Iranja Island in northern Madagascar is an exquisite resort owned and managed by Fred Faure, an experienced hotelier. The Island is situated 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest of Nosy Be Island by boat. (Helicopter transfers are available and are the much more luxurious option - 20 minutes only). The setting is idyllic, stunning beaches surround a lush tropical island covered with coconut palms, Filaos trees and tropical flowers. The bird life is diverse and remarkable and the island is also home to huge Coconut crabs. Nosy Iranja consists of two islands connected by a 1500 m sandbank that is exposed during low tide. The northern (bigger) island, Nosy Iranja Be, is home to a delightful lighthouse designed by Gustav Eiffel and a small village, inhabited by the local fishermen. The southern island, Nosy Iranja, has 23 luxurious chalets dotted around the coast line, each with their own incredible sea view.
The island has many attractions and amenities, one of the most notable being that it is an important breeding reserve for hawksbill turtles. There is a full range of watersports available, from sailing to scuba and fantastic snorkelling opportunities. The perfect beaches provide great walks or the option of simply lazing in the sun! The hawksbill turtle is an important aspect of Nosy Iranjas eco-system. Emanuel is a scientist from Nosy Be working on the turtle monitoring project, very proud of it and eager to show visitors both the turtle project, the reptiles and amphibians on Nosy Iranja. An information centre is presently being built on Iranja - in the south of the island where most of the turtles lay their eggs.
Seasons: The temperature is pleasant all year round except between the summer months Dec-Feb when humidity is very high - the cyclonic period brings with it strong winds and daily showers. Average daily water temperature is 25°C.
Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart. Currently no trips are available for the Iranja Private Island, but we can suggest a few similar tours to you.