Hiking in Nosy Komba: Sport, adventure and nature
Nosy Komba offers a unique experience for hiking enthusiasts. The island combines tropical rainforest, lush mountain landscapes, rivers, small waterfalls and exceptional biodiversity. It’s a destination of choice for hikers and trekkers in search of authenticity.
A diversity of species
During a hike in the mountains of Nosy Komba, you can observe a variety of animals and plants. The island’s forests are home to animals such as lemurs, birds, chameleons, snakes…
The mountains are covered in lush vegetation with tall trees dominating the canopy as well as palms, evergreens, epiphytic plants, medicinal plants and many other species.
You will pass through plantations of vanilla, cocoa, coffee, pepper and fruit trees.
Hiking trails
There are many footpaths on Nosy Komba. They cross the island in all directions. You can set off from any seaside village and then begin your ascent. It’s best to set off early in the morning when the sun is still low.
Here are the most popular walks:
- Discover the mountains
- To the top of the island
- Crossing the island
- Sports hiking and trekking
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Mountain discovery hikes
Altitude 400 to 500 metres. It takes between 1h10 and 1h30 to walk to the first villages on the mountain. This walk is ideal for those looking for an introduction to hiking without committing to a long walk. It can be enhanced by a meal in a village.
Diavity
Diavity offers its services as a guide and serves typical Malagasy meals in its gargote at the top of the village of Anjiabe.
The Akiba association
The Akiba association, set up by Jérôme, promotes sustainable development: agroforestry, permaculture, a school and a mountain gîte. Visiting Akiba is an opportunity to support a local initiative and enjoy an authentic experience in Nosy Komba. Also, if you plan to walk for more than a day and hike in the highlands, the gîte can be used as a stopover or base.
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Hiking to the top of the island
The hike to the top of Nosy Komba island takes around 1 to 2 hours and offers spectacular views of the island and its surroundings. This excursion is a little more demanding, but rewards you with a breathtaking view.
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Crossing the island
For the more adventurous, the island crossing lasts between 2 and 3 hours depending on your level, offering a complete experience of the island’s nature. The return journey can be made on foot, but can also be organised by boat.
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Sporty multi-stage hikes
If you’re a ‘kilometre of effort’ enthusiast, you can combine the routes by adding a little more difficulty to the crossing of the island and adding another stage at sea level. You’ll quickly reach a cumulative altitude difference of over 1,500m.
The long Maki Run trail is a perfect example of this type of hike.
How do you prepare?
Practical tips for hiking in Nosy Komba
- Physical preparation: Hiking in Nosy Komba can be demanding, so it’s important to have a good level of fitness.
- Equipment: Wear sturdy hiking boots, light, comfortable clothing and a hat and sunglasses. Bring a good supply of water.
- Schedule: If possible, avoid the rainy season, as the trails are slippery. An early start in the morning is ideal because of the heat. The sun is not yet at its zenith. You’ll be somewhat protected by the vegetation.
- Local guide:: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended to get the most out of the experience and gain valuable information about the local flora and fauna.
- Respect for the environment: It is crucial to respect the environment and the island’s inhabitants by minimising your ecological impact.
On the same theme…
Medicinal plants
There are many medicinal plants on the island which the people use as their main preventive or curative treatments.
Vanilla
The vanilla plantations are mainly located in the mountain of the island, where the hot and humid climate is favorable to the blooming of vanilla.
The old arboretum
During colonial times, monks on the island had established an arboretum.
