Nosy Be: The Perfumed Island of Madagascar

• HelloSalama
  [sah-lah-mah]
• GoodbyeVeloma
  [veh-loh-mah]
• YesEny
  [eh-ny]
• NoTsia
  [tsi-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeAzafady
  [ah-zah-fah-dy]
• Thank youMisaotra
  [mee-sah-oo-trah]
• Excuse me/SorryAzafady
  [ah-zah-fah-dy]
• How are you?Inona ny vaovao?
  [ee-noh-nah nee vah-oh-vah-oh]
• Fine. And you?Tsara. Ary ianao?
  [tsah-rah. ah-ree ee-ah-nah-oh]
• Do you speak English?Miteny teny Anglisy ianao?
  [mee-teh-ny teh-ny ahng-lee-see ee-ah-nah-oh]
• I don't understandTsy nety
  [tsi nay-ty]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe hahita ny karazana, azafady
  [teh hah-hee-tah nee kah-rah-zah-nah, ah-zah-fah-dy]
• I don't eat meatTsy misy mofomamy aho
  [tsi mee-see moh-foh-mah-mee ah-hoo]
• Cheers!Mazotoa!
  [mah-zoh-toh-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTe hanampy, azafady
  [teh hah-nahm-pee, ah-zah-fah-dy]

• Help!Tongava!
  [toh-ngah-vah]
• Go away!Miala!
  [mee-ah-lah]
• Call the Police!Mangataka ny polisy!
  [mah-ngah-tah-kah nee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Mangataka dokotera!
  [mah-ngah-tah-kah doh-koh-teh-rah]
• I'm lostVoatery aho
  [voh-ah-teh-ree ah-hoo]
• I'm illMahafoy aho
  [mah-hah-foy ah-hoo]

• I'd like to buy...Te hahita mivarotra...
  [teh hah-hee-tah mee-vah-roh-trah]
• I'm just lookingMihaino ihany
  [mee-high-no ee-hah-ny]
• How much is it?Ohatra ny vidiny?
  [oh-hah-trah nee vee-dee-ny]
• That's too expensiveMahafinaritra be izany
  [mah-hah-fee-nah-ree-trah beh ee-zahn]
• Can you lower the price?Aza misalasala ny vidiny?
  [ah-zah mee-sah-lah-sah-lah nee vee-dee-ny]

• What time is it?Inona no sahata?
  [ee-noh-nah noh sah-hah-tah]
• It's one o'clockIrery alina
  [ee-ray ah-lee-nah]
• Half past (10)Efatra sasany
  [eh-fah-trah sah-sahn]
• MorningMaraina
  [mah-rah-ee-nah]
• AfternoonAloatra
  [ah-loh-ah-trah]
• EveningHariva
  [hah-ree-vah]
• YesterdayOmaly
  [oh-mah-ly]
• TodayAnio
  [ah-nyoo]
• TomorrowRy zoma
  [ree zoh-mah]
• 1Iray
  [ee-ry]
• 2Roa
  [roo]
• 3Telo
  [teh-loo]
• 4Efatra
  [eh-fah-trah]
• 5Dimy
  [dee-mee]
• 6Enina
  [eh-nee-nah]
• 7Fitondra
  [fee-tohn-drah]
• 8Valo
  [vah-loo]
• 9Sivy
  [see-vy]
• 10Folo
  [foh-loh]

• Where's a/the...?Aiza...?
  [ah-ee-zah]
• What's the address?Inona ny adiresy?
  [ee-noh-nah nee ah-dee-reh-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Azonao ve manome anareo (amin'ny saritany)?
  [ah-zoh-nah oh veh mah-noh-meh ah-nah-ray-oh ah-mee-nee sah-ree-tah-ny]
• When's the next (bus)?Aiza ny iray manaraka (bira)?
  [ah-ee-zah nee ee-ry mah-nah-rah-kah bee-rah]
• A ticket (to ....)Ny lalao (ho...)
  [nee lah-lah-oh oh]

Long before European explorers set foot on its shores, Nosy Be was home to indigenous tribes such as the Sakalava people. These early inhabitants practiced fishing, agriculture, and trade with nearby islands, developing a distinct culture that still influences the island today.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, Arab traders began to frequent Nosy Be, bringing with them goods, culture, and Islam. The island became an important stopover on trade routes, and its strategic location contributed to its growing prominence in the Indian Ocean trade network.

Nosy Be became a French colony in 1841 when Admiral Pierre Passot took control of the island. The French established plantations, primarily for sugar and coffee, and built infrastructure to support their colonial activities. This period marked significant changes in the island's economy and social structure.

During World War II, Nosy Be served as a strategic location for the Allies in the Indian Ocean. After the war, Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, and Nosy Be began to develop its own identity separate from colonial rule. Tourism slowly started to become a key industry for the island.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Nosy Be transformed into a major tourist destination. The island's natural beauty, including its pristine beaches, lush forests, and unique wildlife, attracted visitors from around the world. Several festivals, such as the Donia Music Festival, further bolstered its cultural appeal.

With the rise in tourism, Nosy Be has also seen increased efforts towards conservation and sustainable practices. Organizations and local communities work together to protect the island's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its natural and historical treasures.

Nosy Be is an island located off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The easiest way to get there is by air, with Fascene Airport (NOS) serving as the main airport on the island. Direct flights are available from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, as well as from international destinations like Réunion and Mayotte. Alternatively, you can reach Nosy Be by ferry from Ankify, a port town on the mainland of Madagascar. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Once on Nosy Be, you have several transportation options to explore the island. Taxis are readily available and can be hired for short trips or for the entire day. Tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) are a popular and inexpensive way to get around. For more freedom, consider renting a scooter or a car, but be aware that roads can be uneven and driving conditions may be challenging. Public minibuses (taxi-brousse) are also an option, connecting major towns and attractions at a low cost.

The official currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). While some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Nosy Be accept credit cards, cash is still the preferred method of payment, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Hell-Ville, the main town, but it is advisable to carry enough cash for your needs. Exchange rates can vary, so it's a good idea to convert some money before arriving or at the airport.

Nosy Be is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas and markets. Areas like Hell-Ville and Ambatoloaka have higher instances of crimes targeting tourists, especially at night. Avoid walking alone after dark and be cautious with your belongings. It is also advisable to use hotel safes for valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 124 for medical emergencies. The main hospital is located in Hell-Ville and provides basic medical services. For serious medical issues, evacuation to a facility in Antananarivo or abroad may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress appropriately and remove your shoes if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salama' (hello). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered rude.

To experience Nosy Be like a local, visit the local markets in Hell-Ville where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with the local fishermen and take a traditional pirogue boat ride. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the sacred Lake Amparihibe and the nearby village of Marodoka, which offers a glimpse into the island's history. For a truly local experience, participate in a zebu cart ride and enjoy a sunset at Mont Passot, the highest point on the island.