AIRLINES
We can arrange all your flights and travel insurance from Johannesburg, South Africa. For flights from other countries, please contact your local travel agency.
Air Madagascar operates flights direct to Nosy Be from Johannesburg on a Saturday and a Tuesday.
SA Airlink operates daily to Antananarivo from Johannesburg and then with Air Madagascar to Nosy Be with a one night stopover in Antananarivo.
CURRENCY
Euro is the suggested currency and can be exchanged at the banks in Nosy Be to Ariary (the local currency). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are only accepted at the major hotels. ATMs are situated at the banks in Hellville (the capital city of Nosy Be)
CUSTOMS AND LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol per person are allowed. 30kg on Air Madagascar, 20 kg on SA Airlink, 15-20 kg on charter flights and one item of hand luggage per person.
DIVING
Bring your own mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. If you prefer, bring your own BCD and DV. We supply BCD's, DV's, weight belts, cylinders and compressors to refill them. However, some package options require diving gear rental. IMPORTANT: Your dive certificate is mandatory. You will not be allowed to dive without it.
DOCUMENTS
Take a certified copy of your travel insurance policy with you and leave copies of your travel insurance and passports with a reliable contact at home, in case originals are lost. Take a copy of your airline tickets with you.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended visit and must contain at least two blank pages for the entry visa. A visa is required for entry to Madagascar. A one month, single entry visas may be obtained on arrival at the airport.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
There are no compulsory health requirements at present. Malaria is a risk, especially during the rainy season, and malaria prophylactics and insect repellant are imperative. Please consult your doctor for the appropriate malaria prophylactics. The yachts are equipped with basic first aid kits but it is best to bring your own medication. Medical doctors are available on Nosy Be.
LANGUAGE
Malagasy is the first language, French is the business language and English is spoken in the tourism industry.
POWER SUPPLY
220V European two prong plugs. Cameras, cell phones and laptop computers can be charged on the yachts.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is essential that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We offer travel insurance from TIC and this can be purchased on our website – go to the Travel Insurance section of our website.
TIME ZONE
GMT +3 hours
WHAT TO PACK
The dress code on the island is casual. Pack lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes. A thin sweater might be required during the winter months (June to August) and a raincoat during the rainy season (December to March). Towels and beach towels are provided on the yachts and hotels, but not at self catering accommodations. Never make the mistake of over-packing for Madagascar, where the climate is warm and tropical. Costumes, T-shirts, shorts and wrap-arounds are sufficient. Hat, sunglasses, sun block and mosquito repellent are essential.
WHEN TO GO
The climate is warm and tropical. Cyclones can occur mid-January to mid-March which is also the rainy season when some of the hotels and yachts don’t operate.
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