Anjajavy: Accommodation
ANJAJAVY HOTEL stands beside the beach at the end of a peninsula that extends into a wide bay in the Mozambique Channel. It is a remote and exceptionally beautiful coast, with sandy coves and turquoise waters; and, at Anjajavy, it borders a superb dry forest reserve protecting a plethora of unique wildlife.
The 24 air-conditioned, two-storey villas are built of local rosewood and roofed with satrana leaves. Each is equipped with a large bed, sitting area, breakfast corner, bathroom with oversize bath and shower and separate w.c. Upstairs is another room with two single beds, plenty more storage space and a work surface. Amenities include tea/coffee facilities, a fridge, a safe and a variety of lighting.
French windows open onto a large sea-facing verandah, furnished with armchairs and a hammock from which you can watch the lemurs in the trees or the fishing pirogues on the ocean. Notwithstanding the isolated location, this is probably the most comfortable accommodation in Madagascar.
The main lodge houses a comfortable lounge, the bar and billiards table, the television room and the main restaurant, though many meals are taken outside, on the decked area that runs the length of the main building. The main building looks out across the lawn, usually littered with parakeets, to the 200 m2 pool and the Indian Ocean beyond. When we last visited, the boutique stocked a range of essentials, both traditional and contemporary Malagasy crafts, and a line of resort wear.
The pool has a large sun-deck, with sun-beds and parasols. The long, sandy beach in front of the villas is for swimming and relaxation; deck-chairs and shades are provided at discrete intervals.
A second beach is geared towards watersports, which preserves the tranquillity of the villas and the beach in front of them. The marina is a short walk from the lodge – or you can get a lift.
Moromba Bay
Anjajavy Reserve is a spectacular example of dry deciduous forest and contains Coquerel's sifaka, mouse lemurs, the rare Madagascar fish eagle and chameleons, to name but a few. Wildlife, birding and night walks are a highlight of a stay at Anjajavy, as is the Valley of Baobabs.
Complimentary watersports include catamarans, windsurfing, canoes and snorkelling. Land-based sports include: volleyball, table tennis, badminton, billiards and boules. Mountain bikes are available.
The hotel caters for big game and fly fishing. You can walk through the mangrove at low tide; through the forest, populated by Coquerel's sifakas and a variety of bird species; to the Sakalava fishing villages of Ambondro Ampassy or Anjajavy; to the enormous baobab; or explore the numerous small coves. You can feel secure - there are no dangerous or venomous creatures to worry you.
You can observe the wildlife virtually without effort. Each day, a troupe of Coquerel's sifaka comes to a tree just metres from the beach. Brown lemurs often join in. At night, you can spot mouse lemurs in the beam of your torch. There are flocks of love-birds, Crested couas, Sickle-billed vangas, Vasa parrots, and so on. We can provide a species list of birds and mammals at Anjajavy.
Coquerel's Sifaka
There is a low-key programme of activities, including aquagym, village visits, guided walks in the reserve, boat excursions to the Bay of Moromba and the 'Garçonnière des Dieux', or a sunset cruise in the mangroves. A children’s programme is offered over the Christmas holidays and in August.
The private airline, Air Hotel, provides air transfers from Antananarivo three times each week and from Nosy Be once a week. Special air transfers can usually be arranged on other days at a higher price.
4-night packages from £1080/1340 per person sharing, including private flights to/from Antananarivo, all meals and many activities. Peak season supplement £18 per person per night. Additional nights from £160/220 per person sharing.
Air Hotel flights cost €504 per adult and €314 per child under 12.
Book a 7-night stay 6 months in advance and receive a resort credit of €150 per villa.
Pay for 6 nights and get the 7th night free. Valid in low season.
Pay for 10 nights and stay for 12 in low season / 11 in high season.
The bride receives a 50% discount, except 19 Dec - 4 Jan. Minimum stay 5 nights. Valid to 31 Oct 2010.
Low season: 1-18 Dec 2009, 5 Jan - 31 Mar, 1 May - 12 July 2010.
Photographs courtesy of: Anjajavy Hotel, Rochelle Zabarkes (Rainbow Tours' client)
Prices are subject to currency fluctuation.