Description
The Canal des Pangalanes is an unusual phenomenon, a collection of natural rivers and artificial lakes that stretches 600km along Madagascar’s east coast, although it is navigable only in the northern section. As you cruise along you’ll pass many local fishermen and see a fascinating assortment of local vessels piled high with anything from logs to vegetables and with colourful square sails made from leftover pieces of carpet or curtain. The canal terminates in the north at the large port of Taomasina (Tamatave), Madagascar’s second city.
Bushhouse can only be reached by boat, helicopter, train or 4×4 wheel drive. Once you get there, however, you can watch the lemurs, discover the natural botanical gardens, take a low-impact hike tour, or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Bushhouse has 10 en-suite rooms, each with a deck and the main area houses a bar and small sitting area as well as a dining room. The atmosphere is friendly and the accommodation basic with limited supplies of hot water and electricity. Six of the rooms are situated just above the small beach with another four up some steps above the main lodge. Of these four, two have a mezzanine with a single bed which is ideal for a child.
The lodge is located very close to the Palmarium Private Reserve (a two-minute boat ride away) where guests can see a variety of lemur species, including the indri, at close range.
Accommodation
Bush house has 11 bungalows built of local materials with simple style handcrafted furnishings, a double bed with mosquito net and private shower/WC. All bungalows have a large terrace with a spectacular view over the lake. There are 6 waterfront rooms and 4 hilltop rooms. Shower water is heated over a flame in a small water tank behind each bungalow. Electricity is powered by a generator and is available in the morning and evening.
Childcare
This property is not suitable for very young children, it is remote and does not offer any specific childcare facilities, however older children are welcome and would find a stay here most rewarding.
Facilities
The small outside restaurant, which is sheltered under palm roofing, serves Malagasy, Creole and French food. The bar offers a selection of drinks and cocktails, and of course the traditional local rum assortment.
Activities
Various walks and tours around Bushhouse can be arranged. The use of canoes is free of charge, while boat tours are available at an additional cost. Visits can be arranged to Palmarium, a private natural reserve on a peninsula with several species of lemurs, endemic palms and orchids. It is also possible to hike to the Crocodile Lake, where numerous Pitcher Plants can be seen at the shore of the Crocodile Lake.
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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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Canal des Pangalanes, Eastern Madagascar
Bushhouse is situated in Ankany Ny Nofy (the Nest of Dreams), in the east coast Toamasina region of Madagascar, within the Canal des Pangalanes lake district, where fresh water lakes merge with the Indian Ocean.
How to get there
13 hour international flight (one sop) to Antananarivo Airport. From there its a 5 hour drive to Manambato, where you will be met and taken the last hour of the journey to Bush house by boat.
