The most beautiful natural sites to discover Anakao

Nosy Satrana is a small, almost deserted island, populated by herons. At low tide, it's possible to cross from the mainland to the island, where herdsmen drive their herds of zebus. In many places, the ground is strewn with limestone debris resembling broken eggs, fossilized pieces of eggshells from aepyornis, the ancestor of the ostrich! To the north, a tamarind tree provides welcome shade for a picnic. The northeastern beaches are a pleasant place to stop and take a dip. The lagoon here is of great beauty.

Located 3 kilometers off Anakao, the long, flat island of Nosy Ve is lined with sandy beaches and is now deserted. Vezo fishermen stop off here for a break or a bivouac. Exploring the island offers many points of interest. Of course, there's the beach, always inviting for lounging and swimming, but there are also a number of pleasant places to visit. One of the main reasons for visiting Nosy Ve is to catch a glimpse of the red-tailed tropicbird. This endemic species also nests on Reunion Island. It digs its nest in the sand, under trees, to lay eggs and hatch. The island is also sacred ground. Numerous fady (taboos) are associated with it, and the densest masses of vegetation on the northeastern slopes are home to the huts of the tromba, the representative of the cult of reincarnation and possession. Last but not least, this is a historic site. The island of Nosy Ve was a maritime base for slave traders, merchants and pirates for several centuries. Among other notable events, at the end of the ^19th century, France delegated its Resident there, as King Lahimiriza refused to sign slave trade regulations with French naval commander Faberty. From these tumultuous times, a few vestiges remain, which you can discover during your visit to the island: the stone basins of the Residence, an impressively large anchor, the tombs of the French... We recommend a visit to Nosy Ve.