Changes

'''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 still last 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, an Italian biologist and former researcher who specialised in ornithology.Having worked on several projects in Italy, Kenya and Tanzania for the region University of Milan, he thereafter worked on several projects for the ''Peregrine Fund'' and who was in Madagascar. Guiseppe soon became captivated by the beauty of the placeMasoala where he set up a camp. In 2001, the site also served as the basecamp for the French botanist and biologist Francis Hallé while exploring the tree tops treetops of the rainforest during his expedition known as ''Radeau des Cimes'' (navigating the tree tops treetops with an aerostatic ballonballoon). [[File:Tampolodge 296.jpg|600px]] The lodge has eleven bungalows, divided into four family bungalows and seven twin bungalows, and a restaurant. All bungalows are built in style of Malagasy huts using local materials that blend harmonically into the nature. The lodge faces the usually calm waters of Antongil Bay and is surrounded by a garden of [[Madagascar Cinnamon|cinnamon]] trees, clove shrubs, vanilla orchids and majestic [[mango]] and [[lychee]] trees. Additionally, a house with two bedrooms and a large veranda is available to guests on a self-catering basis of minimum four nights. The building is a short walk from the beach.

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 rarest (; 75% of Madagascar's plant and animal species are unique to the country). Small and large rivers flow from the heart of Masoala in the direction of the 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.

Botanists will love the impressive variety of plants, or to say it in the words of Giuseppe: "The Nature offers you its green carpet.". Amongst the many palm species is the beautiful and majestic Satranala, a palm that only exists here. Still today some Some species of palms are even being discoveredtoday.

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 sound of powerful winds.

Giuseppe 's team can organise a variety of activities combining walking, climbing, fishing, canoeing and relaxing. All the tours are flexible. On request a boat as well as a team comprising of a guide (obligatory), cook and porters can be arranged.

Tampolodge is an ideal starting point for excursions into the primary forest. Many trails pass through the Masoala National Park. Experienced park guides will lead you and help you to discover the extraordinary nature. [[File:Tampolodge_413.jpg|600px]]

Canoeing up the river for about an hour will fully immerse yourself you in the forest.

For those who love deep-sea fishing Tampolodge provides the latest professional equipment. Antongil Bay is a hotspot for yellowfin tuna, but also kingfish, barracuda, jacks and billfish can be caught.

A visit to [[Nosy Mangabe]] provides the an opportunity to observe the Aye-aye. Nosy Mangabe is an island full of history, with tombs and ancient writings engraved on rocks by pirates. It is possible to stay a few hours or even a few days on the island. For overnight camping, guests need to bring their own tent. Everything else, including a matress for camping, a sleeping bag, food and guide can be organised by Tampolodge. <HTML5video type="youtube" width="600" height="338">H1plo1y7kao</HTML5video> In the opposite direction, a combined boat and trekking adventure to [[Cap Masoala]] can be arranged. The boat ride to Cap Masoala takes about two hours and the trek back along the coast, beaches and through villages takes two to three days. The villages along the route are [[Fampotabe]], [[Namantoana]], [[Ratranavona]], [[Antalavia]], [[Marofototra]]. While a guide and food will be provided, guests need to bring their own tents. Alternatively, basic accommodation can be arranged in the villages.

<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-15.729495" lon="49.959641" zoom="17" width="600" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;">

On Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ETjwD <!-- https://www.google.de/maps/@-15.729615,49.959276,497m/data=!3m1!1e3 -->

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

Email: [mailto:welcome@tampolodge.com welcome@yahoo.fr tampolodge@yahoo.frcom] / [mailto:giuseppe.masoala@gmail.com giuseppe.masoala@gmail.com]