Description
Anjozorobe forest is one of the last vestiges of primary forest of the Malagasy highlands: A Darwin’s promised land, home to 11 species of lemurs, 82 species of birds, and many more strange endemic reptiles and amphibians that can only be found in Madagascar; Over 100 species of plants amongst which rare and wild orchids. Mananara Lodge is hidden away down a 10km dirt road near the town of Anjozorobe in the northeastern corner of the central highlands. Each of the five rooms has a covered deck with views over the densely forested hills.
Daily walks from the lodge last from one to seven hours with local guides and the longer walk is recommended in order to have a good chance of seeing lemurs. The reserve is proud of its ’no baiting’ policy so guests are assured of a truly wild experience. Nocturnal walks are also available.
The bedrooms are safari-style with canvas walls and wooden floors, as well as an open fire, while bathrooms have tiled floors and solid walls. Hot water will be heated twice daily or on request and a generator provides electricity for a few hours in the early morning and evening.
The main lodge houses a small restaurant and relaxation area and the food is good home-cooking.
Accommodation
There are just 5 safari-style rooms, with canvas walls and wooden floors, as well as an open fire. The en-suite bathrooms have tiled floors and solid walls. Hot water will be heated twice daily or on request and a generator provides electricity for a few hours in the early morning and evening.
Childcare
Although there are no specific child care facilities, children are most welcome at Mananara Lodge.
Facilities
The restaurant serves French, Malagasy and international specialties, creole and Algerian plates. At the bar guests can try a home made rum punch and taste one of 17 kinds of “rhums arrangés”: rum with ginger, lychee, banana, guava, pineapple etc..
Activities
The main activities from the lodge are guided walks which can be anything from an easy 45 minute stroll to a difficult hike taking several hours. Walks go through the forest or visit the villages and the school.
It is also possible to taylor-make excursions and do the nightly excursion, to see nocturnal lemurs, like the Rufous Brown Mouse Lemur (the smaller one), the Weasel Sportive Lemur, the Eastern Woolly Lemur and various chameleons.
When to travel
Any time of year is fine for a visit except from January to March, when heavy rainfall in many areas can make some roads all but impassable, and when there’s a high risk of cyclones in the east and northeast. In general, the best time to travel in most areas is April and October/November. The coolest time to travel anywhere is during the dry season (May to October).
Average maximum temperatures vary from about 30°C in coastal areas (higher in summer) to around 25°C on the hauts plateaux. In Antananarivo and other highland areas, temperatures during winter can drop to 10°C and even lower during the night.
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Location and directions
Anjozorobe, Central Madagascar
Mananara Lodge is located in Anjozorobe primary forest, 100km north of capital Antananarivo, Madagascar. Anjozorobe forest is one of the last vestiges of primary forest of the Malagasy highlands.
How to get there
13 hour international flight (one stop) to Antananarivo Airport. From the airport it is the a 3.5 hour drive to Mananara Lodge. The road is good and tarred till the little town of Anjozorobe; for the last 10km which lead you to the lodge amidst the forest, you will need a 4WD.
