Where to stay in Madagascar
The best places to stay in Madagascar have taken a bit of criticism over the years, in recent times however, there have been multiple investments in some truly unique properties improving the overall standard. From remote camping in undiscovered parks, to luxury beach hideaways and jungle lodges, Madagascar now has a great selection of truly diverse places to stay.
1. Anjajavy Lodge
Anjajavy Lodge is one of the top luxury lodges in Madagascar. Relax in luxury at the end of your holiday with pristine beaches and a great diversity of wildlife in the accompanying nature reserve. Activities include a variety of water sports (run from a separate beach to that of swimming), fishing and numerous excursions in the Anjajavy Reserve. Consisting of 25 air conditioned two storey rosewood villas with private verandas providing ideal comfort areas to sit back and watch the sea views or dancing lemurs in the surrounding trees. Anjajavy Reserve is home to a variety of exciting fauna and flora including Coquerel’s Sifaka, brown lemurs, mouse lemurs, and a variety of chameleons not to mention the vast array of tropical birdlife (love birds, vangas, vasa parrots!), coral reefs and mangrove forests!
2. Jardin Du Roy
Jardin du Roy is a luxury lodge set on the southern boundary of Isalo National Park in the south west of Madagascar. Built from granite to blend in with the landscape, it is a great place to take time to relax and enjoy great views or explore the local surroundings. It has 40 luxury rooms set across from a large swimming pool and 8 bungalows. There are great horse riding and hiking opportunities and the onsite biofarm provides fresh fruit, vegetables and fish for the restaurants delicious meals.
3. Masoala Forest Lodge
Accessible only by foot or by sea, Masoala Forest Lodge provides complete exclusivity in a remote corner of Masoala National Park. Sleeping a maximum of 14 guests, this small and intimate lodge has great access to some of the rare and endemic species of Madagascar as well as beaches stretched for miles down the coast. The seven luxury palm thatched tree-houses are elevated on stilted wooden platforms, providing uninterrupted views of the forest canopy and sea, and allowing visitors to experience the forest from the perspective of the lemurs themselves. The private en-suite bathrooms have hot water, and there are also verandas on each tent with uninterrupted views of the forest and a hammock to lounge in.
4. Palmarium Lodge
Submerged within thick vegetation, small lodges scatter the banks of the Pangalanes. The Palmarium Lodge is one of these. Accessible only by boat both Palmarium Lodge and the newer Palmarium Beach offer clean and spacious en-suite rooms. Stay either at the main lodge or on the lakeshore at the ‘beach lodge’. Within the nearby forests there are 10 different lemur species and, although wild, some are very confident and it is a great chance to get close to these creatures, endemic to Madagascar, for some fantastic photo opportunities. The traditional thatched bungalows, made from local wood such as bamboo, are all spacious and comfortable. The rooms have hard floors and white walls, with large double or twin beds draped in mosquito netting, a rug and a stand for a bedside lamp. This then leads through to the en-suite bathroom where the toilet is separated by a curtain for a little more privacy. Bungalows all have private wooden decked terraces with bamboo and fabric chairs, a table and a hammock – a great place to relax in the afternoons.
5. Princesse Bora Lodge
Princesse Bora Lodge is located near the East Coast of Madagascar and provides the perfect location to relax on your Madagascar Wildlife Holiday. Nestled in the palm groves with oceanic views from the refreshing pool the lodge and bungalows are constructed of local materials in custom with Sainte-Marienne tradition. Activities include diving, water sports, fishing, island excursions and also from June – September clients have the opportunity to join the Megaptera whale observation teams! A beautiful Lodge with excellent service. Princess Bora is surrounded by a large palm tree grove and tropical plants and overlooks a beautiful lagoon and extensive white sandy beach. Twenty spacious bungalows comprising of 9 individual Comfort Villas with suspended beds, showers and panoramic views, 6 Luxury Villas with 2 extra beds for children in a mezzanine and 5 Executive glass-fronted Beach Villas.Other facilities include a 25 metre infinity pool, spa & massage pavilion, library, garden and cocktail bar.
6. Tsara Komba Lodge
Just 8 lodges make up this `Caring Luxury Ecolodge hotel`, their thatched roofs streamlining them into their surroundings comprised of lush forests, dotted with sandy beaches. Located to the south of the island of Nosy Komba, just north west of mainland Madagascar, this tropical paradise, surrounded by azure ocean, offers you the chance to completely relax and recharge. For those who have dreamed of staying on a desert island, no roads to disturb the peace, palms swaying in the gentle sea breeze, you will not be disappointed.
7. Tsarabanjina
Tsarabanjina Island is one of Madagascar's best kept secrets! A private island hotel with 25 uniquely constructed bungalows looking out on turquoise ocean views. A sand floored mezzanine bar and restaurant provide a perfect evenings relaxation whilst during the day the resident diving school provides just one of the islands many activities. Tsarabanjina serves as the perfect location to end your Madagascar travels.
8. Mandrare River Camp
Located on the Mandrare River, this small camp has ensuite tents, all with wonderful views from their private verandahs. Staying here is all about getting away from the crowds and learning more about the unique flora, fauna and people of this region. The camp has strong community ties. Enjoy walks in the community forests, learn more about ancestral worship and visit local markets, or just relax on your verandah with a book!
9. Miavana
Perfectly combining conservation, superb guiding and luxurious villas, Miavana is one of Madagascar’s most unique destinations. An ultra luxurious lodge, designed by the architects of the impeccable North Island in the Seychelles, with one, two and three bedroomed villas spaced out along the western coast, guests can enjoy views of the azure bays of Nosy Ankao, as well as stunning views across to the mountainous landscapes of the mainland. Accessed only by helicopter, Miavana is sure to enthrall before you even set foot on the island. When you do, however, you will continue to be charmed by the resort’s high-end villas, sumptuous cuisine and huge selection of activities available. The strong focus on conservation, that ensures the breath-taking surrounds are preserved, is a real bonus too.
10. Mantadia Lodge
Mantadia Lodge is perfectly situated for exploring Andasibe and Mantadia National Parks and its elevated position allows for panoramic views over the rainforest. This modern hotel has 25 rooms which are equipped with WiFi and a wood stove which is perfect for keeping warm in cooler months. The lodge also has a pleasant swimming pool and a restaurant which serves delicious local fare with a French twist.