CityBuddy
Nosy Be
Best time to visit
The best time is from June to December, when it is the dry season and the sea is calm, ideal for whale watching and diving. From October to December there is more sun and fewer mosquitoes.
Budget tips
Entrance to the island is not charged, but local taxi rides in Hell-Ville cost around 2-5 EUR. Accommodation in local guesthouses starts from 15 EUR per night, while an average meal at street eateries costs around 3-5 EUR.
Recommended for
Nature and wildlife lovers, Divers and snorkelers, Romantic travelers, Families with teenagers
Plan your visit
3-5 days
About
Quick facts: It lies off the northwestern coast of Madagascar and is known for its ylang-ylang plantations, which give the island a sweet scent of tropical roses. Every year it attracts more than 120,000 visitors, who come for the lemurs, humpback whales, and breathtaking beaches.
Highlights: In the bay of the Nosy Be island, more than 7,000 humpback whales gather between June and September, one of the largest concentrations on the planet. Local fishermen can bring a boat among them almost silently, so you hear the breathing of a 15-meter giant barely ten meters away.
Insider tips
- Instead of more expensive hotel restaurants, eat at local 'hotely' (street eateries), where you can get fresh fish and rice for 2-3 EUR.
- For whale watching, head out early in the morning at 6 AM, when the sea is calmest and the animals are most active.
- You can get an excellent photo of the Lokobe night lemur on a guided night walk in the Lokobe reserve. A flashlight with a red filter does not disturb them.
- For more affordable diving, rent from smaller family-run dive centers in Ambatoloka instead of the larger resort ones.
Practical info
Where to Stay in Ranomafana
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in RanomafanaPowered by agoda
