Nature Lodge Ambre

Nature Lodge sits at about 500 m (1,640 ft) on the lower slopes of Amber Mountain, around 20 minutes by road from the national park entrance. The bungalows are spread across a large wooded and flowered garden with views over Diego Bay, the Mozambique Channel, and the Indian Ocean. They were built on stilts on a former pasture to keep the natural slope intact, using local materials and a low profile design. The lodge has run fully on solar energy since 2016, with solar hot water and LED lighting throughout. Organic waste is composted, an organic vegetable garden supplies the kitchen, and native species are replanted on the grounds. The staff of about 15 are Malagasy, mostly from Joffreville, and receive training in first aid, languages, agriculture, and cooking.

Rooms & Suites
All bungalows are identical thatched units of 35 sq m (377 sq ft), spaced apart for privacy. Each has a private terrace facing either Diego Bay or the Amber Mountain forest, furnished with two Zafimaniry palaver seats. Beds are fitted with mosquito nets, and every bungalow has an en-suite bathroom with solar-heated water. Each bungalow can take one extra bed, which suits couples or families of three with one child up to 12 years old. Lighting is solar-powered LED. Wi-Fi is not available in the bungalows.

Hotel Amenities & Facilities
The lodge has one restaurant serving simple dishes of meat, fish, and seafood made with market produce and vegetables from the lodge garden. The dining room has a wooden interior and large windows, and the north-facing terrace is used for breakfast, aperitifs, and meals. A bar serves local drinks such as rum-litchi and coconut punch, with counter seating, lounge sofas, and two terrace lounges. Continental and American breakfasts, set lunch and dinner menus, a children’s menu, and picnic baskets are available. A guest lounge has National Geographic magazines, photo books on Madagascar, games, and novels. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant only. It runs on the 3G mobile network, which supports email but not general web browsing. Staff and guard dogs patrol the grounds from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and reception accepts Visa cards. Airport transfers and car rental are available at additional cost.