Bivouac à Nosy Iranja

The island of Nosy Iranja is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in Madagascar and has white sand beaches, surrounded by warm, turtle-filled shallows. The island is actually comprised of two smaller islets – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – linked by a stunning 2-kilometre sandbar that disappears beneath the sea at high water.

Bivouac à Nosy Iranja is usually included as part of an overnight excursion from the main island of Nosy Be. En route, you will usually stop at various shallow reefs for snorkeling plus the adjacent deepwater Mozambique Channel to search for whales and dolphins. In the right season, whale sharks can even be found here. Despite its beauty, Nosy Iranja remains peaceful and unspoiled, with only a small fishing village on the eastern side and a historic lighthouse perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views.

Accommodation is provided in small, thatched, A-frame huts in two rows running along the quieter western side of the island. Delightfully simple, the huts provide very basic accommodation: just a mattress and mosquito net, yet are surprisingly comfortable. Bed linen and towels are provided, each has one small light, plus there are two shared toilet blocks (western toilets, cold showers) behind the cabins.

Wholesome meals of fish, meat, vegetables, rice and seafood are served communally in a large thatched restaurant complete with charging points, cold fridge and well-stocked bar.

The village and sandbar are both within an easy walk and there is good snorkeling just offshore. The adjacent beach is wild and unspoiled, and serves as a critical nesting ground for sea turtles. Depending on the time of year, you may witness adult turtles laying eggs or hatchlings making their way to the sea – a truly unforgettable sight.

At night, the lack of light pollution reveals a dazzling night sky, with the Southern Cross and the Milky Way clearly visible.

The main season for humpback whales runs from July to November (peaking in August and September) whereas the best time for whale sharks is from September to December (peaking in October and November).

Observable in the water throughout the year, green turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs between June and October and hawksbill turtles tend to lay their eggs from October to February. The hatchlings usually emerge around 60 days later.

As with all wildlife, no sightings can be guaranteed but the overlapping of the different seasons, plus large amount of resident wildlife means that there is nearly always something here to keep wildlife lovers happy.