Nosy Sakatia, the island of orchids
The so called Orchids Island is still unspoilt piece of paradise, offering excellent snorkeling, diving and moderate hiking. Sakatia is known for its flowers but also it has many other riches.
Nosy Sakatia is only 6 km long and 2 wide - it is the most authentic island of archipelago Nosy Be (protected and classified by the Ministry of Environment). The inland is pretty hilly and it offers beautiful hikes, especially at higher elevations. The southern tip of the island is still a virgin forest inhabited by the smallest chameleon of the World (1 cm) and many other species such as fanihy (giant bats). It’s relatively untouched by tourism, so is the perfect place to hole up and enjoy the real Madagascar, away from the crowds, where there are no roads, only footpaths.
Discover the chameleons, birds or rare medicinal plants that you will encounter during your day which naturally takes place under the sign of discovery. Take a walk in the middle of Nosy Sakatia's unspoiled landscapes: blazing flamboyant, coffee trees, pepper pots, vanilla, tree of the “traveler”, pineapple, anacardier, mangos, jacques, guava, eucalyptus, raphia, orchids, healing plants, fruit trees, acacias, palms, medicinal plants, endemic birds, chameleons, surprising views on totally deserted beaches but also meeting with schools and the fishing villages cut off from the world. Everything is there!!!
You can wander among the giant ferns, check out the birds and beasties, laze on the beach or don mask and snorkel and explore the underwater world for which the island is rightly famous. And if you’re a qualified or aspirant diver you’ve come to the right place; Nosy Sakatia has its own NAUI approved dive center and offers the full gamut of dive courses. The diving is easy - all dives are boat dives, but most are just a short distance from the launch site. The island is fringed by coral reefs and there’s plenty of fun to be had in the channel between there and Nosy Be. In addition to colorful coral you are likely to see giant cucumbers, turtles, sponge crabs and, at night, exquisite Spanish dancers, so the sites are great for novices to learn the trade or for night dives. There’s also plenty of challenging diving for the adventurous. Huge extensive reefs surround Nosy Sakatia and at their edges are exciting walls and drop-offs, some exciting drift dives and a wreck off Ambatoloaka.
Morning discovery, afternoon relax… Culture and traditional activities of the Malagasy autochthons, fishermen, and craftsman invite you to share their lives with the rhythm of a generous and respected nature. For your wellness, you will finish your journey on a private and splendid beach, A real piece of paradise and tranquility. Lunch on a beach, snorkeling, kayaks and beach games are at your disposal. At lunchtime, savor the succulent fresh seafood and Malagasy specialties in the shade of the coconut trees. You will enjoy this private beach to the fullest, its bar and hammocks.
Immersion in the Malagasy atmosphere that is "mora-mora" where you will take the time to appreciate all that surrounds you. Definitely, make sure Nosy Sakatia is on your itinerary.
Watch more photos about Nosy Sakatia here.