Akanin’ny Nofy (Palmarium Reserve)
A lakeside forest sanctuary on the Pangalanes Canal, reached only by boat, where habituated lemurs meet the water's edge.
The boat engine cuts out as you glide into the cove. Here, on a peninsula in Lake Ampitabe, the forest grows right to the water’s edge, its canopy reflected in the still, dark surface. Unlike the coastal towns and national parks of the East reached by road, Akanin’ny Nofy is a self-contained sanctuary, accessible only by water. The experience is not one of sweeping views, but of enclosure—a quiet world defined by the lapping of the lake and the rustle of nearby wildlife.
Access is a two-part journey: a drive to the village of Manambato, followed by a boat transfer across Lake Rasoabe and along the Pangalanes Canal. This final water leg is non-negotiable and sets the pace for a minimum two-night stay. While the East is wet year-round, the driest, most comfortable months are from September to November. During the wetter season from January to March, the forest is denser and the sounds more intense, but boat transfers can be subject to weather.
Best time to visit
Where to stay
Forest LodgeA modern lodge listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
Tented CampAn expedition into the limestone labyrinth of northwestern Madagascar.
Beach LodgeModern lines on the sand, facing the channel of migrating whales.
Frequently asked questions
Access is by road to Manambato, then a mandatory boat transfer of approximately one hour across the Pangalanes Canal to the lodges on the peninsula.
A two-night stay is the minimum to account for the boat transfer times and to allow for both a day walk in the reserve and a nocturnal tour.
No, the trails within the reserve are generally flat and well-maintained. The main activities involve gentle walks and boat trips, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
The lemurs in the Palmarium Reserve are habituated, allowing for close observation without strenuous trekking, which contrasts with the wilder tracking in nearby national parks.
