The Nature Lodge

The 12 chalets are situated around the property, with enough space between each one that guests are assured complete privacy. The chalets are constructed from locally sourced materials and built into the escarpment, with private terraces which offer stunning views over either Antsiranana Bay or Montagne d’Ambre National Park.

Each chalet is individually decorated with warm, earthy tones which compliment the wooden structure of the cabin, colour accents are introduced through the soft furnishings which adds a comfortable and homely atmosphere to each chalet. The chalets are spacious and have a double and single bed, each with mosquito nets, an individual chalets can accommodate up to 3 guests. The chalets are complete with an en-suite bathroom which houses a shower, sink and separate WC. A larger bungalow is available to families or groups of 4 who wish to stay together.

The restaurant at the Nature Lodge serves seasonal a la carte menus with ingredients sourced locally, from the lodge’s own kitchen garden or fresh seafood caught that day in the nearby bay. The lodge offers both indoor and al fresco dining on the wrapping wooden terrace which offers stunning panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.

Enjoy an expertly prepared cocktail from the bar (they make their own baileys!) whilst watching the sunset over the beautiful gardens.

Montagne d’Ambre National Park spans over 8,500 hectares and was created by the French colonial government in 1958 and is a splendid example of montane rainforest; the massif ranges in altitude from 850m to 1,475m and has its own microclimate with rainfall similar to the eastern region. It is one of the most accessible of Madagascar’s protected areas; with broad trails, fascinating flora and fauna.

The park is home to crowned lemurs, an abundance of chameleons and numerous leaf-tailed geckos, and the well-maintained trail system offers some rewarding walks. Two of the waterfalls- Cascade Sacrée and Cascade d’Antomboka- form focal points of the park and endemic species of flora and fauna can be found around the crater lakes of Lac de la Coupe Verte and Le Grande Lac.

Containing a unique geological wonder – an eroded fortress filled with limestone spires or ‘tsingies’ – Ankarana National Park was established in 1956, 90 kilometres south of Antsiranana. The topography of the park is varied and in addition to the limestone tsingies includes tropical jungle, raging rivers, green forest, canyons and the biggest underground network of caves in Africa.

The Ankarana National Park is home to over 100 species of bird, making it a superb destination for birdwatching. There is also a diverse population of lemurs, bats and reptiles.

Antsiranana was historically a disputed territory due to its advantageous location. Today, it’s a vibrant town with many international cultural influences and a thriving nightlife. There are several fantastic bays around the east coast of Antsiranana and the conditions in Madagascar’s north are perfect for surfing and, especially, kitesurfing. Sakalava Bay and Andovokonko Bay are two notable examples.

The Nature Lodge has established a mutual fund that is contributed to regularly, and is used to support workers in need or for happier events such as weddings or births within the staff’s families. The Lodge hires locally, with many of the staff originating from Joffreville, and all employees are Malagasy.

The Lodge offers staff regular training which aims to enable career advancement: first aid, language lessons and agriculture are all focused on. The staff are offered higher salaries, promotion opportunities and benefits such as regular bonuses.

The land that the Nature Lodge is built on is former pastureland, since the hotel’s acquisition of the land in 2016, the land is being re-wilded and endemic plants and trees have been reintroduced to the area. The chalets are built from locally sourced wood and have been built on stilts so as to lessen the effects of soil erosion and allow the endemic flora to grow back unimpeded.

The Nature Lodge collects rainwater in a nearby reservoir; this water is used in cleaning throughout the property and staff and guest vehicles. The collected rainwater is also saved for use in the kitchen garden during the dry season to offset the scarcity of the resource.

The Lodge also employs water management techniques which allow staff to be aware of any leaks or overuse of water so this can be swiftly amended.

In 2016, the Nature Lodge invested in solar energy: 30 PV panels, 24 professional solar batteries and 5 water heaters. The lighting and electrical appliances such as fridges and freezers all operate on solar energy; 100% of the lightbulbs on the property have been replaced with LED bulbs to reduce energy use.

The kitchen reduces its consumption of gas by utilising a traditional Madagascan fatapera which uses sawdust rather than gas or charcoal for fuel.