The Vakona Forest Lodge is located in the middle of one of the largest, still largely untouched Adasib-Mantadia National Park. The park, which was opened in 1989 and covers an area of approximately 155 square kilometers, offers visitors a species-rich, endemic fauna and flora. More than 100 bird species have already been identified. Some lemur species also live in the rainforest, which is located between 1000 and 1200 meters above sea level. Its giant trees are home to the largest lemur species, the Indri. The call of this primate echoes through the forest again and again, and one often encounters the forest spirits on their excursions, sometimes very closely, because excellent guides allow us to participate in their enormous knowledge of animals in order to get as close as possible to the animals.
The Vakona Forest Lodge is located on a charming small lake in the middle of this natural spectacle. The main house with reception and restaurant is built on stilts in the middle of the lake, and you can enjoy the surrounding nature from the terrace. A variety of chameleons, geckos and lizards can be discovered in the beautifully landscaped garden, as well as the colorful Madagascan day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis).
The bungalow chalets are scattered throughout a tropical garden landscape around the lake on the slopes of the rainforest.
Not far from the lodge, in a landscape crisscrossed by waterways, lies the Lemur Island. You can reach the island by canoe to observe various lemurs, including the Red-bellied Maki, the Black and White Variegata (Varecia variegata) seen in the featured image, the Grey Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur griseus) and even the rare Diademsifaka (Propithecus diadema).
A pleasant canoe trip through the river channels shows the beauty of many colorful water lilies and the huge leaves of the elephant ears.
