Vakona Forest Lodge is family run and has been a popular choice for many years, due to its proximity to the National Parks of Andasibe and Mantadia.
It is one of five no-frills lodges that we recommend servicing this rainforest area.
Accommodation
It has 28 bungalows, spread around a garden overlooking a small lake. Rooms can be set up as a double, twin, triple or as a family room for a maximum of 4 people. All are equipped with a simple en-suite bathroom, a safe, a mini-bar and mosquito nets. A small swimming pool can be enjoyed by guests during the warmer summer months (September – April).
Food
Meals are taken in the hexagonal bar-restaurant on the edge of the lake. Breakfasts are continental and at dinner you can choose from a set menu. Meals are very simple but adequate. Be warned that the menu isn’t regularly rotated, so meals can become quite repetitive if staying for 3 nights.
Activities & Facilties
Vakona Forest Lodge is one of the lodges that serves as a base for visiting the National Parks of Andasibe and Mantadia – you can enjoy both day and night walks with your private guide to see the amazing wildlife of the region, including numerous lemurs, chameleons, frogs, insects and birds.
A stables is set in a eucalyptus plantation if you wish to book a horse-riding excursion and you can also visit Lemur island, a private reserve home to lemurs released from captivity. Visits to the village of Andasibe can also be arranged, to enjoy the local culture.
Access
The lodge is 140 km from the capital, about 3 ½ - 4 hours by tarred road. It is north of the village of Andasibe, 7 km from the Andasibe park entrance and about 20 km south of Mantadia National Park.