Things to see and do Hell-Ville – Andoany

This private park is located in the middle of the most famous ylang-ylang plantation of Nosy Be. Lemuria Land is a sanctuary of Malagasy fauna (11 species of lemurs, reptiles, chameleons, crocodiles, turtles, lizards...), tropical flora (ylang-ylang, vetiver trees, pepper trees, vanilla trees, bamboo...) and all kinds of fruit trees (cocoa trees, litchis, soursop, jackfruit, papaya trees...) The place also houses an exhibition on insects and butterflies of Madagascar. The entrance fee includes a visit to the SPPM distillery.

The Mahabo de Manongarivo is a place of pilgrimage, and the bodies of Queen Binao (^19th century) and her brother lie in this mausoleum. A little further on, the Mahabo d'Ambalarafia houses the tomb of Queen Tsiomeko. To visit these sites, where ceremonies are regularly held, you need to contact the Fokonolona. You must respect the rituals: offer a symbolic sum (we recommend 5,000 Ar per person) and a small bottle of rum, then respect the fady.

Founded by the Missionary Fathers in 1889, SPPM (Société des Produits à Parfum de Madagascar), the island's (and the world's) leading distillery and the world's largest producer of ylang-ylang essential oil, processes several tons of flowers a day. It is produced by steam distillation for cosmetics and perfumes, but also for a lesser-quality oil, called cananga oil, extracted from the tail of the distillate. Around 100 kg of flowers are needed to produce 2.5 kg of essential oil. The best ylang-ylang oil comes from flowers picked early in the morning in the early days of summer. The olfactory power of ylang-ylang oil is its claim to fame, and is the source of the world's best-selling perfume - Chanel's famous N°5. Ylang-ylang's therapeutic virtues are also of interest, helping to slow the heart rate and combat tachycardia and hypertension. Like rose, jasmine and sandalwood essential oils, ylang-ylang is also said to have anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and sedative properties. On site, in the distillery, you can watch the essences being extracted and buy small bottles of ylang-ylang as well as various souvenirs, a pure pleasure for the senses and a scent you'll associate with this trip for a long time to come. Preferably on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings, when the workers are harvesting and distilling.

A must for travellers, the museum is also a must for residents and Aboriginals who can be proud of this infrastructure that brings together various treasures from the past: paintings, swords, documents and various works of art... In particular, there is a family tree that tells the story of the Sakalava royalty

Various information on members, brochures and maps of the island. Feel free to consult the website, very complete, to get a general idea of the offer in the beautiful region of Nosy Be.