Eastern Madagascar
Vakona Forest Lodge
Vakona Forest Lodge is conveniently located between the entrances of Analamazaotra (Perinet) and Mantadia rainforest reserves, just north of Andasibe Village and around four hours’ drive from Antananarivo. It is one of the most comfortable hotels in the Andasibe area with a peaceful and attractive location.
Bungalows are built surrounding a lake with a eucalyptus forest backdrop. All the bungalows are en-suite with mosquito nets over the beds, hot water showers and heaters for the cool winter evenings. Family bungalows have a mezzanine level for children.
The restaurant, which is built over the lake, serves mainly French-inspired cuisine on a set menu or more exciting a la carte (remember to ask to see it). Meals can be taken inside or on the terrace. Service is friendly but can be a little slow.
There is a small swimming pool for guests and Vakona Lodge has its own stables where horse riding from beginner to experienced standard can be undertaken on forest trails. There are also various walking trails into the forest from the lodge. There is also a games room for children.
Vakona Lodge also owns ‘Vakona Island’ where a brief canoe ride takes guests to enjoy a ‘lemur on the shoulder’ experience. Please be aware that these lemurs have not necessarily been ‘rescued’ from anywhere other than the wild. Similarly Vakona Lodge owns a small private zoo / crocodile park where caged wildlife can be seen. Not recommended from an animal welfare standpoint.
Vakona Forest Lodge is probably the most conveniently located lodge of this standard for the parks.
Facilities
Restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, private bathrooms, hot water and 24-hour electricity.
Local Wildlife
Indri, diademed sifaka, black and white ruffed lemur and eastern bamboo lemur can be seen during the day, while Goodman's mouse lemur, Crossley's dwarf lemur and eastern woolly lemur can be spotted at night. Other abundant wildlife includes Parson's chameleon, leaf chameleons, leaf-tailed geckos, giraffe-necked weevils. Birds include the scaly- and short-legged ground rollers, red-fronted coua, velvet- and sunbird asitys, blue- and nuthatch vangas, forest fody and more.
Optional Activities
Wildlife walks in the rainforest, horse riding, canoeing and squash.
Claire Pote
Area Specialist
Best visited from April – November. Lodges in this area tend to fill well in advance so it is advisable to plan and book your holiday early if it is to include Andasibe.
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
[Vakona Lodge] is a great place to stay. Accommodation is very good, and food good too. The grounds and settings are lovely. We visited Lemur Island - although it may be 'touristy', it does give a good opportunity to see lemurs up close!
