct to Nosy Be from Johannesburg with Airlink on Sundays, or connect via Antananarivo. Boat transfers reach the surrounding islands.
FlightsMain gateway routing
ConnectionsDomestic or island transfers
TransfersPrivate or shared options
Explore Nosy Be
Surrounding islands include Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Iranja and Nosy Tanikely, all within easy boat range.
Ready to plan your Nosy Be safari?
Tell us your dates, travel style and budget. We will shape the right accommodation, activities, transfers and routing around you.