Betsileo Country Lodge

Discover Ambalavao

Betsileo Country Lodge is situated close to Andringitra National Park, Parc d’Anja and directly on the RN7. The lovely lodge is located in a beautiful spot on a hill with spectacular views of the mountains, rice fields and the local Betsileo life. Betsileo Country Lodge is the ideal base for all your adventures in and around Ambalavao.

Betsileo Country Lodge offers a variety of tastefully decorated airy rooms with stunning views of the mountains, fresh food from the Orangeries and a refreshing swimming pool.
The spacious rooms all feature private bathrooms and there are comfortable rooms suitable for families and wheelchair users. A charming multi-levelled garden surrounds the main building and the cottages.

Meals are served in the orangery or on one of the terraces in the garden. The kitchen uses fresh produce grown in the garden or from the local farmer’s market in Ambalavao. Enjoy a sundowner on a rock formation on the premises where a flickering campfire will show you the way.

Betsileo Country Lodge

Betsileo Country Lodge is a charming hillside retreat located in the heart of the southern highlands, offering some of the most spectacular views in Madagascar. Perched on a ridge overlooking the majestic granite massifs of the Tsaranoro Valley and the iconic “Gate of the South,” this lodge captures the rugged beauty of the Betsileo region. It is an ideal base for travelers journeying along the RN7, providing a peaceful and scenic bridge between the lush rainforests and the arid south.

The Rooms at Betsileo Country Lodge

The lodge offers comfortable, well-appointed bungalows and rooms that emphasize simplicity and warmth. Built to withstand the cooler highland nights, the accommodation features large windows and private balconies designed to frame the dramatic sunrises over the rocky peaks. The interiors are clean and bright, utilizing local wood and traditional fabrics to create a welcoming, rustic atmosphere that makes you feel right at home in the Malagasy countryside.

Dining and Facilities

The restaurant is a highlight of the lodge, featuring a panoramic terrace where guests can dine while overlooking the valley below. The menu showcases the rich agricultural heritage of the Betsileo people, with hearty, home-cooked meals featuring local rice, fresh vegetables from the nearby villages, and the famous Malagasy zebu. The lodge also features a small swimming pool—a rare luxury in the highlands—perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking or a long drive.

Sustainable Travel

In keeping with the Earth Trip commitment to responsible tourism, Betsileo Country Lodge is deeply rooted in its local community. The lodge employs staff from the neighboring villages and supports local farmers by sourcing the majority of its ingredients locally. By encouraging guests to visit the nearby Anja Community Reserve, the lodge helps promote community-led conservation efforts that protect the local ring-tailed lemurs and provide sustainable livelihoods for the people of the region.

A Note from Aleem – Earth Trip Madagascar Specialist

“Betsileo Country Lodge is one of those places where the view alone is worth the stay. I always recommend it as a stopover because it breaks up the long drive to Isalo perfectly. There is something incredibly peaceful about watching the light change on the granite mountains while enjoying a coffee on the terrace. It’s also just a stone’s throw from Anja Reserve, which is one of my favorite spots in the country to see ring-tailed lemurs up close in their natural habitat.”

Frequently Asked Questions: Ambalavao & The Highlands

What is the best time to visit the Anja Community Reserve? Anja Reserve is only a short drive from the lodge. We recommend going in the early morning when the ring-tailed lemurs are most active and often sunning themselves on the rocks. It’s a fantastic example of community-run conservation and a highlight of the southern highlands.

How is the weather at Betsileo Country Lodge? Because of its elevation, the highlands can be quite cool, especially during the winter months (June to August). While days are often sunny and pleasant, temperatures can drop significantly at night. We recommend bringing a warm fleece or sweater for the evenings and early mornings.

Is the lodge a good base for trekking? Yes, it is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside. Beyond Anja Reserve, we can arrange walks through local Betsileo villages and vineyards, or provide advice for those planning to head deeper into the Tsaranoro Valley for more intensive trekking and climbing.