About an hour by motorised boat from Manambato village (which in turn is about 4 - 5 hours drive east of Andasibe on roads that include some rough sections following cyclone damage in 2022 and 2023) or 2h,30min - 3hr motorised boat transfer from Port Fluvial, Tamatave, this simple, relaxed and no-frills lodge is on the shores of tranquil Lac Ampitabe
Lac Ampitabe is part of the Pangalanes Canal, an extensive chain of brackish-water, man-made lakes and rivers running parallel to the East Malagasy coast from Foulpoint in the north to Faragangana in the south-east.
The solid bungalows have simple en-suite bathrooms, electric sockets, and are close to the lakeshore. In this part of Madagascar, temperatures are enjoyable even in winter. (We prefer to use the new bungalows of 'Palmarium 2' for our guests).
The property protects a small (approx 50 ha) parcel of rare east coast littoral forest, where visitors come to see many lemur species. Unfortunately some of these have been introduced from other parts of the country so the selection is not natural.
Of note, there are some wild Aye ayes on a small, wooded islet in the lake, making this THE place in which to seek these amazing animals.
In terms of wildlife indigenous to this part of Madagascar, you will be certain to see the large, garrulous Black-and-white ruffed lemur. It is also rewarding for herpetofauna with species such as Giant hognosed snake being especially common here.
(What we do not like about the property is the presence of some unnatural hybrid lemurs where species such as Crowned and Black lemurs - which do not naturally occur together - have unfortunately interbred).
Service is good and meals are tasty. The property is one of the preferred locations for serious wildlife photographers, who are more interested in the art of photography than ticking off species.
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
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- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
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