Mandrare River Camp

The main guest area is an open-plan canvas and thatch tent overlooking a wide sandy beach on the river. Beautifully carved Malagasy tables and chunky wooden couches are scattered throughout the lounge and bar area, with a separate sheltered dining room on a raised terrace. Meals are sometimes served under the stars on the beach for something different, and the food is excellent. On the lower deck is a small swimming pool and shady outdoor lounge terrace.

Six canvas tents on raised timber decks are spread along the riverbank beneath the tamarind trees. All have views over the water and distant mountains from their private deck. Attractive interiors feature hand-carved Malagasy furniture and vast four-poster beds, under mosquito nets, with tropical-inspired pops of colour blending beautifully with the cool natural materials. Spacious en-suite bathrooms have unusual stone walls, with bucket showers filled with hot water on request. Extra beds are available for children.

Madagascar’s unique wildlife is a highlight, with experienced guides conducting game drives and night walks in search of birdlife, rare reptiles and a number of species which only occur on this island. The highlight is looking for lemurs in the forest and there are four types present: ring-tailed, Verreaux’s sifaka, mouse and white-footed sportive. Take a walk through the Spiny Forest and look for the ancient Antandroy burial tombs along the way, and if you’re lucky, enjoy a traditional dance display. Visits to local villages and markets offer further insights into the rich culture of this part of Madagascar.