Planning Your Trip to Nosy Be with Sesame: Complete Guide & Practical Tips

Sesame NosyBe
Jul 11
3 min read

Nosy Be, the fragrant island in the northwest of Madagascar, is the perfect place to enjoy a unique experience between paradise beaches, catamaran cruises, and preserved nature.To make the most of your stay and avoid any unexpected situations, here is a practical guide to help you prepare your trip with Sesame Nosy Be.

When to Visit Nosy Be? Month-by-Month Climate

Madagascar, and Nosy Be in particular, benefits from a hot and humid tropical climate, with two main seasons:

Dry Season (April to November) → Best Period

April - May - June: Mild temperatures (26-28°C), vegetation still lush after the rains. Calm seas: perfect for cruises, snorkeling, and excursions.
July - August: Ideal season for families. Pleasant temperatures around 25°C, little rain. Whale watching offshore!
September - October - November: The best months to enjoy Nosy Be without crowds. Warm sea (29°C), clear skies, this is the high season to see whale sharks.

Rainy Season (December to March)

December - January - February: Intense heat (30-33°C), frequent rain. Not recommended for nautical activities.
March: End of the rains, transitional season. Possible but humid.

If you wish to enjoy an unforgettable cruise with Sesame, May to November remains the best period.

General Information for Traveling to Nosy Be

How to get to Nosy Be?

International flight to Nosy Be Fascène Airport (NOS).
Direct flights from some African capitals (Addis Ababa) or via Antananarivo.
From the mainland (Ankify), possibility of taking a ferry to Nosy Be.

Visa:

A tourist visa is mandatory to enter Madagascar.
Price: €35 for a stay of less than 30 days. It can be obtained online or upon arrival at the airport.
- We recommend doing it upon arrival; however, make sure to have cash with you.
Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

Health:

No mandatory vaccine but strongly recommended:
- Hepatitis A, Typhoid
Malaria prevention recommended (mosquito net + repellent).

Currency:

The currency unit is the Ariary (MGA).
1€ = approximately 4,800 Ariary (to be checked according to the current rate).
Currency exchange possible at the airport or on site.
Plan to carry cash: many small shops and markets do not accept cards.

Time difference:

+2 hours in summer.
+1 hour in winter compared to France.

Electrical outlets:

Same voltage as in Europe (220V). Type C or D plugs: bring a universal adapter as a precaution.

What to pack in your suitcase?

To fully enjoy your cruise and your stay in Nosy Be:

Light clothing, cotton or linen
Swimsuits
Water shoes for walking on beaches and rocks
Biodegradable sunscreen
Sunglasses, hat
Small waterproof bag for sea outings
Effective mosquito repellent
- We strongly recommend using a mosquito repellent containing 50% DEET
Recommended waterproof camera