Nosy Be
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Nosy Be (also Nossi-bé) is an island located just off the northwest coast of Madagascar in Antsiranana Province. Nosy Be means "big island" in the Malagasy language. The island was called Assada during the early colonial era of the seventeenth century. Nosy Be is Madagascar's largest and busiest tourist resort. It's population is 60 000<reference needed>.
The volcanic island has an area of about 300 km² (120 square miles), and reaches its highest peak at Mont Lokone at 450m (1476 feet). It is located about eight kilometers (5 miles) off the coast of Madagascar; several smaller islands are located nearby, including Nosy Komba, Nosy Mitsio, Nosy Sakatia, and Nosy Tanikely. The island's main town is Andoany.
Nosy Be has been given several nicknames over the centuries. The most relevant of those nicknames may be “Nosy Manitra” (the scented island). Getting off the plane in Fascene airport, you can smell the different types of trees like coffee, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon. These plants are intensively cultivated all over the island.
The first inhabitants of Nosy Be, before the arrival of the Sakalava, who represent the most numerous ethnic group on the island, belonged to small bands of Antankarana and Zafinofotsy. These people were joined later by some Comorians , Indians or Antandroy.
Nosy Be Island makes it's first major appearance in the story of Madagascar's history when King Radama the First announced that he intended to conquer the whole West of the red Island up to the sea <reference needed>. That plan was eventually achieved when the Sakalava Boena Kingdom came into his possession in 1837 when Queen Tsiomeko’s army was defeated.
The geographic position of Nosy be is, south latitude 13° 21’ and east longitude 40° 21’, and the Tsaratanana Massif protect the island from the very strong north-east winds that mostly blow in August or during the tropical depression period and make it a tropical island that benefits from an exceptional climate, flora and fauna. The warm waters of the Mozambique Canal and the microclimate that determine seasons make Nosy Be a tourist tropical paradise. There are eleven volcanic lakes on the island. They constitute an enormous water reserve that may be used for human needs or cultivations. The banks and the waters of those lakes are covered with lush vegetation. In the daytime, many crocodiles hide under the vegetation. At night, they get out and go hunting. Nosy Be’s landscape is varied and it is characterized by a great many hills that are overlooked by Mount Lokone (450m) and Mount Passot (350). From these high vantage points, you have an exceptional view onto Nosy Be Bay, but also on the Radama Islands (south) and Mitsio Islands (north). The coast is very jagged and puctuated by a great many bays and gorgeous coves and also deserted beaches lined by palm trees. There are also many small islands and rocks that may constitute perfect refuges for tourists wanting to isolate themselves in total privacy. Temperatures are rather pleasant, except in summer (December, January, February). During that period, night rainfalls combine with the day’s heat and result in a tiresome humidity. During the same period, some places (generally along the east coast) can be stricken by cyclones. For the most part Nosy Be is not directly affected by bad weather, however, if other other parts of Madagascar have bad weather then you will find very strong winds and daily rainfalls on Nosy Be. Tourist infrastructures remains insufficient but is under rapid as many tourists, seeking a different holiday experience have started visiting Madagascar and Nosy Be and especially Nosy Be.
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