Open-Air Market & Sacred Tree

OVERVIEW

Discover exotic crops and trees that thrive in Nosy Be’s fertile soil by visiting an open-air market, walking through a plantation’s fields and relaxing under the Sacred Tree. Begin a leisurely drive across Hell-Ville, one of Madagascar’s most developed areas and the island’s colonial capital. You’ll stop at one of the city’s busy open-air markets and experience an authentic slice of daily life, watching locals shopping for spices, tamarind, mangoes and other fresh produce. At a nearby plantation, breathe in the heady fragrance of the ylang-ylang tree’s flowers, whose essential oils are used to produce perfumes and lotions. Learn that while coffee and peppers also flourish here, the Sacred Tree is Nosy Be’s most iconic plant. You’ll sit in its shade and hear why the Malagasy people revere this over-200-year-old ficus tree, which covers an area of more than 5,000 square feet. Wander through the tree’s maze of aerial roots or sit back and enjoy a folkloric performance by a live band while sipping a refreshing beverage. Following your respite, you’ll appreciate a brief pause to purchase some souvenirs of your unforgettable excursion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Immerse yourself in a bustling Hell-Ville marketplace brimming with vegetables, fruits and spices.
• Experience the exquisite aroma of the ylang-ylang tree’s flowers at a plantation.
• Contemplate the over-two-centuries-old Sacred Tree, a venerated site of the Malagasy people.
• Roam the Sacred Tree’s tangle of aerial roots and applaud a live-music folkloric performance while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
• Shop for the perfect memento of your delightful excursion.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate, light-weight clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring insect repellant. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.