Feon’ny ala
With a name translating to “voice of the forest”, Feon’ny Ala provides affordable accommodation on the rainforest’s doorstep. Experience Malagasy hospitality on the edge of the magical Analamazaotra reserve, ideal for sightings of lemurs and exotic birdlife and in close proximity to wonderful hiking trails. Priding themselves in catering to your ‘inner adventurer’, the lodging makes a perfect base for your Malagasy adventures; sleep soundly in your authentic bungalow and wake up to the extraordinary sounds of bird and lemur calls.
Hotel Feon' ny Ala, Andasibe, Madagascar
Feon’ny Ala is located on the edge of the forest next to the wildlife reserve of Analamazaotra, which is a part of Madagascar’s Andasibe-Mantadia National Park to the northeast of the island. The nearest airport is Antananarivo Airport, which is 62 miles and under 4 hours by car.
The Analamazaotra Special Reserve is a must-visit park and one of the best spots for wildlife, particularly lemurs, in the Andasibe area and the whole of Madagascar. As you hike through the untamed Malagasy wilderness, expect to see dancing, bamboo and brown lemurs and hear the unmistakable calls of the largest lemur, the indri. For night owls, the greater dwarf lemur and woolly lemur are some of the nocturnal species that come out when night shrouds the rainforest.
There’s also bright and colourful birds to spot such as vangas and couas, as well as unique insects and herpetofauna – with giant millipedes and over 100 species of frog, there’s creatures great and small to observe around the vibrant park. The neighbouring Mantadia park has a hillier terrain and has even more species of lemur, as well as more challenging hiking trails for more seasoned adventurers.
- Authentic and rustic lodging on the edge of the Analamazaotra reserve
- Hiking trails and unique wildlife on your doorstep
- Private WC and bathrooms with running water
- Mosquito nets for peace of mind
- Impressive restaurant with locally sourced homemade meals
- Hospitable and friendly staff
- Laundry services
- See and hear lemurs from your bungalow
The hotel hosts 50 rustic bungalows constructed from local materials which can accommodate 2 to 6 people on comfortable beds. Each thatched bungalow has its own private WC and bathroom with running water. Mosquito nets and power outlets are also available for convenience and security. Free internet is also available in the communal areas at limited times and speeds, which makes the lodging ideal for those who want to Wifi-detox without being completely disconnected from home.
Feon’ny Ala’s restaurant offers a diverse menu with a mix of delicious and homemade Malagasy, Asian and European cuisine. The ingredients are locally sourced and guests are welcome to visit the property’s small vegetable gardens to see where their dinner is grown. The restaurant can cater and adapt to any dietary requirements with prior notice.
The Analamazaotra Special Reserve is a must-visit park and one of the best spots for wildlife, particularly lemurs, in the Andasibe area or even the whole of Madagascar. As you hike through the untamed Malagasy wilderness, expect to see dancing, bamboo and brown lemurs and hear the unmistakable calls of the largest lemur, the indri. For night owls, the greater dwarf lemur and woolly lemur are some of the nocturnal species that come out when night shrouds the rainforest.
There’s also bright and colourful birds to spot such as vangas and couas, as well as unique insects and herpetofauna – with giant millipedes and over 100 species of frog, there’s creatures great and small to observe around the vibrant park. The neighbouring Mantadia park has a hillier terrain and has even more species of lemur, as well as more challenging hiking trails for more seasoned adventurers.
The hospitable team is recruited and trained locally in order to contribute to the small local Andasibe economy. The hotel has a number of energy and water preservation strategies in place and uses locally sourced or homemade ingredients in the restaurant.
Feon’ny Ala is not supplied with running water and all the water used comes from a source located on their estate. There is a filtration and water tower and the water heaters run on eucalyptus wood from the plantation. The lodging uses pink and not white sheets as the cleaning of white sheets requires a chemical treatment that is too intensive and corrosive for the surrounding environment.
They encourage the use of shorter showers to help further preserve their water, and offer machine laundry washing services, which uses less water than cleaning by hand. Your laundry will be promptly washed, ironed and returned to you with no inconvenience to you or the stunning natural environment. Towels and sheets are changed regularly but if guests require more frequent washing they can ask at reception.
Due to the remoteness of Andasibe, there is little service from power stations and facilities have been adapted accordingly to preserve energy for both guest convenience and greater good of the environment. Low energy consumption products are used and Feon’ny Ala asks that guests do not use electronic devices that consume more than 200 watts.
Guests who fear missing the convenience of hot drinks from a kettle can rest assured that thermoses of hot water are available on request from reception. Free internet is also available at limited times and speeds, which makes the lodging ideal for those who want to Wifi-detox without being completely disconnected from home.
The hotel uses entirely fresh and local produce and ingredients and guests are invited to visit the onsite vegetable gardens. As everything is homemade, there is no energy wasted on transporting ingredients from afar or food wastage from bulk purchasing.