While researching the ‘top sights in Nosy Be’ I was pretty skeptical about the ‘Sacred Tree’. I mean, how can a mere bush be a tourist attraction? (Well, don’t ask the islands ‘sex tourists’…)

Forget everything you ever learnt about boring evergreens, Nosy Be’s ‘Scared Tree’ is a world within itself. The enormous Banyan fig is surrounded by a beautiful small forest which is a completely bewitching sight.

First things first. We were told to remove our shoes and cover ourselves with the local wrap before starting our journey into the Sacred tree (yes into the tree!)

Planted over 200 years ago, today this banyan has roots over an area of more than 5000 square meters  – which is seriously more impressive than it sounds… It lies on the coast beyond the tiny village of Mahatsinjo, and the  sacred tree was planted by the Queen of the Sakalava tribe in 1836. Nowadays, the Queen of Nosy Be makes an annual pilgrimage to sacrifice a zebu and gain benediction.

After a brief guided walk through the tree we visited the small museum and then sat down by the sea where we were offered some local cinnamon tea. As we sat drinking our sea while the sunset the scene was completely flawless and I would highly recommend arriving around 4.30 so you can complete your visit with one of the most serene sunsets on the island.

The tree is signposted from the Route de l’Ouest just north of Hell-Ville, and easily reached by quad- or motorbike. The guide charges Ar7000.