Nosy Be Island
Nosy Be is the largest island of the northwest coast of Madagascar (Area 312 km²). Translated from Malagasy, its name sounds like – “big island”. The island of Nosy Be is of volcanic origin, tourists are attracted by its unique flavor with a lot of entertainment, attractions, as well as stunning untouched nature.
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The history of the island is shrouded in numerous legends related to treasure. Nusi-Be’s shores have been repeatedly wrecked by ships carrying jewels, and in the 16th century it served as a haven for pirates.
Nosy Be sights
Detachment from the mainland, which creates a kind of seclusion, the splendor of beaches with the finest white sand, a riot of bizarre and colorful tropical vegetation, rich underwater world, tranquility – the local nature is very dispose to rest. Other attractions include the eternally sleeping local volcano and the Nosy Komba reserve, where you can meet rare lemurs and chameleons. There are also man-made attractions. For example, the ruins of an ancient Portuguese fortress, where, according to legends, a pirate treasure is buried. Or the graves of Russian sailors buried here at the very beginning of the XX century, with a memorial stele. The town of Andoani (or Elville) with the remains of an ancient prison from the times of French rule will give you the opportunity to learn how modern Madagascar lives.
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The island has excellent soil, one of the best in Madagascar. Ylang-ylang and coffee are grown here. The exotic blend of these smells can be felt when approaching the town by boat. Nosy Be is loved by tourists from all over the world for its clean beaches and fun nightlife. The island has many colorful restaurants and clubs.
.The capital of Nusi-Be is the city of Andouani (or Elville). It is home to many attractions: the bustling city market, the Scuba Diving Center, the Oceanographic Research Center, and an ancient prison founded in 1855.
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For deep-sea diving enthusiasts, there is the Nusi-Tanikeli Marine Park on Nusi-Be Island. Here you can dive to a depth of 18 meters and get acquainted with the local underwater flora and fauna. Both are very diverse: turtles, octopuses, lobsters, rays, parrot fish, clown fish, scorpion fish, crocodile fish and many other exotic inhabitants of the underwater world. True fans of diving is recommended to visit the underwater mountain called “Organ”, which got its name due to the peculiar protrusions, similar to the pipes of the organ.
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And of course the waterfalls of Nusi-Be will leave no one indifferent. One of the most beautiful waterfalls of the island and the highest is Sakaleuna waterfall. The height of its waterfall is about 200 meters. The waterfall is located near the town of Nusivarika.
.Tourists
The island of Nusi-Be is built up with nice hotels and nightclubs, and service due to the abundance of vacationers here is at a higher level than in the rest of Madagascar. The specialty in local restaurants is boiled lobsters, which look like giant crayfish without claws. After dinner, it is customary to swing in a hammock with a bottle of local rum and watch the beautiful sunset.
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The best time to visit the island is from July to October. From greater Madagascar, it is easily accessible by local airlines or speedboat.
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The easiest way to get to Nosy Be is by boat from the town of Ankify – 30 minutes, $10. Another option is to fly from Antananarivo by Air Madagascar (about $150).
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