Akanin’ny Nofy (Palmarium Reserve)
A lakeside forest sanctuary on the Pangalanes Canal, accessible only by boat, where habituated lemurs come down to the water's edge.
The boat’s engine is cut 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 an essential part of the journey and necessitates a minimum two-night stay. Whilst 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
Boutique HotelA quiet arrival. A considered departure. Your first night in Madagascar.
Forest LodgeA modern lodge listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
An entire island archipelago. Yours to explore by helicopter and boat.
Frequently asked questions
Access is by road to Manambato, followed by 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 required 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 levels of fitness.
The lemurs in the Palmarium Reserve are habituated, allowing for observation at close quarters without strenuous trekking, which is in contrast to the wilder tracking required in nearby national parks.
