Lokanga Boutique Hotel is a small boutique hotel in the old part of Tana high on the sacred Royal Hill near to the old Queen’s Palace. Its name comes from the Malagasy word for violin because the house lies on the site of house of the Queen’s musicians. The current Malagasy building dates from the 1930’s. Its long varangue (terrace) faces west to enjoy the sunset views over the city and the surrounded rice fields below.
The hotel is ideally situated to explore the upper park of Tana on foot. You may also enjoy the 20-30 minute walk down into the bustling city. But perhaps get a taxi on your way back as it’s a steep hike back up the hill.
The hotel aims to combine the charm of this early twentieth century period - with much use of antiques, family artefacts, old prints and photos. However this is combined with modern amenities. It is has only six individually styled rooms all with a different theme but all sharing the stunning views over the city below. Decorated with family antiques, each also has wifi, minibar, television, heating and en suite bathroom. Lokanga offers lots of charm and style if you enjoy the period ambience. Other facilities include a restaurant, sitting area and bar, and airport shuttle services.
1 Night
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
The lovely Vakona Forest Lodge lies 8 kilometres from Andasibe (Périnet), between Andasibe and the Mantadia National Park. Vakona is a nature lover's paradise.
Surrounded by lush forests and a spectacular array of wildlife, Vakona exudes a delightful rustic charm that is perfectly in keeping with the environment. The main building has been designed around an octagonal reception area (common in Malagasy architecture) with a lounge, bar and restaurant with a huge fireplace in the middle to keep the airy space warm in winter. There’s also a small library. Outside you can relax on the veranda overlooking the forest and lake. Or you can head to large swimming pool in the lush gardens.
24 Malagasy bungalows are scattered through a tropical garden of palm trees and bougainvillea. These are very simply furnished. They include 10 family bungalows with a mezzanine level for kids, as well as 7 three-bedroomed bungalows for larger families. Each has an en suite shower room, mosquito nets, heating, safe and minibar. Relax on your terrace or balcony enjoying this peaceful setting.
The sounds of the forest are amazing here - the lodge is set among trees, on the banks of a small river that runs into a lake. Quiet and peaceful with lots of birds and within earshot of the Indri’s haunting call, this is the perfect place to relax.
Activities at Vakona Forest Lodge include canoeing, squash, trekking, swimming, boules, table tennis and billiards. The hotel also has its own wildlife reserve and ‘lemur island’ with habituated black and white lemurs and brown lemurs. These are very relaxed, jumping onto your shoulders without the slightest hesitation.
2 Nights
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Lodge
The attractive 4 star Palissandre Hotel & Spa is one of the more modern of the Tana hotels. It has a pleasant hillside setting overlooking the ‘City of Thousands’ as downtown Antanarivo is known.. It is an attractive building with rose-coloured brickwork, Mantasoa stonework, and much use of rosewood and marble in the interior.
There are 46 are simply furnished but well appointed rooms. All have air conditioning, polished Palissander wooden floors and furniture, safe, minibar, TV, wifi, telephone, hairdryer, bathrobes and full bathroom with bath and shower. Families are welcome with triple or inter-connecting rooms available.
It has a good restaurant, La Table des Hautes Terres which serves a mix of French and Madagascan cuisine. The dining terrace offers stunning views over the city, especially at sunset when all the multi-coloured houses are lit up by the evening rays. Breakfast and lunch are also served on the terrace.
There’s also a popular cocktail bar with entertainment on selected evenings and a swimming pool. Plus there’s even a Spa with Hammam and gym – just what you need in the middle of a busy Madagascar holiday.
Far from the beaten track, the small friendly safari camp offers excellent lemur safaris as well as an opportunity to learn about the local Antandroy people and their way of life. Here small villages exist in a world of ancient baobab trees.
It lies three hours drive from Fort Dauphin. The camp is situated under tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare River. Six private tents are sited along the riverbank, each enjoying spectacular views of the river.
The day to day activities will always include walks to see the endemic wildlife which Madagascar is famous for. The best times for these walks are the mornings and afternoons to escape the heat of the sun. Where suitable night walks will be arranged as this is often the best time to see many reptile species as well as the nocturnal lemur species such as Mouse and Sportive Lemur. Whenever possible and practical, interaction between clients and the local community is encouraged. The camp is also only three kilometres from the village of Ifotaka and opposite the sacred ancestral forest of the Antandroy Tribe.
Mealtimes are a treat. The head chef has perfected the art of producing fresh croissants in the bush! He has also found a reliable source for fresh lobster, local fish and prawns. The Zebu steaks are excellent while other little treats like foie gras are sourced in Tana.
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Camp
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge lies on the south-east coast of Madagascar in a sheltered, forest-fringed bay. With just six private bungalows, it is an intriguing combination of rain forest lodge and barefoot luxury beach lodge all rolled into one. With forest walks, boating excursions, deserted beaches and snorkelling amidst the coral, it is perfect for people who don’t just want a beach stay.
The quiet fishing village of Manafiafy is a 2-3 hour drive from Fort Dauphin. The bungalows are all tucked into the forest, just a few feet from the calm waters of the sheltered bay. Four of the bungalows have double beds (a single bed can be added) while the remaining two bungalows can sleep two adults and three children in two partitioned rooms. All are en-suite with hot and cold running water showers, mosquito nets and a private terrace with sun beds and hammock looking out over the bay.
Activities include birding trips into the mangroves, whale watching from the 15ft observation tower, canoeing, boat trips to nearby islands, picnic lunches and walks in the rainforest looking for lemurs.
4 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Lodge
Lokanga Boutique Hotel is a small boutique hotel in the old part of Tana high on the sacred Royal Hill near to the old Queen’s Palace. Its name comes from the Malagasy word for violin because the house lies on the site of house of the Queen’s musicians. The current Malagasy building dates from the 1930’s. Its long varangue (terrace) faces west to enjoy the sunset views over the city and the surrounded rice fields below.
The hotel is ideally situated to explore the upper park of Tana on foot. You may also enjoy the 20-30 minute walk down into the bustling city. But perhaps get a taxi on your way back as it’s a steep hike back up the hill.
The hotel aims to combine the charm of this early twentieth century period - with much use of antiques, family artefacts, old prints and photos. However this is combined with modern amenities. It is has only six individually styled rooms all with a different theme but all sharing the stunning views over the city below. Decorated with family antiques, each also has wifi, minibar, television, heating and en suite bathroom. Lokanga offers lots of charm and style if you enjoy the period ambience. Other facilities include a restaurant, sitting area and bar, and airport shuttle services.
1 Night
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
