Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your stay at Tsara Beach
1. Why choose Tsara Beach over a large hotel in Nosy Be?
It all depends on the stay you are dreaming of.
If you are looking for a lively resort with several pools, buffets and hundreds of rooms, there are excellent addresses in Nosy Be.
At Tsara Beach we made a different choice: only five bungalows, a peaceful beach, a team that takes the time to get to know you, and an atmosphere where you quickly forget what time it is. Many of our travellers tell us they needed to slow down… and that they found it here.
2. Orangea or Andilana: which beach should I choose?
Both are beautiful, but they do not offer the same experience.
Andilana is livelier and home to several large establishments. Orangea appeals to those looking for more calm, nature and authenticity. It is one of the most unspoilt beaches in Nosy Be. No rows of sun loungers here, no constant entertainment. Just the sand, the sea and the coconut palms.
If your idea of a holiday involves hearing the birds and the sound of the sea more than boat engines and passing vendors, Orangea is probably for you.
3. Why did you build only a few bungalows?
Because we wanted to preserve the spirit of the place.
We could have built more rooms. We preferred to keep generous open spaces, let the garden breathe, and give everyone the feeling of having a little corner of paradise almost to themselves.
That tranquillity is part of the Tsara Beach experience.
4. Who is Tsara Beach for?
For those looking for something other than a conventional hotel.
We welcome couples, honeymooners, snorkelling enthusiasts, nature lovers, families wanting time together, and anyone who appreciates places on a human scale.
Those who love noisy nights out or clubs will be happier elsewhere on the island.
5. Is Tsara Beach a good choice for a honeymoon?
It is in fact one of the reasons many couples choose us.
Days begin with breakfast facing the sea, continue between swims and excursions, then end with a sunset and a candlelit dinner.
We always do our best to make those moments even more memorable.
6. Can you spend several days without leaving the lodge?
Yes… and that is often what happens.
Many of our visitors arrive with a packed schedule and end up slowing down. A swim, a good book, lunch on the terrace, a nap lulled by the waves, a cocktail at sunset…
In the end, the hardest part is sometimes leaving.
7. What is there to do around Tsara Beach?
Nosy Be is full of treasures.
We can arrange excursions to Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja and the Lokobe reserve, as well as fishing trips, boat rides, quad biking, tuk-tuk rides, hikes and whale watching in season.
And if you would rather do nothing at all… that is an excellent idea too.
8. Can you see turtles or go snorkelling?
Yes.
The waters around Nosy Be are among the finest in Madagascar for snorkelling. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see corals, tropical fish, starfish and sometimes sea turtles, particularly around Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tanikely.
9. What is the best time to come to Nosy Be?
Nosy Be is a pleasant destination all year round.
The dry season, from April to November, is ideal for enjoying the beach and excursions. Between July and September, humpback whales pass along the island's coast.
Every season reveals a different side of Nosy Be.
Learn more10. How do I get to Tsara Beach?
The lodge is about 45 minutes from Fascène international airport.
We are happy to arrange your transfer (base rate €25) so that your stay begins the moment you arrive, without having to find a taxi or negotiate a fare.
Learn more11. Is your restaurant reserved for lodge guests?
No.
We also welcome visitors who simply want to have lunch, dinner, or share a few tapas facing the sunset.
It is often a chance to discover Tsara Beach… before coming back for several nights.
12. What characterises your cooking?
We cook the way we would like to be welcomed ourselves.
Freshly caught fish, local produce, tropical fruit, simple and generous recipes, prepared to order.
Our aim is not to impress with an endless menu, but to serve honest food our guests remember.
Our menu changes every day. We have a fixed tapas menu and a grill menu that follows the season.
13. Is breakfast included?
No.
We offer breakfast for just €5 extra per person per day.
It is one of those small pleasures people often remember: coffee still hot, fresh fruit, the sound of the waves and the view over Nosy Sakatia to start the day.
14. Is the beach private?
In Madagascar, all beaches are public.
But Orangea remains very unspoilt and rarely busy. You will often feel you have the beach almost to yourself.
Our sun loungers and relaxation areas are naturally reserved for lodge guests.
15. Can you swim all day?
Yes.
The tides simply transform the landscape through the hours. At times they reveal a wide sandy beach perfect for walking, at others a sea ideal for swimming.
Every moment of the day has its own charm.
16. Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes.
Wi-Fi is available free of charge.
But we would not be surprised if you soon forgot your phone to watch the sun disappear behind Nosy Sakatia.
17. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by:
- • cash (ariary, euros, US dollars)
- • instant bank transfer (in euros)
- • mobile money (Orange Money, in ariary)
18. Are children welcome?
Of course.
Families particularly appreciate the calm of the place and the beach, which invites children to play, explore and enjoy nature. We also have a range of board games available.
The MAVO bungalow sleeps up to 4 people. On request, we can also provide a cot.
19. Why book directly on the Tsara Beach website?
Because you deal directly with the people who will welcome you.
We can answer all your questions, arrange your transfers, advise you on excursions and help you plan a stay that suits you.
It is also the best way to enjoy our personal welcome from the very first contact.
By booking direct, you also support an independent lodge. Booking platforms take substantial commissions on every stay; booking on our site lets us put more resources into what makes the difference: our team, our kitchen, the upkeep of the lodge and the small touches that make your stay unique.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to travel this way.
20. What do travellers remember most after their stay?
The answers that come up most often:
- • The setting, the calm, the almost private beach, that intimate feel, the sunset with the view over Sakatia.
- • The personal service, the smiles, the availability and the kindness of our team.
- • Meals shared facing the sea, with delicious dishes and tapas.
- • The sense of having found somewhere simple, authentic and unspoilt.
Our finest reward is hearing our visitors say: "We will be back."
Another question? We'd be delighted to help.