Nosy Komba, Volcanic island near Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Komba is a volcanic island rising 622 meters high with a circular coastline shaped by granite rock formations. Dense tropical forest covers most of the land, and emerald-colored waters surround its shores.
In the early 1800s the island became a refuge for Sakalava people fleeing the mainland. French colonists later built a sanatorium there for treating tropical diseases.
The people of Ampangorina village practice woodcarving and fishing as part of daily life. These crafts and the growing of vanilla and coffee remain central to how residents live on the island today.
You will need a boat to reach the island from Nosy Be or the mainland. The best time to visit is from April through November when conditions are most favorable.
The island is home to a protected population of black lemurs that roam freely through the forests and villages. In the Ampangorina natural park, visitors can watch them up close.
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