Hellville / Andoany

It is the main city, its colonial architecture (Cours de Hell) keeps a certain character. Most administrations are concentrated in this part of the city. The port is very active, it serves as a transit for the islands and “the mainland” as well as for the unloading of goods from Madagascar and international container ships. After the port, a road leads to the ancient Indian village of Marodoka, the first buildings on the island. Banks, supermarket, grocery stores, online store, Western Union, all the shops, make Hellville the essential hub of the island. The Covered Market is an attraction as the products offered are a delight in diversity and exoticism. Several cafes, bars and restaurants sit alongside hardware stores, local or modern boutiques stocked with goods of all kinds. The dhow port and its market, very typical of Malagasy life, are worth a detour to blend into the reality of the country.

The sacred tree Mahatsinjo

A detour not to be missed, located between Hellville and the port of Cratère, accessible by car, motorbike or bicycle. A magnificent little forest from which a gigantic banyan fig tree springs out. It is a place where people come to pray. On site there is also a small cultural and historical museum on Nosy Be and a shop with typical Malagasy objects, a botanical trail.

The waterfall

To get there, you have to take a path just before the junction for Ambatoloaka. The track is very muddy during the rainy season. Arriving at a barrier, you have to pay the small entrance fee. A little more of the track, and you are in front of a small path accessible on foot. Once at the bottom, you will find a magnificent waterfall with its very small lake. The flora is luxuriant and some fish live in this very pretty place. There is also a place of prayer for the Sakalava.

The mount Passot, and the crater lakes

Located north of Nosy Be, about twenty kilometers from Hellville, it is a high point of 329 meters which offers an admirable view of the island. The sunset there is unforgettable. The mountain is surrounded by superb little blue, sacred lakes. On the access road to the summit there are viewpoints overlooking these lakes. With a little patience, you can see crocodiles.

The Lokobe reserve

The 740 hectares of this reserve bring together most of the endemic vegetation remaining in Nosy Be. The place also protects Macao lemurs and chameleons. It is also home to vital springs for fauna and flora. With luck, you will spot boa constrictors and 4 varieties of lemurs. Among the many species of birds recorded, you will undoubtedly observe the Madagascar paradise flycatcher and the small crested kingfisher. Access by hull or motor canoe to the reserve from the village Ambatozavavy. In the small hamlet of Ampasipohy, to visit the reserve, we advise you to take a guide.

Lemuria Land

Situated near Hellville is an animal and botanical reserve in the middle of plantation of Ylang-Ylang. By walking through this park you can discover specimens of the endemic fauna of Madagascar, an exotic flora, fruit trees, a traditional compartment of the North of Madagascar « kaz butterflies » which presents a static exhibition of insects and magnificient butterflies of Madagascar, the SPPM distillery based in 1889 by the Father missionaries, the Rum distillery.

The domain of Florette

Close to the village of Andrafiamena («the place where the red raphias grow») is the heart of the island, Florette’s domain in very welcoming in nature. You can discover the inside of an underestimated island and dive into its tropical vegetation : forest, plantations, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, bamboo plantations. The opportunitiy to learn the flora and fauna of Madagascar and to participate in the picking of flowers and fruits by listening to the anecdotes of the guides on the legends and mysteries of the island of Nosy Be. A still distilling of the flowers or Ylang-Ylang will introduce you to the manufacture of essential oils. A visit of the permanent exhibition on the history of the royal family of Nosy Be, Sakalava and its traditions will enlighten you on the culture of Madagascar and will give you an overview of the use of medicinal plants.

Ambaro ranch

These horse trekking tours passing by the beach as well as the village are fantastic (Baptism for children). Walking accompanied on foot for more security. Walk through the interior of Nosy Be and the beaches. Excursion 3 hours on horseback with visits of the lands via lakes crowned. Finish with a swim in the sea accompanied by your horse.

Pearls Golf Course

The 18 hole golf of Nosy Be is situated in 3 km in the North of Dzamandzar. Built on old sugarcane fields, the vegetation is still quiet young. This course is quite technical because of the lenght of its holes, and some attacks of greens blind. The view is magnificient .

Donia Festival

Festival of music which since 1994 on the initiative of the local authorities and tourist operators of Nosy Be. Donia is the largest festival in the Indian Ocean, with his 50 000 spectators on 5 days. He takes place once a year, in May. Nosy Be plunges a typically tropical atmosphere for a week.