Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
South East Coast, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
At a Glance
Take a boat trip through the mangroves, stopping to chat to local fishermen en route
Enjoy a night walk in the littoral forest, searching out nocturnal lemurs
During whale season, watch out for the whales breaching and blowing as they pass by
Enjoy surf-fresh lobster, prepared specially for you fresh from the sea
Take a swim in the secluded bay before drying off on the massive granite rocks which encircle it
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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.
Insider's View
Canoeing on the river is wonderful and a great way to watch fabulous birds and butterflies.
Take a night walk with the resident guide - by torchlight you can see the nocturnal lemurs - plus a lot more!
Spend a night under the stars in a tree tent on a nearby private island, for the ultimate in romance and adventure!
Clamber up onto the rocks to watch spectacular sunsets with the mountains in the distance
See the fisherman from the local village coming in with their catch of the day which they will proudly show off
To start planning your holiday to Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge
Description
A superb luxury lodge situated on the pristine southern beaches of Madagascar, close to rich areas of Mangrove and with the opportunity to take night walks to spot some of Madagascar's nocturnal lemurs. Breathtaking sunsets guaranteed.
Located near the Southern tip of Madagascar, Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge offers superb accommodation and a chance to explore the area, including mangroves, lemur forests and the wild south coast.
Manafiafy Lodge is stunningly situated mere yards from a pristine beach bordered by lush forest, and with waves crashing on the shore. The lodge has two beaches, and between the two there is a viewpoint from large granite rocks (perfect for sundowners!) stretching out into the sea.
The main area is designed very much in the style of an African lodge, all from natural materials including the ravinala thatch, and using local craftsmen. It has a high thatched ceiling, a bar and dining area, and a wonderful sunken fire pit, perfect for those brisk June nights. Outside there is a deck area overlooking a lawn which leads down to the beach. The lodge is very proud of its eco-tourism principles, and uses just solar power for its electricity and hot water, while sourcing many of its supplies locally – including delicious fresh fish!
There are six chalets nestled into the forest and overlooking the beach, all en-suite with superb bathrooms and showers. The rooms are spacious and slightly quirkily designed with enormous windows and sliding doors at the front leading to a terrace with plenty of sun loungers, a shower and a hammock. Meals are able to be organised on the terrace for those who would like a private dinner. There is a family chalet with a separate sitting area, enormous deck and two en-suite bedrooms – one double and one triple.
The food at the lodge is superb – freshly caught fish and shellfish including crab, lobster and oysters are often served, along with a delicious selection of salads and excellent, freshly baked bread. Breakfasts are a treat with warm, fresh pastries and a large selection of fresh fruit – accompanied by freshly squeezed juice of the season, a real treat!
Activities are varied and rewarding, accompanied by expert guides. Enjoy guided forest walks in search of lemurs, chameleons and other fauna, explore the ocean on snorkelling or canoeing trips, enjoy a picnic on the beach or visit the local market and school. Whale watching is also possible in season, and is a real highlight if you time your visit right - watch them from the viewing tower, or out on the water by boat.
Accommodation
Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge has five cottages and one family cottage. They feature cold running water, flush loos, mosquito nets and a safe. All the bedrooms are en-suite and have large windows at the front which open up on to a spacious terrace complete with sun loungers, an outdoor shower and a hammock.
Activities
The lodge offers a large variety of activities for guests. Swimming and snorkelling in the sheltered bay is recommended, as well as day and night walks in the rainforest to spot lemurs and birds. During the whale-watching season (July to November) the lodge employs a fast speedboat to take guests out to see them – towards the end of the season the whales become very active with superb sightings as they teach their young to breach.
The lodge also has a selection of canoes and a larger boat for super trips into the mangroves for birdwatching – this is really special with beautiful views of the ubiquitous Traveller’s Palm and lush, green forest. Sunbirds and kingfishers can often be seen, along with larger water birds such as a variety of heron species. A highlight of the mangrove trip is a short walk across to a beautiful, wild, deserted beach. Guests can also visit the local school, village and market on a guided walk.
Reviews
Annie Foot (Staff)
Situated on the wild southern coast of Madagascar, this is a beach lodge with a difference. Rather than lying on the beach, plan on spending your time searching for lemurs in the rainforest, cruising through mangroves and enjoying snorkelling trips before enjoying a picnic on the beach. Return to the lodge in the evening to enjoy the catch of the day and retire to your beautiful bungalow to fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
Experiences
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Scenic mangrove cruise at Manafiafy
Explore the wildlife rich mangroves which lie across the bay from Manafiafy on a boat trip. A gentle cruise through this beautiful landscape will let you see the local fishermen casting their nets as well as being able to spot the colourful bird life.
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Tree tent sleepout at Manafiafy
Sleep out in a unique tree tent strung between the trees for the ultimate romantic night under the stars on a private island, just offshore from Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge. A personal chef will prepare a delicious gourmet dinner on the beach.
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Whale watching from Manafiafy
Between the end of June and mid November, humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge as they migrate past Madagascar. They calve, nurse their young and perform aqua acrobatics during these months - a real treat!
Holiday Ideas
Location & directions
South East Coast, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge is in a tranquil setting on the South East Coast of Madagascar. The lodge is a two and a half hour drive from Fort Dauphin in the village of Manafiafy.
How to get there
It is a 13-hour international flight (one stop) to Antananarivo Airport. From Antananarivo, it is a 1-hour flight to Fort Dauphin, or a one hour flight from Ifotaka if you're travelling to or from sister camp Mandrare River Camp. You will land in the seaside town of Fort Dauphin where you will be met and taken by road to the Lodge, a drive of approximately two hours which passes through little fishing villages and lush, grassland landscapes as the road wends its way to the coast.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
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