Akiba Lodge (formerly Black Lemur Camp)

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, Akiba Lodge (formerly known as Black Lemur Camp) is nestled next to the Analamerana Special Reserve in the far north of Madagascar. The lodge has recently benefited from a refurbishment and  fits in well with a circuit of the north including Ankarana tsingy.

Akiba Lodge is run by the Lemur Conservation charity FANABY to encourage sensitive, community-based ecotourism to this little-visited region. The Analamerana Special Reserve is the last refuge of the critically endangered Perrier’s sifaka, of which only 250 or so individuals remain in the wild with none in captivity. The all-black Perrier’s sifaka is restricted to northern Madagascar where its population and distribution have been greatly reduced and fragmented by habitat loss for livestock, agriculture and, sadly, hunting. Visitors have a great opportunity to see this beautiful primate on a 45-minute walk from the lodge and such visits in turn help provide funding and employment to the local community who protect the forest.

Accommodation comprises 10 clean and comfortable rustic chalets with private bathrooms (simple showers only) and mosquito netting . The main building boasts wonderful sweeping views down the valley and houses a restaurant, bar and lounge area. Local women serve the delicious perfumed white rice grown in nearby Anjahankely village. Solar power is used to provide electricity and Wi-Fi 24 hours a day and the staff are particularly friendly.

The wider area offers many other natural attractions: sandstone topography covered by rainforest, karst limestone formations within tropical dry forest, and transitional forests with highlights including abundant lemur life and a natural swimming pool in which to refresh. Visiting the village to see them making the special perfumed white rice is also fascinating.