Lac Hôtel

Discover Lake Sahambavy

Located on the shores of Lake Sahambavy, Lac Hôtel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island’s unique tea plantation (520 hectares). It is conveniently located next to Sahambavy train station where you can take an unforgettable train journey towards the East Coast, the Pangalanes canal and the city of Manakara.

Lac Hôtel offers you comfortable rooms located in charming and typical bungalows, some on stilts, scattered in a tropical garden. The rooms are designed for comfort and tranquillity with private bathrooms and hot water. For couples, you can stay in a converted romantic train carriage! The 4 duplex houses (2 floors) are perfect for families and come fully equipped for long stays with a small kitchen.

The restaurant serves local Malagasy specialities as well as European and grilled dishes. The speciality dish remains the wild duck or the all-time favourite ginger tilapia.You can enjoy these dishes in the panoramic restaurant or on a shady terrace besides the lake.
All the dishes are prepared from fresh quality organic produce. There is a bio garden of two acres and the breads, yogurt and cheese are all homemade.

More about Lac Hôtel

Perched on the banks of Lake Sahambavy, Lac Hôtel offers a charming and nostalgic escape into the heart of Madagascar’s only tea-growing region.

Located near the city of Fianarantsoa, this hotel is a quintessential stop for those traveling the iconic RN7 route. It is famous for its unique setting amidst the rolling green hills of the Sahambavy Tea Estate, where the air is cool and the scenery feels more like a misty highland dream than a tropical island. Whether you arrive by road or via the historic FCE train, the hotel provides a peaceful, pastoral sanctuary surrounded by water and vines.

The Property

The hotel is a collection of rustic, elegant structures that blend seamlessly into the lakeside landscape. The main lodge features a cozy restaurant and bar where guests can sample local flavors and, of course, the famous Sahambavy tea. Outside, the extensive gardens lead down to the lake’s edge, where a large wooden pontoon stretches over the water—an ideal spot for sundowners. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, designed for those who appreciate the slower pace of the Malagasy highlands.

The Rooms

Lac Hôtel is renowned for its diverse and creative accommodation options, ranging from traditional to truly unique:

• Lakeside Bungalows: Comfortable wooden chalets built directly on the water’s edge, offering private balconies with serene lake views.

• The Train Car: For a touch of whimsy, guests can stay in a beautifully restored 1930s railway carriage, converted into a luxury suite that pays homage to the region’s locomotive history.

• Standard Rooms: Located within the lush gardens, these rooms offer a cozy and affordable retreat for travelers exploring the highlands. Every room is designed to embrace the natural surroundings, featuring warm wood accents and large windows that let in the soft highland light.

Experiences

The area around Lac Hôtel is a playground for nature lovers and those interested in traditional Malagasy industry.

• Tea Plantation Tours: Take a guided walk through the emerald-green tea fields to learn how the leaves are harvested and processed at the nearby factory.

• Lake Activities: Enjoy a peaceful morning of canoeing or pedalo riding on the calm waters of Lake Sahambavy.

• FCE Railway: The hotel is the perfect base for travelers taking the famous train journey toward the East Coast, known for its dramatic mountain passes.

• Fishing & Birdwatching: The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to a variety of endemic bird species, making it a quiet haven for enthusiasts.

• Hill Trekking: Hike into the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the valley and the sprawling tea estates below.

Earth Trip Opinion: Lac Hôtel is one of the most atmospheric stays in Madagascar. There is something incredibly special about waking up to the mist rising off the lake and the sight of tea pickers at work in the distance. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, put away your phone, and simply enjoy the timeless beauty of the highlands.