Les bungalows sur pilotis du Lac Hôtel vus depuis le lac Sahambavy

Charm & Comfort
in the Heart of Nature

Madagascar's only tea plantation, overwater bungalows, and pristine nature awaiting you.

An exceptional eco-lodge facing Lake Sahambavy

If there is a true sanctuary on Earth, this is where it is found… Stretching over 5,000 km of coastline, Madagascar is bordered by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel, where silver-crested waves meet pristine shores. The land of “mora mora” (the Malagasy philosophy of taking life slowly) invites you to embrace a gentler pace and experience the legendary warmth and hospitality of its people. Madagascar, one of the world's greatest natural wonders, opens its heart to you. Its very name evokes a sense of magic, blending exotic fragrances, vibrant colours, and breathtaking landscapes that awaken the senses and inspire the imagination.

An essential stop on your journey through Madagascar, Lac Hôtel enjoys an ideal location halfway between the island's north and south along the famous RN7 route. Nestled on the shores of Lake Sahambavy and at the foot of lush green hills, the hotel offers breathtaking views over Madagascar's only tea plantation, which extends across more than 520 hectares.

Set within a luxuriant tropical garden, our charming traditional bungalows on stilts provide a peaceful retreat where nature, comfort, and authentic Malagasy hospitality come together. Captivating guests with beautifully landscaped surroundings and attentive, personalized service, Lac Hôtel is designed for total relaxation. Here, every detail matters. As a family-run hotel, our ambition is to offer you much more than just accommodation: we want you to feel truly at home. From the moment you arrive, you will be welcomed with genuine care, warmth, and hospitality.

Ideally located for exploring the many attractions of the region, the hotel also offers an authentic introduction to the traditions and rich cultural heritage of the Betsileo people.

Charming bungalows50+
Tea plantation520 ha
Family hospitality28 yrs
Maggie Leong et l'équipe du Lac Hôtel Sahambavy
Our house

A family story, turned into a place of welcome

It was by pure chance that Leong and Olga discovered the shores of Lake Sahambavy in 1998. Their original plan was simple: to purchase a piece of land by the lake and build a modest cottage where they could enjoy a peaceful retirement. But inspired by Olga's vision and passion, this quiet retreat soon blossomed into a true Garden of Eden. Over time, travellers stepping off the train in Sahambavy would pause, intrigued by the beauty of the surroundings, thinking they might find a stopover lodge… This is how the idea was born to open the doors of this corner of paradise and turn it into a hotel. Fate later brought generations together when their eldest daughter, Maggie Leong, returned from Canada to take over the family venture. In nearly 28 years, the estate has grown to welcome around fifty bungalows today, nestled in the heart of unspoiled nature.

“And the adventure is far from over…”
The Leong family
The garden
The garden
The welcome
The welcome
The craftsmen
The craftsmen
The bungalows
The bungalows
Your review

Have you stayed with us?

A few lines about your stay help travellers who are still hesitating, and mean a great deal to a family-run house like ours.

Accommodation · Rates

Our rooms & bungalows

From standard bungalow to overwater experience: around fifty units for every journey

Honeymoon Overwater Bungalow

1 / 21

Double · Twin · SingleSignature

Honeymoon Overwater Bungalow

Overwater bungalows on Lake Sahambavy. Spacious 2.20 m × 2.20 m bed, private bathroom with hot water, terrace with lake view.

from360 000 Ar · 72 € / night
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Superior Lake View Room

1 / 15

Superior room

Superior Lake View Room

8 rooms facing the pool and lake. High-end European comfort with precious wood parquet and terrace.

from300 000 Ar · 60 € / night
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Standard Bungalow

1 / 2

Double · Twin · Single

Standard Bungalow

Bungalows in a tropical garden. Double, twin or single, authentic Malagasy comfort with private bathroom.

from150 000 Ar · 30 € / night
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1930 Honeymoon Wagon

1 / 6

Unique experienceUnique

1930 Honeymoon Wagon

Renovated 1930 Swiss wagon, 30 m long. Room service, mini-bar, private terrace and lake view.

from360 000 Ar · 72 € / night
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Tarzan Treehouse Bungalow

1 / 6

Kids bungalow

Tarzan Treehouse Bungalow

Perched bungalow for kids, single or double. A unique adventure in the tropical garden trees.

from150 000 Ar · 30 € / night
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Low Villa with Kitchenette

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Le Repos annexe · 800 m
"Le Repos" ExtensionExtension Le Repos

Low Villa with Kitchenette

4 fully equipped duplex houses for extended stays. Kitchenette with hob, fridge and crockery. Ideal for families.

from250 000 Ar · 50 € / night
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The destination

Three experiences around the lake

Cueilleuses dans la plantation de thé de Sahambavy
Eco-tourism

Sahambavy Tea Plantation

Madagascar's only tea plantation (520 hectares). Factory tour, walk through the tea rows, tasting. Book at reception.

Embarquement des voyageurs sur la draisine de la ligne FCE
Railway adventure

FCE Train, the last corridor train

Fianarantsoa → Manakara, 8–12 hours through primary forests, cliffs and remote villages. Micheline, Draisine or Classic Train. We handle your booking.

Allée de chalets sous les pins à l'extension Le Repos
Hotel extension

Le Repos, villas with kitchenette

4 fully equipped duplex houses for extended stays and families. Kitchenette, terrace and preserved natural setting.

Table dressée à la nappe rouge au restaurant panoramique du Lac Hôtel
Gastronomy

Awaken your taste buds

For those wishing to discover local flavors, Malagasy cuisine is served alongside a selection of European dishes and grilled specialties. Enjoy your meal in our panoramic dining area or outside on our shaded lakeside terraces.

All our dishes are prepared using fresh, organic, and carefully selected ingredients. And for everything else? Homemade with care. From fresh bread, yogurts, artisanal cheeses, jams, honey…

Breakfast40,000 AR
Menu70,000 AR
Testimonials

They lived the experience

Booking.com9.0/1034 reviews
The hotel is a haven of peace, the very spacious room is beautifully decorated, with elegance and taste. The staff is adorable and attentive. The garden is magnificent and offers a lovely relaxing setting.
HélèneFrance
The best hotel so far in Madagascar. Excellent in every way.
RaithRoyaume-Uni
01 / 15
Google4.6/5177 reviews
A magical place by the lake. The overwater bungalows are a dream. Breakfast is excellent, with fresh produce from the hotel's garden.
Jean-Pierre M.France
The setting is exceptional, between the lake and the tea plantation. The restaurant offers refined local cuisine. We'll return without hesitation.
Sarah L.Belgique
01 / 15
TripAdvisor4.5/5229 reviews
Magnificent place, very helpful and thoughtful staff. Big thanks to Toky the receptionist! The food is excellent and the setting enchanting.
Michel R.France
A lush green setting by the lake. The welcome is warm, the rooms spacious and well decorated. The walk around the lake is superb.
Anne-Marie P.Suisse
01 / 15
Contact & Booking

Book your stay

We reply within 24 hours · Zero commission · Payment on arrival

2 nights = 50% off the 2nd

WhatsApp / Phone

(+261) 034 99 161 76

Access

By train: 2 min from Sahambavy station · By road: 40 min from Fianarantsoa · RN7: turn left at Ambalakely (Shell station)

A paid hotel shuttle is available for your transport.