This travel guide has been realized by the team of Andilana Resort, a beach resort in Madagascar:
Nosy Be is known as Madagascar’s beach-resort destination per excellence attracting a lot of tourist from across the globe. The NosyBe archipelago is situated in the north-west coast of Madagascar and the first inhabitants of the place are supposed to be the 15th century Swahili and Indian traders. Today is one of Madagascar’s most popular destinations, a tropical paradise with its white coral beaches and clear blue waters.
As soon as you arrive there, scenting ylang ylang, frangipani, vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, cacao, vanilla and sugar cane plantations spread on the breeze a balmy and captivating fragrance that will delight your sense of smell, that’s why the island is also known as “Nosy Manistra the Scented Island”.
The yellow Ylang Ylang flower is used for the production of perfume essence and the black and red pepper is distilled as a perfume essence too. It is also possible to visit the perfumes distilleries and see how the production of the essences is done, and purchase some of the essences right in the factories.
What to do in the island:
The island is characterized by a varied landscapes characterize by white coral beaches from one side while from the other side you can appreciate hills and high vantage points.
It offers visitors the choice to relax on beautiful beaches and experience the vibrant island life which gives the opportunities of snorkeling, scuba diving and explore the amazing coral reefs and an astonishing rich undersea life . The whole coastline is punctuated by a great number of gorgeous bays and deserted beaches lined by palm trees. You can take advantage for visiting the surroundings islands of Nosy Komba, Tanikely and Nosy Sakatia.
One of the best ways to discover the islands is on one of the luxury yachts or catamarans that operate in the region. You can also be adventurous in the forests explore the natural wonder s with their great wildlife and enjoy some exceptional panoramic views from the peak of Mont Passot and Mont Lokone. You can explore the jungle in the Lobeke nature and visit the volcanic lakes considered as an enormous water reserve.
If you would like to be submerged in the cultural life of the place and live like a local you have to visit the colourful market which is the main area for the locals to shop. It is divide into a fruit and vegetable section, one for fish, meat and other goods it makes it interesting to see what the locals eat and buy.
It is crowde above all in the afternoon when farmers come from the Great Land carrying their load of vegetables. The fisherman also sell the fish they caught in the archipelago’a water. The Scented Island where balmy and captivating fragrance of ylang ylang will delight your sense of smell.