Northern Madagascar
Bivouac à Nosy Iranja
Set on one of Madagascar’s most photogenic islands, Bivouac à Nosy Iranja offers a simple yet atmospheric beachside stay for adventurous travellers. Accommodation consists of small, tent-like bungalows made from natural plant fibres, positioned beneath coconut palms just steps from the sea. Facilities are basic but sufficient, with lighting, showers, and freshly prepared meals served in a communal setting overlooking the ocean.
The island is known for nesting turtles, excellent snorkelling, and dramatic sandbars linking its twin islets. While there is currently no dive centre on Nosy Iranja itself, operators from Nosy Be offer excursions to nearby sites such as Sud Canyon, where reef sharks and pelagic fish patrol the drop-off, and Roche Gaby, a deeper site frequented by leopard sharks.
Facilities
There are a few accommodation options on Nosy Iranja, including the organised beachside bivouac, a room at the island’s only hotel lodge, self-catered camping with prior permission, and informal homestays arranged through local contacts.
Local Wildlife
Cetaceans: humpback whale, Omura's whale, spinner dolphin, false killer whale, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin.
Other marine life: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, whale shark, leopard shark, manta ray.
Birds: Madagascar fish-eagle, souimanga sunbird, olive bee-eater, Malagasy palm swift, Malagasy paradise-flycatcher, lesser crested tern, white-tailed tropicbird, little egret, striated heron, Humblot's heron, Malagasy kingfisher, Malagasy kestrel, pied crow, brown noddy, Mascarene martin, grey heron, black heron, common myna, crab-plover, Malagasy bulbul, rock pigeon, Madagascar munia, Malagasy coucal, common sandpiper, great crested tern, brown booby, whimbrel, common tern, lesser frigatebird, roseate tern.
Optional Activities
Walks on the sandbank, sea swims, walk to the lighthouse, souvenir shopping, snorkelling, turtle watching (depending on the season), scuba diving.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
Stay at least two nights to fully enjoy the island’s tranquillity, explore both islets, and experience the changing tides across the sandbar.
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
It was an excellent trip. I saw a lot of a wonderful country and would like to return. The Malagasy people are lovely. Friendly and hospitable throughout. Everything was done to ensure we were happy and comfortable. Excellent service and wildlife. Wildlife highlights: mating fosas, close encounters with indri, diademed sifaka and ringtailed lemurs above us as we picniced below.