Madagascar is famous for its endemic species - wildlife found here and nowhere else.
Sakatia Lodge is located on a small island off the North-West of Madagascar and our unspoiled surroundings offer unique opportunities to see some of the amazing wildlife up close.

 
 

Wildlife you can see around the Lodge

Green turtle at Nosy Sakatia

Green turtles

The Ambohibe Turtle Reserve is just off our beach, which means you can see and snorkel with the giant green turtles that feed there.
Sightings are almost guaranteed and are a truly special experience that our guests love. You can also spot hawksbill turtles on our dive sites.

Black lemur at Sakatia Lodge

Lemurs

A troupe of resident lemurs live on the Sacred Mountain right next to the Lodge and come down to feed on the fruit in our gardens.
Their favourite trees are right next to the restaurant, massage room and Mango bungalows so, if you’re lucky, you may well spot them.

 
Humpback whale watching in Madagascar

Humpback whales

Between July and November, majestic humpback whales pass through our waters.
At this time of the year, the females often have calves with them.
You can take a trip to watch them but you can also see them breathing from the beach - grab a drink from the bar and settle in for an amazing sight.

Whale shark in Madagascar

Whale sharks

The world’s biggest fish (and in our opinion one of the most beautiful) swims right next to the island at certain times of the year.
Visit us from September to December and we can arrange excursions to see this amazing creature. An adventure truly not to be missed.

 
Madagascar chameleon at Sakatia Lodge

Chameleons

A walk through our garden might reward you with a sighting of this special creature.
There are over 150 different species of chameleons in the world and Madagascar is home to half of them.
Our staff and gardeners are great at spotting them, so you may be well lucky.

Sunbird, native to Madagascar

Birds

With 250 species of birds in Madagascar, almost half of which are only found here, there are great opportunities to see some unique species.
Around the Lodge, in the gardens and on the beach, we often see kingfishers, herons, sunbirds and crested drongos. A walk around the island also gives you the opportunity to see other birds, like the fish eagle.

 
Wildlife testimonials

“The snorkeling and diving was incredible. There is a turtle reserve close by and we swam with green turtles for the first time: what a privilege!”

- ReefRentals, Xai Xai

“This small family-run lodge is beautifully located on Sakatia island, with a mango tree and bougainvillea backdrop. Indigenous lemurs often can be seen descending from the adjacent hill to eat the mangoes and you can virtually guarantee turtle sightings.”

- AlanVet29, Cheltenham, England

“Swimming with turtles is unbelievable (you can even take kayak if you don't want to swim from the beach). You can also see wild lemurs and whales during the season - it was extraordinary.”

- Paweł, Poland

 

Other wildlife underwater

We also have amazing wildlife on our dive sites. Whether you are qualified or would like to try diving for the first time, there is an amazing world to explore.