Sakamanga Hotel

A quaint, sprawling oasis in Antananarivo's vibrant urban jungle.

Behind its decidedly non-traditional exterior, Sakamana is an entrancing feast for the eyes. Don't miss the gallery of artworks, the main restaurant and a massage using natural oils

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Sakamanga Hotel

Don't be dismayed by Hotel Sakamanga's unprepossessing entrance. Once inside, you'll discover an intriguing maze of cobbled-together buildings and annexes that manage, despite their haphazard layout, to create a calm, restful haven. Hotel Sakamanga (blue cat) is a consistently popular stopover with visitors to Antananarivo (called Tana locally) as it offers a wide range of accommodation and a couple of great restaurants. The decor is unlike any we've seen, with a combination of modern local crafts and pieces that look museum-worthy, such as old Malagasy guitars, slave chains, pottery, carvings and tools. It's charming, centrally located and always a winner.

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From $30 person/night

Hotel

46 Rooms

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Highlights

The creative decor. There's something to examine at every turn – in a corner, pottery is displayed on glass shelves; collections of old tools, musical instruments and historic photographs are displayed on walls; and crafts of all ages are tucked into windows and alcoves.

The pool area is a good place to unwind, with loungers, a bar that serves snacks and a resident Lesser Vasa Parrot, which is very entertaining.

The cuisine. Specialities at The Saka, the main restaurant, include homemade foie gras, tournedos of zebu, chicken with vanilla sauce, and spiny lobsters (when in season). The wine list is good and the smiling service is even better.

The property

The hotel appears to have been created from a number of unrelated buildings that have been brought together to create this charmingly quirky space, its elements linked by narrow passageways lined with tropical greenery and even more artefacts. The main Saka restaurant is deservedly popular, so book in advance; the Saka Express serves fast foods: pizza baked in a wood oven, kebabs, panini, hamburgers and salads; and there's well-stocked pool bar for cocktails and snacks. Free wi-fi.

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The rooms

Accommodation is varied, with the older rooms being smaller and darker than those in the newer portions. There are 46 rooms in all, catering for all budgets. When booking, ask for a room with aircon (the largest sleeps five), and the suites overlooking the patio or with views of the city are lovely. All the rooms are clean, with comfortable beds and mosquito nets, en-suite bathrooms with good showers, and decor that ranges from calm and colonial to engagingly quirky.

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One more thing...

Once you’ve experienced this Tana hospitality, you’ll look forward to seeing the Blue Cat at the end of your daily adventures. Ask for one of the newer, larger rooms, and don't forget to use your mosquito repellent and nets.

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Activities

Cultural

This is a good base from which to explore Tana, although it's recommended that you don't venture far on your own. At the lodge, enjoy the pool, the great restaurants and massage facilities, and don't forget to wander around the building to admire the displays.

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About Antananarivo

Antananarivo

The capital city is quirky and colourful, loud and eccentric and filled with Malagasy treasures.

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