There are paradisiacal corners in Madagascar to explore: One of them is the small island of Nosy Mamoko, a haven of peace – made for relaxation!
After two hours sailing from Nosy-Be, 35 miles from the Nosy-Be coast, you will arrive at your destination. A favourite spot for fishermen, this island is the least known of the Nosy-Be archipelagos.
Notice to nature lovers, the rainforest occupies a large part of the island making Nosy Mamoko a real place of luxuriant vegetation.
Lemurs and turtles inhabit the island and are an integral part of the decor. In mango trees, coconut palms or baobabs, many lambs live.
Historically, this island was the first island of Nosy Be to be leased by the Arabs for their trade with Madagascar. Even today, there are traces of this past history in form of houses, mosques and a home port for large ships.
For all the inhabitants of the part of the Big Island, Nosy Mamoko represents a very important cultural heritage, because the king of the Sakalava came to seek refuge there during the times of civil-war between the ethnic groups. It is for this reason that a part of the island remains, years later, "fady" (taboo) for tourists and Madagascans.
This does not prevent adventurers and discoverers to get there and to immerse themselves in the beauty of the place and the past history.
This article was published in Prime Magazine May 2018
Ideally, to better enjoy your stay, it is best to avoid the rainy season.
Take an Air Madagascar flight to Nosy-Be airport. Once there, a travel by boat within 2:30 to the island of Momoko.
You can opt for a camping in Nosy Mamoko or to stay in a hotel. May we suggest the "Vanilla Hotel & SPA", Home Residence or Nosy Be Hotel?
The fishermen on the island will make your getaway unforgettable. They will concoct delicious little dishes based local fish and crabs – which you can eat right on their boats.
Remains of colonisation era and the dense primary forest are not to be missed. Not to mention unique Madagascan lemurs and giant turtles with up to 150 years of age.
