Everything you need to know before you arrive
Getting here
3 easy steps
Step 01: Fly to Nosy Be
Fly into Nosy Be, Fascene Airport, NOS. Multiple airlines serve Nosy Be, you don’t need to route via Antananarivo unless you’re planning an overland trip through Madagascar. See the airline FAQ below for full details.
Step 02: Transfer to Chanty Beach
From Fascene Airport, we arrange your road transfer to the boat departure point at Chanty Beach, Nosy Be. The drive from the airport is approximately 45 minutes.
Step 03: Cross to Nosy Sakatia
Our transfer boat takes you across to Nosy Sakatia in around 15–20 minutes, depending on the conditions. The boat is open, but your luggage will be covered. It is a simple, genuinely beautiful introduction to the island.
Common questions about the journey
How do I get to Nosy Sakatia?
Fly to Fascene Airport on Nosy Be, NOS. From there, we arrange a road transfer to the boat departure point at Chanty Beach, followed by a 15–20 minute boat crossing to Nosy Sakatia. We coordinate all transfers when you confirm your booking.
Can the lodge arrange airport transfers from Nosy Be?
Yes. We arrange all transfers as part of your booking, from Fascene Airport, or your Nosy Be hotel if you’re arriving separately, to the boat departure point and then across to the lodge. Let us know your arrival time and we’ll handle the rest.
What airlines fly to Nosy Be?
Six airlines currently serve Nosy Be across 15 direct destinations: Air Austral, Airlink, Ethiopian, EWA Air, Madagascar Airlines and Neos. Neos is currently the only airline flying non-stop from Europe to Nosy Be, with some European routes seasonal. For South Africa specifically, Airlink flies direct from Johannesburg to Nosy Be. We’re happy to advise based on where you’re flying from.
How long does the boat crossing take?
The boat crossing from Nosy Be to Nosy Sakatia takes roughly 15–20 minutes in normal conditions. The crossing can be slightly longer in rougher weather. The boat is open, but your luggage will be covered.
Fly to Nosy Be
with Airlink
Getting to Sakatia Lodge is now even easier with Airlink, our official airline partner.
Once you land at Fascene Airport, our team will coordinate your onward transfer by road and traditional pirogue, so your journey from airport to island feels simple, seamless and beautifully part of the adventure.
Whether you are travelling for diving, whale shark season, barefoot family time or a quiet escape, Airlink connects South African guests directly to Madagascar’s island north.
Book your flight with Airlink, then send us your arrival details, we’ll take care of the rest.
Everything you might want to know
Do I need a visa to visit Madagascar?
What vaccinations are recommended?
What currency should I bring?
The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary, MGA. Euros are the easiest foreign currency to use in Nosy Be and at the lodge, notes only, no coins accepted. USD is also accepted: notes must be dated 2017 or newer, and $1 notes are not accepted. A bureau de change and ATM are available at Fascene Airport on Nosy Be, we recommend exchanging what you need there on arrival.
What is the weather like on Nosy Sakatia?
Nosy Sakatia has a tropical climate. The lodge is open mid-March to mid-January. The dry season, from May to October, has cooler temperatures, lower humidity and the best diving visibility. November to January is warmer and more humid with occasional rain, but visibility is still good and whale sharks are more frequent.
The lodge closes from mid-January to mid-March during the rainy season.
Is there Wi-Fi at the lodge?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge and in all bungalows and glamping tents. The lodge runs on Unifi and Starlink, connection is fast and reliable. This is a remote island, but you shouldn’t notice the difference for most tasks.
What is the electricity supply?
The lodge runs on solar power for approximately 90% of its electricity needs, supplemented by a generator during part of the day. Electricity is available 24 hours. Standard European-style sockets, Type C/E, are used.
A torch or headlamp is recommended for late nights moving around the island.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Is Nosy Sakatia safe?
Yes. Nosy Sakatia is a very safe, tranquil island with a small local community. The lodge has been operating for over twenty years without significant security incidents. Standard travel common sense applies: don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach, and take normal care when travelling. Madagascar overall requires normal awareness, but the island itself is relaxed and welcoming.
Do I need a visa to visit Madagascar?
Most nationalities receive a visa on arrival at Antananarivo or Nosy Be airports. Visas can also be purchased online in advance, check the official Malagasy e-visa portal before you travel. The visa-on-arrival is typically valid for 30 or 60 days depending on your nationality. We recommend checking the current requirements for your passport before travelling.
What vaccinations are recommended?
What currency should I bring?
The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary, MGA. Euros are the easiest foreign currency to use in Nosy Be and at the lodge, notes only, no coins accepted. USD is also accepted: notes must be dated 2017 or newer, and $1 notes are not accepted. A bureau de change and ATM are available at Fascene Airport on Nosy Be, we recommend exchanging what you need there on arrival.
What is the weather like on Nosy Sakatia?
Nosy Sakatia has a tropical climate. The lodge is open mid-March to mid-January. The dry season, from May to October, has cooler temperatures, lower humidity and the best diving visibility. November to January is warmer and more humid with occasional rain, but visibility is still good and whale sharks are more frequent.
The lodge closes from mid-January to mid-March during the rainy season.
Is there Wi-Fi at the lodge?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge and in all bungalows and glamping tents. The lodge runs on Unifi and Starlink, connection is fast and reliable. This is a remote island, but you shouldn’t notice the difference for most tasks.
What is the electricity supply?
The lodge runs on solar power for approximately 90% of its electricity needs, supplemented by a generator during part of the day. Electricity is available 24 hours. Standard European-style sockets, Type C/E, are used.
A torch or headlamp is recommended for late nights moving around the island.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Is Nosy Sakatia safe?
Yes. Nosy Sakatia is a very safe, tranquil island with a small local community. The lodge has been operating for over twenty years without significant security incidents. Standard travel common sense applies: don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach, and take normal care when travelling. Madagascar overall requires normal awareness, but the island itself is relaxed and welcoming.
Rates, deposits and booking questions
What is the minimum stay?
The minimum stay is 4 nights. This applies to all accommodation types. We strongly recommend staying longer, most guests who stay 4 nights wish they’d stayed longer. Many end up extending.
Is breakfast and dinner included?
Meals are not automatically included. You can choose to stay on a room only, bed and breakfast, or half board basis. A snack menu is available at lunchtime. A complimentary rhum arrangé is served after dinner each evening.
What deposit is required to confirm a booking?
A deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The deposit amount and terms are confirmed at the time of booking. The balance is settled on departure. Please see our Terms & Conditions for the full booking and cancellation policy.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is outlined in full in our Terms & Conditions. Cancellations must be made in writing by email to reservations@sakatialodge.com. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover before confirming your booking.
Can I request a specific room?
Yes. When submitting your enquiry, you can note a room preference. We’ll do our best to accommodate requests, but specific room allocation is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Do you cater for children?
Yes. Children are welcome at Sakatia Lodge. Please let us know the ages of any children in your group when you enquire so we can prepare appropriately. Some activities, including diving, have age or experience restrictions.
Is the lodge suitable for people with mobility issues?
Nosy Sakatia is a natural island with uneven terrain, sandy paths and steps in some areas. The lodge is not fully accessible for guests with significant mobility restrictions. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs before booking.
