Culture & Community
Book Your Adventure Todayhe Antakarana people, a proud community in northern Madagascar, are deeply rooted in their rich history, culture, and traditions. Known for their unwavering commitment to their Queens and Kings, the Antakarana play a significant role in the culture and community of Madagascar. Their identity as Antakarana is a source of pride, reflecting their deep connection to their heritage and leadership. Through their strong sense of unity, the Antakarana preserve the cultural values and community spirit that define the northern regions of Madagascar.
Activities
Music Connecting People: The Heartbeat of Nosy Komba’s Culture
Exploring Tradition and History of Island
Meeting Antankarana Tribe
Visiting Typical Villages of Nosy Komba
To Know Before You Go
You Are Going to Be Sleeping in the Middle of a Giant Ecosystem
One of the best ways to make the most of your visit is to do a little learning (and planning) beforehand.
Get To Know the Nosy Komba
Understanding a bit about the entire Madagascar and its ecosystems can help you get the big picture of how the animals, plants and geography all fit together.
Know What to Look For
You might not see the animals you expect – for example, jungle cameleons. Our guide to the wildlife can get you started spotting from the minute you arrive.
Pack Right
For hiking, bring some drab-colored clothes, shoes that are already broken in (and cover your whole foot!), and bug spray.
Hiking through the rainforest means you are entering the homes of a lot of different kinds of living organisms.
Be Wise in the Wild
Act Casual (And Be Quiet)
It’s exciting – sometimes too exciting! – to be in the jungle, but try to move slowly, quietly and casually, and not directly toward wildlife.
Let animals to keep you in view, but do not approach them. The louder you are, the more likely animals will scatter or hide before you even get near enough to see them.
Be Present
Think about it: you might not have ever been in the middle of so many amazing sights, sounds and smells. Try to take a moment to stop, breathe and reflect on the magnificent environment you are immersed in.
Even younger kids can enjoy focusing on one sense at a time. Sight, hearing, smell, and touch are the easiest to start with.
Do Not Feed the Animals
Feeding animals changes their diet in sometimes unhealthy ways. It also can lead them to expect food from their human visitors, so they hang around for treats when they should be out foraging, socializing and getting exercise.
Even familiar tropical foods that we might eat at home, like bananas, are best kept for us.
Follow the Age-Old Wisdom
For swimming and other water activities: be vigilant, swim with a partner, and tell someone where you are going.
We are located in the Indian Ocean, Mozambique Channel with high tides and currents, also we can get big waves.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Unless you are in a place where it is ok to interact with animals, do not touch the animals you might find. Some are poisonous never deadly in Madagascar, but most are just very shy and nervous – and some are protected because they are very rare or fragile.
You can safely touch most uninhabited shells, as well as rocks, but do not pick plants or eat anything. Picking plants, gathering seashells or taking other items is not okay and it may get you into trouble. Most of the life in the rainforest is protected by the government, and of course, Mother Nature.
Leave No Trace
You might already know about the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” – a set of guidelines for conserving our natural spaces and leaving minimal impact on the environment. It includes a reminder to “leave what you find” – but it is understandable that sometimes we want to take a special reminder with us.
However, we all should leave rocks, plants, animals, archaeological artifacts, and other objects alone – to preserve the environmental and cultural history, as well as to allow others a sense of discovery.
If You Have a Wildlife Encounter ...
… or a miscalculated adventure that leaves you hurt or worried, let us know. Even if it is nothing, we would all rather be safe than sorry. For more serious events, please let us know right away – should you need medical assistance, it can take some time. There are local doctors in Nosy Komba and a small clinic in Ampangorina (20 minutes by boat), and in Nosy Be (40 minutes by boat).
