Antsanitia & Bemiray Tours: the eco-lodge where the Morira meets the ocean

Film: Antsanitia Resort, shot and directed by Thierry Cron

North of Mahajanga, where the Morira River flows into the Mozambique Channel, Antsanitia Resort lives by the rhythm of the tides. Bemiray Tours takes care of its travellers here from the first flight to the last sunset: a luminous stopover among sandbanks, mangroves and Sakalava villages.

Bemiray Tours & Antsanitia Resort

Antsanitia Resort is one of Bemiray Tours’ most cherished partners in the north-west. Together, we design stays where the comfort of a four-star eco-lodge meets the authenticity of Sakalava life.

25 km

north of Mahajanga, right by the sea

22 hectares

overlooking the Morira estuary

4 stars

an eco-lodge open to the ocean

65 to 70%

of its electricity comes from the sun

Between river, mangrove and ocean

The estate stretches over twenty-two hectares where the Morira meets the ocean. At low tide, sandbanks trace golden ripples across the estuary; at high tide, turquoise water laps the beach once more. Further off, the mangroves wind towards the horizon and turn to gold as the day fades. Two families of lemurs have even made their home in the lodge’s forest.

Half an hour from Mahajanga airport, in the “city of flowers”, Antsanitia moves in step with the neighbouring fishing village. Outrigger pirogues put to sea at first light, the nets come back full, and you soon realise that here, time is measured in tides rather than hours.

A day at Antsanitia

Bungalows facing the river and the sea, a family suite with its own pool, a large pool overlooking the ocean and a wellness area: the lodge is a peaceful haven. But it takes a whole day to truly capture the spirit of the place.

At daybreak

The fishermen set sail

On the beach, Sakalava fishermen push their outrigger pirogues out to sea. A coffee facing the estuary, and the coast slowly wakes up before your eyes.

In the morning

Sakalava country by zebu cart

By zebu cart, on foot or by pirogue along the Morira, you head for the villages of Antsanitia and Ladigy, the tree nursery and the forest, guided by the people who live there.

In the afternoon

Out to sea

A catamaran trip, responsible fishing with a professional fisherman or, from August to September, a photo safari to meet humpback whales and dolphins. Those in a more contemplative mood will choose the pool and an essential-oil massage.

At sunset

Drinks on the sandbank

A pirogue drops you on the sandbank opposite the lodge. The sun sinks into the Mozambique Channel, then dinner awaits by the sea, with the catch of the day and Malagasy produce.

An eco-lodge with a purpose

Antsanitia does more than welcome guests: it is committed. Its solar panels already cover 65 to 70% of its electricity needs, its kitchen favours Malagasy produce and a vegetable garden is taking shape. Through the AMADA association, it supports the village’s school, healthcare and access to water, and funds a school canteen serving 250 meals a day. At sea, its guides contribute to the work of the CETAMADA association to study and protect whales.

In harmony with the neighbouring fishing village.

The spirit of Antsanitia Resort

Antsanitia, with Bemiray Tours

Bemiray Tours makes Antsanitia an effortless stopover. We book your flights between Antananarivo and Mahajanga, your transfers and your nights at the lodge, then plan your days with you: Sakalava village life, Ankarafantsika National Park, the red circus and the sacred lake, a trip out to sea. Every stay is tailor-made, with a travel consultant who replies within 48 hours.

A few days are enough to fall under the gentle spell of the north-west, as a couple, with family or with friends. Antsanitia is also a natural extension of our Meet the Zen & Back to the Roots tour, eight days along the Morira, in Sakalava country and in the Ankarafantsika forest.