Once sparsely populated and part of the Sakalava kingdom of Boina, Nosy Be was used as a trading post by Indians and Arabs. A place called Ambanoro, or Marodoko (many stores), still contains visible ruins. During the first half of the 19th century, the island of Nosy Be was the scene of a war between the Merina and Sakalava ethnic groups, leaving memories of the protagonists in the names given to certain towns (Hell-Ville, Mont Passot, etc.). Today, Nosy Be has become the most popular island for tourists, with its inviting beaches and year-round sunshine, accompanied by friendly, welcoming locals. There are accommodations of all types with well-organized services, as well as speedboats and transport vehicles scattered all over the island. Nosy Be has become a hub of activity, with numerous excursions available to neighboring islands and within the island itself.
Activities and attractions in Nosy Be:
Nosy Be offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. Mont Passot, 300 m high, offers a panoramic view of the Mitsio archipelago to the north and the Radama islands to the south. Seen from these vantage points, the sunset over the waters of the Mozambique Channel, accompanied by a homemade cocktail, is legendary. Not far away, the eight sacred lakes at its foot are a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins, but also offer the chance to discover a piece of history, as they are the eternal abode of the spirits of the ancient Sakalava and Antakarana rulers.
Nosy Be also boasts the Lokobe National Park and small islets such as Nosy Hara, the most deserted, with its imposing boulders attracting climbers of all kinds; Nosy Sakatia, the orchid island accessible by speedboat, ideal for lazing around; Nosy Komba, known as the lemur island, is surrounded by volcanic rocks and famous for its colony of macaco lemurs, as well as being an important place of worship for Sakalava royal ancestors. Nosy Faly, located west of Ambaro Bay and east of Nosy Be, is considered sacred because Sakalava ancestors are buried there. Nosy Tanikely is a tiny volcanic islet guarded by a lighthouse. Nosy Iranja, the sunniest, is formed by two islands (Nosy Iranja Kely and Nosy Iranja Be) linked by a white sandbank. Nosy Mamoko is a haven of peace surrounded by green hills, perfect for private excursions. Finally, the Mitsio archipelago, a group of paradisiacal islands stretching over 70 km and located 55 km northeast of Nosy Be, is inhabited by Antakarana fishermen and Sakalava herders. It is quickly accessible by speedboat and includes Le Grand Mitsio, Nosy Ankarea, Nosy Toloho, Nosy Tsarabanjina, Nosy Antaly, Nosy Kajohy, Nosy Mangiho, Nosy Tsitampevina, the Four Brothers, and a myriad of small islets.
Culture and tradition reign on the island :
In addition to its natural beauty, Nosy Be is rich in local culture and traditions. The history of Nosy Be is as diverse as its population, with the Merinas, French colonists, and Sakalava of Boina all playing major roles. Over the years, the island has been shaped by numerous factors, including foreign influences and socio-economic developments. The French influence is undeniable, leaving its mark on everything from the architecture of the houses to the language. The majority of Nosy Be’s inhabitants are fluent in French, in addition to the Malagasy language spoken on the coast. This French influence has also shaped some of the local customs.
To learn more about Nosy Be’s culture and traditions, there is no better way than to visit one of the island’s traditional sites, which offer insight into the island’s origins, identity, and ancestral religion. These include the Sacred Tree, an important place of prayer where it is said that Buddha received his enlightenment under this variety of ficus. Mahabo Manangarivo houses the remains of Queen Binao and her brother Amada I.
Also worth seeing are the remains of the fortified city of Mahilika and those of Ambanoro, now overrun by banyans. Among Nosy Be’s most popular customs are its many festivals and celebrations. The Donia, a popular music festival, is the most eagerly awaited event of the year, attracting artists from all over Madagascar and beyond. However, the oldest preserved ceremony might be the Tromba, a ritual of homage to ancestors celebrated with song, dance, and offerings of food and rum. Nosy Be’s culture is also reflected in its local crafts and the expertise of its people. The island’s markets abound with Malagasy objets d’art, such as “ravinala” baskets, rosewood carvings, and shell jewelry. The production of ylang-ylang, a tropical flower used for essential oil, is a mainstay of the local economy and plays a significant role in the daily lives of Nosy Be’s inhabitants.
There’s so much to see and do in Nosy Be; this is just a sample. To experience more, nothing beats seeing it for yourself.
