Tampolodge

Tampolodge is an eco-lodge, located in Antongil Bay on the Masoala peninsula, in the northeast of Madagascar. The property lies within the Masoala National Park and is surrounded by one of the view remaining primary forests on earth. The name Tampolodge derives from the nearby village of Tampolo, a wonderful place where the forest meets the sea. The lodge can be reached only by boat or on foot, starting from the town of Maroantsetra.

Tampolodge was founded by Giuseppe, a former researcher who worked on several projects in the region for the Peregrine Fund. In 2001, the site also served as basecamp to the French botanist and biologist Francis Hallé while exploring the tree tops of the rainforest during his expedition known as Radeau des Cimes (navigating the tree tops with an aerostatic ballon).

The Masoala National Park encloses more than 250,000ha primary forest and is home to countless animal species and plants, amongst them the strangest and the most important rate of endemism (75% of Madagascar's plant and animal species are unique to the country). Small and large rivers flow direction ocean from the heart of Masoala. Tampolodge is a world apart where nature lovers can admire the incredible biodiversity found in the forest and sea. Visitors will not only hear whales sing to the cries of Red ruffed lemurs, but also the melody of waves hitting the sandy beaches and the most incredible frog concerts.

Also the marine park offers a rich biodiversity, including different species of turtles, clams, shellfish and countless colourful reef fish as well as dolphins frolicking in the bay. The highlight is definitely the ritual passage of the whales from July to October, when they decide to come to the warmer waters of Antongil Bay to give birth. It is amazing to watch a ballet of these giants of the sea, when they completely jump out of the water, play and stroll in the currents to the sounds of the powerful winds.

In the primary forest many species can be seen. Tampolo is known to be the perfect place to observe the Red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra), which can be found only on the Masoala peninsula. With a bit of luck, one might also see the Helmet Vanga (Euryceros prevostii), a bird that can be easily recognised by its large electric blue beak, or the nocturnal Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), which is with no doubt the strangest mammal on Madagascar. Amongst the reptiles are numerous geckos and chameleons, indcluding the tiny Brookesia perrieri that fits in the palm of a hand.

The plant variety is even more impressive with some examples such as the beautiful and majestic Satran'ala that exists only here, but also some species of palms that few specimens are only found today.

Giuseppe is able to recreate a variety of activities combining walking, climbing, fishing, farniente and canoeing.

In this idyllic setting of nature, their good mood and that of their team, young and motivated from the surrounding villages, is contagious.In this haven of peace and happiness,with the good quality of food, cool drinks, the majesty of an unforgettable sunset, everyone just fulfills his own dreams.

Come and share these moments of intense pleasure with us, you are always welcome!

Tampolodge Reservation Office
BP 61, 512 Maroantsetra
FKTN Ambatomasina
Madagascar

GPS coordinates: 15°26'26.0"S 49°44'20.9"E
-15.440555, 49.739151
On Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ETjwD

Tampolodge in Masoala
GPS coordinates: 15°43'46.6"S 49°57'33.4"E
-15.729615, 49.959276
On Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TD9rW

Tel: +261 (0)32 4271337 / +261 (0)331 924207 / +261 (0)34 3174797 / +261 (0)32 7795486

Email: tampolodge@yahoo.fr / giuseppe.masoala@gmail.com

Website: www.tampolodge-masoala.com

Facebook page: facebook.com/pages/Tampolodge-Masoala/273833212641040

Panorama images: www.toutmada.com/panos/232/tampolodge.html

View Tampolodge photos