Karl WP Beyer As part of a cruise in the Indian Ocean, we get to know three destinations in the north and northeast of Madagascar: Nosy Be, Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and Toamasina (Tamatave). The island of Nosy Be, which is just over 320 square kilometers in size, is the subject of this description.
Nosy Be - Bay of Andoany
Nosy Be - water, beach and palm trees
Indian Ocean cruise destinations
The French overseas department Reunion Island, Mahé in the Seychelles and the island republic Mauritius are each manageable travel destinations in their own right. Cruise ship passengers get to see a lot there on a day of berth or during an overnight stay. The situation is completely different with Madagascar. The fourth largest island in the world measures more than 587.000 square kilometers. This corresponds to approximately 1,6 times the size of Germany. However, compared to Germany, the Republic of Madagascar is only sparsely populated with just over 20 million inhabitants.
Nosy Be - tropical landscape
Nosy Be – far away from mass tourism
It is a fact: Madagascar is a developing country. In contrast, the volcanic island of Nosy Be, located about 15 to 20 kilometers off Madagascar's northwest coast, is considered to be well developed for tourism. The island has so far been spared from mass tourism despite its own small Fascene airport. Scarce hotel capacity and limited infrastructure make Nosy Be a destination for individualists and water sports enthusiasts.
Nosy Be - Ampasipohy in the Lokobe Nature Reserve
Visitors enjoy the rugged coastal landscape with secluded beaches and crystal clear water. If you want, you can climb the two 450 and 329 meter high mountains Mount Lokone and Mount Passot or visit one of the eleven sacred crater lakes. The lakes inhabited by crocodiles contain enough water reserves for residents and agriculture. The lakes are also viewed by the population as sacred lakes and the home of their ancestors. Trekking tours in the Lokobe nature reserve are popular. Under A day on Nosy Be we report on an organized excursion into the 74 hectare rainforest area.
Nosy Be - Chameleon
Nosy Be – tourism and agriculture
In addition to tourism, agriculture is important on Nosy Be. Agricultural products sought include cloves, pepper, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar cane. The cultivation of evergreen, strongly scented ylang-ylang plants is also important. Ylang-ylang oils are produced from the flowers of the plants and are used in perfumery, folk medicine and also in the production of food.
Nosy Be - Ylang-Ylang flowers
Andoany – destination for cruise ships
According to an estimate made in 2018, 118.000 people lived on Nosy Be. The destination of the cruise ships is the island capital Andoany. Its previous name was Hell-Ville, after a French admiral. According to 2018 estimates, around 50.000 residents lived in the old, decaying colonial city.
Nosy Be - Andoany - cruise terminal
Nosy Be - in the center of Andoany
Update March 2024