Nosy Ve

Nosy Ve, a flat uninhabited and mostly unshaded island, has a history dating to the French who landed here in 1888 prior to conquering the mainland. Some ancient tombs of French settlers can still be found here. In the past the island served as a hiding place for pirates and as a slave departure port.

The about five kilometres offshore island is sacred to the Vezo people, where each year they sacrifice zebu by traditional rituals.

The island has a long white sand beach and is the world's most southernmost all-year breeding colony of red-tailed tropic-birds, which attracts ornithologists from all over the world.

There is no accommodation on Nosy Ve and camping is not permitted. Day visits can be arranged in the village of Anakao. The best transport is by a Vezo fisherman powered pirogue. Ask anyone in the village. A tax of 2000 Ariary serves as an entrance fee to the island. A stroll around the shoreline takes about one hour.