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When to Visit Nosy Be

When to Visit Nosy Be

Northern Madagascar, Madagascar

Visa and Entry Information

Most foreign nationals need a visa.

Madagascar requires visas for most foreign nationals. Visas are generally obtainable upon arrival at Ivato International Airport (Antananarivo) or Fascene Airport (Nosy Be) for stays up to 60 days.

Entry Documentation

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
  • At least one blank page in the passport.
  • Return or onward flight ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation.

Visa Costs and Procedures

Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros preferred, USD also accepted) upon arrival.

Immigration procedures include presenting your passport, visa payment receipt, and completed arrival card.

Budget Traveler

Daily Costs: Approximately $29-$73 USD

Accommodation

Guesthouses or basic bungalows.

Meals

Local eateries or street food.

Mid-Range Traveler

Daily Costs: Approximately $77-$220 USD

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels or mid-range bungalows.

Meals

Good restaurants.

Luxury Traveler

Daily Costs: Approximately $220+ USD

Accommodation

Upscale resorts or villas.

Meals

Fine dining.

Financial Guidance

Currency

Malagasy Ariary (MGA) is the local currency. ATMs are in Hell-Ville but reliability varies.

Exchange and Payments

Carry Euros or USD for initial expenses. Major credit cards acceptance is limited to larger establishments.

Smart Spending

  • Local Eateries

    Dine at "hotely" for budget-friendly meals.

  • Shared Transport

    Utilize taxi-brousses or tuk-tuks.

  • Negotiate Fares

    Bargain for tuk-tuks, taxis, and market goods.

  • Off-Peak Visits

    Secure better accommodation rates outside high season.

  • Self-Catering

    Buy fresh produce and prepare some meals.

Health Information

  • Yellow fever certificate needed for some arrivals.
  • Routine vaccinations are highly recommended.
  • Consult a travel health clinic before travel.

Area Permits

Entry to national parks and protected areas requires fees and a local guide.

Budgeting Your Adventure

Prices vary based on travel style.

Accommodation Insights

Varies by comfort level.

Cost Ranges

  • Guesthouses (50,000-150,000 MGA)
  • Mid-Range Stays (150,000-450,000 MGA)
  • Luxury Resorts (450,000+ MGA)
  • Villas for premium comfort.

Dining Experiences

From local street food to fine dining.

Meal Costs

  • Local Eats (20,000-50,000 MGA)
  • Restaurant Dining (50,000-150,000 MGA)
  • Upscale Dining (150,000+ MGA)
  • Street food bargains.

Financial Practices

Tipping Etiquette

  • Restaurants: Round up or 5-10%.
  • Guides/Drivers: 10,000-20,000 MGA per day for guides.
  • Drivers: 5,000-10,000 MGA on day trips.
  • Porters/Hotel Staff: Small amount for luggage.

Budget Hacks

  • Eat at local "hotely".
  • Use shared transport.
  • Negotiate prices.
  • Book off-peak.

Saving on Travel

  • Dine locally for lower prices.
  • Utilize shared taxis.
  • Always negotiate fares.
  • Opt for shoulder season travel.

Cost Summary

Approximate daily expenses across categories.

Category Budget Mid-Range
Accommodation 50k-150k MGA 150k-450k MGA
Meals 20k-50k MGA 50k-150k MGA
Transport 10k-30k MGA 50k-100k MGA

Transportation Costs

  • Shared taxi:10,000-30,000 MGA
  • Tuk-tuk:5,000-40,000 MGA
  • Private taxi:40,000-80,000 MGA
  • Boat transfers:Varies by trip

Activity Costs

  • Park entry:50,000-100,000 MGA
  • Day trips:100,000-300,000 MGA
  • Diving:Specialized excursions
  • Whale watching:Seasonal cost

Daily Essentials

  • Bottled Water:Varied cost
  • Snacks:Budget friendly

Optional Expenses

  • Souvenirs:Variable
  • Nightlife:Variable
  • Local Guides:Recommended

Overall Expenses

Daily average for budget traveler$29-$73 USD
Daily average for mid-range traveler$77-$220 USD
Daily average for luxury traveler$220+ USD
Visa fees (30-day)~€35
Ferry (Ankify-Nosy Be)~15k-25k MGA
Scooter rental (daily)~40k-70k MGA

Financial Prudence

  • Carry small local currency denominations.
  • Inform your bank of travel dates.
  • Use ATMs during daylight hours for safety.
  • Affiliate: Consider using SafetyWing for nomad-friendly insurance.
  • Affiliate: Explore Insubuy for medical and travel coverage.

Ensuring Well-being

Prioritize your well-being in Nosy Be. Consider local health aspects and safety steps.

Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever

    Needed if from or transiting through endemic zones.

  • Recommended

    Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Tetanus.

  • Consultation

    Visit a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks prior to travel.

Common Health Issues

Malaria Risk

Nosy Be has a high risk of malaria. Consult a doctor for antimalarial medication. Use Insect repellent with DEET.

Dengue Fever/Chikungunya are mosquito-borne diseases. Prevent them by avoiding mosquito bites. Sleep under a Mosquito net. Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn/dusk.

Traveler's Diarrhea is common. Practice strict food and water hygiene. Carry Anti-diarrhea medication. Use LifeStraw for water filtration.

Health Services & Hygiene

  • 1
    Healthcare Access

    Limited facilities. Nosy Be's hospital (Hell-Ville) is basic. Medical evacuation to Reunion or South Africa may be needed.

  • 2
    Drinking Water Safety

    Do not drink tap water. Use sealed Bottled water. Consider a Portable water filter for sustainability.

  • 3
    Food Hygiene

    Eat only well-cooked food. Avoid uncooked vegetables unless peeled or washed with purified water. Be cautious with street food.

Safety Advice

Nosy Be is generally safer than mainland Madagascar. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in Hell-Ville and crowded areas.

Crime Outlook

  • Petty crime (pickpocketing) occurs.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Exercise caution with valuables.

Natural Hazards

  • Cyclone season: November-April.
  • Highest risk: January-March.
  • Tsunami risk: Low but present.

Local Risks

Be aware of specific local conditions and potential hazards.

Crime Prevention

Consider anti-theft bags from Pacsafe. Remain aware of your surroundings.

Medical Readiness

Carry first aid supplies from Adventure Medical Kits. Ensure travel insurance has medical evacuation coverage.

Flight Compensation

For flight disruptions, AirHelp might assist with compensation.

Urgent Contacts

Numbers

  • Police17
  • Ambulance18
  • Fire18
  • Consular AidContact embassy in Antananarivo

Travel Insurance

  • Coverage:Medical emergencies
  • Evacuation:Medical evacuation
  • Trip Protection:Cancellation/interruption
  • Belongings:Theft coverage

Protection Advice

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Verify adventure activity coverage.