Nosy Be
Traveling throughout Madagascar is both awe-inspiring and very hard work, so a few days in a serene lodge on a tropical island is just the ticket as a transition between your adventure and your homeward journey. And Tsara Komba Lodge is the perfect wind-down destination. Sited on a forested mountain slope, facing the warm ocean and run by superb French hosts Xavier and Lucie, the lodge welcomes you with open arms. The thatched chalets are stylish, minimalist and ooze comfort, the food is very good, the views reach to infinity and you're encouraged to do exactly as you wish.
/48.3561063,-13.4964415,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
The lodge has been beautifully designed, its thatched roofs disappearing into the forest when viewed from the ocean. In the main area are a bar (ask the barman to whip up one of Tsara Komba’s famous coconut rum punches!) and restaurant, and a sea-viewing deck. The restaurant has been acclaimed as one of the finest in the country, and the meals are certainly delicious, with strong focus on fruit, fish and, if you're longing for something different, a zebu steak.
Built of traditional materials, Tsara Komba's eight bungalows are stylish and minimalist – with touches of Madagascar in the intricately thatched roofs, gleaming floors of local wood and traditional artefacts. The netted beds are huge, the linen is the finest and the en-suite bathrooms have all the luxuries. Six of the bungalows sleep up to three guests each; two larger bungalows have an additional living-cum-bedroom for families or friends. All are surrounded by bird-filled gardens. Mobile phone; 24-hour internet connectivity.
Boat, pirogue or your own feet are the only forms of transport. The turquoise-blue sea is your first port of call. Swim or sunbathe, snorkel in a cove around the corner from the lodge or board a boat bound for the reefs off nearby Nosy Tanikely. Learn to sail a pirogue or go deep-sea fishing. Meander along the beach, passing the villages and winding through wedges of forest. Explore the gardens and their wildlife, including lemurs and numerous birds.
A luxurious hideaway nestled on the lush slopes of Nosy Komba offering forest-to-reef experiences.
The Time + Tide Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments and supporting nearby communities, and guests contribute to sustainability purely by visiting their properties. The foundation focuses on community and school-based learning, female empowerment, health, and wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like student sponsorship, it aims to ensure the long-term prosperity of wildlife economies and foster positive social change in Time + Tide communities. A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Madagascar’s top beach location is low-key, heavenly and offers tranquil land and water activities.
