Madagascar Nosy Be Travel Postcard

Nosy Be (“Big Island”) is a volcanic island off Madagascar’s northwest coast in the Mozambique Channel, about 8 km from the mainland. Roughly 300 km² in size, it features crater lakes, lush hills, and a warm tropical climate with a wetter summer and drier winter. The main town, Andoany (Hell-Ville), serves as the hub for ferries, markets, and colonial-era architecture. Known as Madagascar’s primary beach destination, Nosy Be combines white-sand shores and clear waters with accessible wildlife. Lokobe Reserve protects black lemurs, panther chameleons, and rare plants, while surrounding islets such as Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely offer excellent diving and snorkeling. The island also produces fragrant ylang-ylang, giving it the nickname “the Perfume Island.”