Nosy Be Discovery & Relaxation Tour: Sakatia, Lokobe, Komba, Tanikely & Iranja (8 Days)
This private Madagascar tour is fully customizable and operated by a local Madagascar tour operator.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey exploring the natural and cultural treasures of Nosy Be and its surrounding islands. This tour blends adventure, relaxation, and authentic encounters, offering a perfect balance of exploration and leisure in one of Madagascar’s most enchanting regions.
Begin your adventure on the pristine shores of Nosy Sakatia, a protected island filled with lush forests, aromatic plantations, and traditional villages. Guided walks immerse you in the island’s biodiversity and local culture, revealing ancient trees, vanilla vines, tropical fruits, and medicinal plants. Enjoy tranquil moments on private beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or kayak along the coast for a refreshing start to your island experience.
Discover the wonders of Lokobe Reserve, Nosy Be’s last remaining primary forest. Hike among endemic wildlife, including diurnal and nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and tropical birds, guided by experts who share the forest’s secrets and legends. Marvel at the dense rainforest, mangroves, and hidden paths that make this reserve a true sanctuary of nature.
Relaxation and discovery continue on the white sands of Andilana Beach and other nearby coves. Soak up the sun, enjoy the calm turquoise lagoons, and explore the vibrant local life at nearby villages. For marine enthusiasts, snorkel in the protected waters around Nosy Tanikely, encountering coral reefs, tropical fish, and possibly sea turtles, or meet playful lemurs on Nosy Komba.
Your journey is enriched with cultural insights, visits to traditional markets, spice plantations, and historical sites in Hell-Ville. End each day with unforgettable experiences, from a sunset cocktail atop Mont Passot to peaceful evenings in lodges surrounded by lush nature.
With comfortable accommodations, private transfers, multilingual guides, and carefully curated activities, this 8-day tour offers an intimate, immersive experience of Nosy Be’s landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant local culture ; making it the perfect combination of discovery, relaxation, and authentic island life.
Nosy Be Discovery & Relaxation Tour: Sakatia, Lokobe, Komba, Tanikely & Iranja (8 Days)
Day 1: Nosy Sakatia – The Authentic Island
Morning exploration & afternoon relaxation
Nosy Sakatia is often considered the most authentic island of Nosy Be, protected and classified by the Ministry of Environment. Accompanied by a local guide, enjoy a 1.5-hour walk through the island’s lush interior, home to old flamboyant trees, coffee plants, pepper vines, vanilla, traveler’s palms, pineapples, cashew trees, mango trees, jackfruit trees, guava trees, eucalyptus, raffia palms, orchids, medicinal plants ; a true open-air botanical garden.
Discover the traditional lifestyle of the island’s inhabitants, fishermen and farmers, who will share their customs, rituals, beliefs, and legends, offering you a genuine glimpse into their daily life in harmony with nature.
The day ends on a private beach, a peaceful haven where you can unwind and enjoy the serenity of the island.
Lunch is served with your feet in the sand, under the shade of coconut trees. Snorkeling is available, and kayaks as well as a relaxation area are at your disposal.
Included: pirogue crossing, lunch, mineral water, welcome cocktail & infused rum, fins, mask & snorkel, towels, multilingual guide, kayak, beach games.
Not included: extra drinks, personal expenses.
Schedule: Hotel pick-up at 08:30 | Return to hotel at 15:30
Day 2: Lokobe Reserve – Immersion in the Primary Forest
Lokobe is the last protected primary forest of Nosy Be, home to an exceptional concentration of medicinal and endemic plant species, as well as ancient, towering trees. This preserved sanctuary, highly valued by researchers and scientists, offers a deep and immersive experience of Madagascar’s tropical rainforest.
Like an initiation rite, let your guide lead you through this untouched ecosystem where you will encounter both nocturnal and diurnal lemurs (Macaco and Lepilemur), reptiles, chameleons, insects, and a rich variety of tropical birds.
A land transfer takes you to the traditional fishing village of Ambatozavavy in the south of the island. From there, you board a traditional dugout canoe and paddle peacefully through the mangroves to reach the eastern entrance of Lokobe Reserve.
Your expert guide, specialized in local flora and fauna, will take you on a 2.5-hour nature walk, sharing stories, legends, and the living treasures of this remarkable forest.
Included: hotel pick-up and drop-off, park entrance fees, lunch, mineral water, multilingual guide.
Not included: additional drinks, personal expenses.
Schedule: Hotel pick-up at 08:30
Day 5: Nosy Komba & Nosy Tanikely – Lemur Island and the Marine Reserve
First stop: Nosy Komba
Nosy Komba is the second-largest island after Nosy Be. Your visit includes the Lemurs Park, the traditional fishing village with its dugout canoes, and the local embroidered textile market. Crossing through the village, you’ll enjoy a pleasant shopping moment among Nosy Komba’s famous wood carvings, artisan stalls, and the warm, colorful smiles of its inhabitants.
Second stop: Nosy Tanikely
Nosy Tanikely is a protected marine reserve, offering some of the most beautiful snorkeling in the region. With just a mask and snorkel, you can dive into a natural open-air aquarium. Only a few meters from the beach, admire vibrant coral formations, sea anemones, multicolored fish, crustaceans, groupers, and with a bit of luck, graceful sea turtles.
Included: hotel pick-up and drop-off, boat transfers, seafood lunch, mineral water, fins, mask and snorkel, towel, multilingual guide, entrance fees to the sites.
Not included: additional drinks, personal expenses.
Schedule: Hotel pick-up at 07:45 | Return at 16:00
Day 3: Relaxation Day – Enjoy Andilana Beach or Other Nearby Shores
This day is dedicated to pure relaxation and the gentle rhythm of island life. Let yourself unwind on the tranquil shores of Andilana Beach, famed for its powdery white sand and dazzling blue waters. Settle comfortably on the beach, take a refreshing dip in the lagoon, or wander the area on a leisurely walk.
For those who wish to explore further, other nearby coves, such as Ambondrona or Madirokely, offer a livelier atmosphere, perfect for a beachfront lunch or enjoying a few water activities.
Day 4: Nosy Be Island Tour by Car & Sunset at Mont Passot
Begin the day with a visit to Hell-Ville, the capital of Nosy Be. Explore its vibrant covered market filled with spices, tropical fruits, and freshly caught crabs, as well as its historic buildings, colonial architecture, bustling port, and colorful textile market. You’ll also have free time for personal shopping.
The tour continues south toward a rarely visited sacred tree, a majestic, centuries-old banyan that remains one of the island’s hidden gems. Along the way, enjoy the fragrant scents of coffee blossoms, pepper vines, fruit trees, and above all, the iconic Ylang Ylang flowers for which Nosy Be is famous.
Lunch will be served in a popular local restaurant, offering an authentic culinary experience.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing swim at Andilana Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
We end the day with a sunset cocktail at Mont Passot, the highest viewpoint in Nosy Be, where you can admire a breathtaking 360° panorama as the sun sets over the surrounding lakes and ocean.
Included: transportation by sedan or minibus with hotel pick-up and drop-off, park entrance fees, lunch, mineral water, multilingual guide.
Not included: additional drinks, personal expenses.
Schedule: Hotel pick-up at 08:30 | Return at 18:30
Day 6: Nosy Iranja – The Twin Islands, a True Tropical Paradise
Nosy Iranja lies about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Nosy Be by speedboat. These two magnificent islands are connected by a long stretch of fine white sand that disappears at high tide and reappears at low tide. With its turquoise waters, dazzling white sand, and lush greenery, Nosy Iranja is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the region.
It is also known as “Turtle Island”, as sea turtles continue to come here to nest. You may also spot various seabirds such as terns, several species of herons, and occasionally sea eagles.
A buffet lunch is served under the shade of coconut trees, featuring crab, grilled fish, zebu and prawn skewers, coconut rice, fresh salads, and tropical fruits. A perfect setting for stunning photos.
The day also includes a visit to the lighthouse and the traditional village on Grande Iranja.
Included: hotel pick-up and drop-off, speedboat transfers, seafood lunch on Iranja Be, mineral water, towel, multilingual guide.
Not included: additional drinks, personal expenses.
Schedule: Hotel pick-up at 07:45 | Return at 17:00
Key Program Information
• Total duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Travel style: Discovery, nature, culture, and relaxation
• Pace: Moderate (balanced mix of excursions and free time)
• Accommodation: Hotels or lodges in Nosy Be (according to selected category)
• Transportation: Speedboat, traditional pirogue, private vehicle or minibus depending on the excursion
• Guides: Multilingual local guides specialized in Malagasy culture, fauna, and flora
• Available languages: French / English / Italian
Practical Information
• Daily departures available from Nosy Be
• Typical activity schedule: departures between 08:00–08:30, return between 15:00 and 18:30 depending on the excursion
• Physical level: Suitable for all (light walks, short boat rides)
• Meals included: Several lunches (seafood, local dishes, picnics)
• Equipment provided: masks, fins, snorkels, towels, kayaks depending on the day
• Not included: additional drinks, tips, personal expenses
• Best travel period: April to December (dry season and calm seas)