Saha Forest Camp

We chose to end our Madagascar trip with a three-night stay at Akiba Marofandilia. It was expensive (€660+) but the Akiba website made it look luxurious. We booked in January, paying a 50% deposit. Unlike other lodges we visited, Akiba chased us for the balance before our arrival, which unfortunately we also paid. On arrival we were led down a dusty path through scrub forest to a tiny, hot, windowless shack. The rest of the ‘lodge’ offers little more than the very basic accommodation. There is a single concrete building, a small waiting area with some plastic chairs, a gift shop and a restaurant. The baobab tree in the parking lot is the only redeeming feature. It is in the middle of nowhere, but thankfully we had our own car and were able to leave immediately. The website grossly misrepresents the standard of accommodation on offer, so we immediately wrote to Akiba demanding a refund. Weeks later we have had no response so we’re chalking this one up to experience. Don’t be fooled as we were by the slick Akiba website or the ‘reassuringly expensive’ rates. There are so many really luxurious options in west Madagascar (Bakuba, Five Senses, Olobe) that cost less. Avoid Akiba.

There are not enough words to say how wonderful this lodge is. The journey to get here is a bit challenging but worth every bump in the road. You will have a walk from the car park to the lodge- again - worth every step. Our local guides were exceptional - two sisters. The lodge was great, the meals were unbelievable!!! It was the best place to start our Madagascar adventure.