Fodor's Expert Review Mitsio Archipelago

If Nosy Be is getting away from it all, this collection of small islands 72 km (45 miles) to the northeast is absolute escape. Here, you can discover white-sand beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and huge basalt columns resembling organ pipes. Each island has its own character, and only two are inhabited. La Grande Mitsio hosts small farming villages. Nosy Ankarea is known for scuba adventures. Quatre Frères’ mighty silver basalt rocks contain huge caves and overhangs that captivate birdwatchers. Nosy Tsarabanjina is the lap of luxury; the place to land on the private island is the helipad at tony Constance Lodge (www.tsarabanjina.com). Visiting the islands from Nosy Be is usually best done over a couple days. Some resorts arrange day trips, and private charters offer multi-day excursions. Mozambique Yacht Charters (www.mozambiqueyachtcharters.com) has been running boats to the islands for a decade. Ask the Nosy Be Regional Tourism Office about others.