PAID CONTENT FOR AKIBA LODGE MAROFANDILIA PAID CONTENT FOR AKIBA LODGE MAROFANDILIA
Akiba Lodge Marofandilia MENABE ANTIMENA PROTECTED AREA, MADAGASCAR
Akiba Lodge Marofandilia, also known as Camp Amoureux, owes its former name to the intertwined trunks of fony baobab at the heart of the lodge. It opened in 2017 in the Menabe Antimena park, which is co-managed by Fanamby with local communities and other conservation organisations such as Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, WWF and Madagascar National Parks. The lodge is located in midwest Madagascar, in
the Menabe region, just 27 miles from Morondava (and its airport), on the track to Bekopaka. It’s perfectly positioned for exploring two of the country’s most iconic attractions. The stunning Baobab Avenue is a photographer’s
dream — many come from all over the world for its extraordinary sunset light to get the perfect shot. The restaurant and bar is managed by Akiba Collection. Elsewhere, the awe-inspiring tsingy stone forest, in the Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around 60 miles further north. Akiba Lodge Marofandilia has become a stopover for travellers going to Tsingy and those returning to Morondava.
Built in the dry forest, the eight comfortable
bungalows offer a close connection with nature. Guest activities mainly focus on the unique wildlife and biodiversity conservation, with day and night excursions through the forest offering the chance to spot eight species of lemurs — including the smallest primate in the world, the endemic and critically endangered Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur. There are 149 species of birds to see, like the endemic Sakalava weaver and crested coua. Like all Akiba Lodges, Akiba Lodge Marofandilia
strongly believes in community-based tourism and works closely with the Soavita Mamin’ny Ala association, a Fanamby partner for patrol and reforestation activities. Around 99% of the staff come from the village; they took part in the lodge’s construction and were later trained for hospitality jobs. Part of the lodge’s water supply is carried by zebu carts from Marofandilia village, where a water drilling operation has been financed by Fanamby and Sahanala to promote agricultural production. Baobab sculptures by local artisans are sold in the lodge boutique, along with Sahanala products.
Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Iconic Baobab Avenue for dining (upon reservation)
• Bar and restaurant facing the intertwined trunks of the fony baobab
• Open from April to New Year
KEY ACTIVITIES • Guided excursions through protected area, including night-time adventures
• Stargazing under the clear Malagasy skies
• Participation in reforestation efforts with local communities
GET IN TOUCH
akiba-lodge.mg T: +261 3207 611 40 E:
commercial@akiba-lodge.mg
DON’T MISS Enjoy a sunrise breakfast experience on Baobab Avenue 57 This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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