Anjajavy le Lodge is heaven on earth and tucked away on the remote northwest coast of Madagascar! Our recent three-night stay at this eco-conscious getaway provided the perfect blend of nature, culture, tranquility, culinary excellence, and numerous opportunities to come face-to-face with the resident brown lemurs and Coquerel’s sifakas who call this tropical oasis home.
Wild Wonders
This exclusive Relais & Chateaux paradise is situated on the sun-drenched shores of the Indian Ocean, with 24 beachfront chalets that look out across the endless turquoise expanses of the ocean, and surrounded by the 50-square-kilometer Anjajavy Protected Area. The dry deciduous forests and mangrove rivers of the Reserve harbor an astonishing diversity of endemic plants and animals, with eight lemur species, five chameleon species, more than 134 bird species, three types of baobab trees, and a smattering of strange creatures like fossa, aye-aye, giant tortoises, hairy-legged land crabs, and greater hedgehog tenrecs. Intriguing limestone tsingy formations dot the landscape, and adventurous travelers can even take a guided tour down into a limestone cave to view the subfossil skulls and bones of extinct giant lemurs embedded in the rocks.
A Day in the Life
Your daily activities at Anjajavy fall into the following three categories: self-paced relaxation at the picturesque infinity pool, one of the six private beaches, or in your hammock or air-conditioned chalet; guided or self-guided nature explorations of the ocean and forests; and savoring delectable gourmet meals in the open-air dining area or outside under the stars. The food at Anjajavy is truly exceptional, with artfully presented meals that blend French-Malagasy fusion cuisine with seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and indigenous herbs and spices. We recommend ending your trip at Anjajavy, as the food is so good that it’s a tough act to follow!
Exceptional Experiences
What sets Anjajavy apart from other luxury resorts is not only its remoteness and exclusivity (it can only be accessed by private charter flights), but its unique and educational activities that allow you to immerse in the intriguing natural ecosystems that are distinctly Madagascar. The guided naturalist activities we participated in were excellent, from a night walk through the forest to see various lemurs, chameleons, and owls to a visit to a giant tortoise reintroduction project, where we got up-close to these magnificent (and surprisingly friendly!) creatures while learning all about their successful reintroduction efforts. There were enough activities that we definitely could have extended our stay to four or even five nights, and an extended stay at Anjajavy can be an excellent way to experience the highlights of Madagascar (wildlife, culture, cuisine, beaches, and baobabs) as an add-on to an African safari ending in Nairobi or Johannesburg.
Anjajavy Highlights
- Exclusive Relais & Chateaux resort set on idyllic, private white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean
- Exemplary open-air dining experiences that blend Malagasy and French cuisine (with an American “snack menu” when you are craving a burger or some pizza)
- An enchanting environment that seamlessly blends the lodge with the natural surroundings, and ample opportunities to view lemurs, sifakas, chameleons, iguanas, and birds while dining or while walking to your room
- Tranquil atmosphere throughout the property
- Welcoming and attentive staff, with opportunities to learn about the local Sakalava people’s culture through village visits, cultural events, and markets
- Daily tea time in the garden at 5:00 p.m. is the perfect time to mingle with other guests while watching the sifakas and lemurs bouncing about
- Exceptional guided activities with local, naturalist guides allow you to explore fascinating wonders that are unique to Madagascar, from towering baobabs to giant tortoises, subfossil giant lemurs in caves, and more
- The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is absolutely divine
Best Times to Visit
May to November (with October being the prime month for baby lemur viewing)
Ready to lounge with the lemurs at Anjajavy and sample the cuisine for yourself? Give us a call when you are ready to plan your dream Madagascar adventure!
Your Wild Adventure Aficionado,
