Le Palmarium

Reachable only by boat while sailing along the Pangalanes Canal, Le Palmarium is a small lodge located in a 50 hectare private reserve called the Akanin’ny Nofy Reserve.

The shore on which the lodge was built is bathed by the fresh waters of Lake Ampitabe and represents what the island was like before the expansion of tourism. The atmosphere of this small private reserve, whose name means “Nest of Dreams”, is one of birdsong, rustling of trees, blooming of orchids, and sounds of lemurs – which are easily spotted all year round.

In fact, around ten species of lemurs roam freely in the reserve, including indris, sifakas, crowned lemurs, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. An endemic terrestrial and arboreal fauna benefit from a magnificent flora (including carnivorous plants, ebony, mahogany, traveler’s trees), which makes it possible to observe the rarest species such as dypsis, raveneas, orania, and also voanioala and the lemurophoenix.

The lodge has eleven bungalows with shared or private verandas, and private bathrooms. The bungalows are basic inside, but with everything you need. They have a very natural feel, with thatched roofs, polished stone floors, and whitewashed walls.

The main lodge has a bar and lounge with some board games and comfortable chairs. Next door, the restaurant serves good food with generous portions. The menu changes from day-to-day depending on the fresh arrivals from the market.

The Palmarium is a great place for travellers seeking peace and seclusion, and a more off-the-beaten-path Malagasy experience.