Northern Madagascar
Sakatia Lodge
Sakatia lodge is a friendly, family run resort popular with divers and snorkellers, located right on the beach on little Sakatia Island, a short distance from Nosy Be.
It has its own scuba and training dive centre with over 20 dive sites to choose from. Each bungalow has a private bathroom with hot water, fan, mosquito net and an outside seating area. Enjoy a drink in the bar overlooking Nosy Be and dine at the lodge’s table d’hôte restaurant which makes use of the rich variety of delicious produce that Madagascar has to offer. There is a small shop for souvenirs and other items. As well as diving and snorkelling, excursions on Nosy Sakatia or to its surrounding islands can be organised.
Sakatia Lodge offers a total of nine bungalows and four glamping tents, each designed to provide comfort and a connection to nature. All accommodations come with 24-hour electricity, hot showers, fans, mosquito nets, and complimentary Wi-Fi (1 GB per day). Guests also benefit from daily housekeeping, laundry service, and optional babysitting.
The Mango Bungalows are cozy units nestled in the garden near mango trees, often visited by lemurs. These bungalows accommodate up to two guests and can be arranged with either a double or twin bed. Each has a small private veranda and is ideal for couples or friends seeking a tranquil, nature-filled experience.
Ravinala Bungalows are slightly larger and positioned to catch the breeze, offering elevated views over the property. They can host two adults and one child up to 12 years old, with a flexible bed setup that includes a double or twin bed and an optional child bed. These bungalows are perfect for small families who appreciate space and scenic surroundings.
Madiro Bungalows are located in a secluded corner of the beach near the Sacred Mountain. They feature direct beach access, a private veranda, and sunbeds. With two bedrooms—one with a queen-size bed and the other with two single beds—plus an optional child bed, these bungalows can accommodate up to four guests and one child. They are ideal for families looking for privacy and proximity to the ocean.
The new glamping tents are perched on a garden hilltop near the Sacred Mountain, offering sweeping views of the bay. Each tent can host up to three guests with one double and one single bed. They include a private veranda with loungers and chairs, a fan, desk, bathroom with hot water, and facilities for coffee and tea.
There are also two privately-owned villas located next to the hotel which can be booked for you, with all meals, diving etc. taken at the resort.
The Dive Centre is NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) and DAN (Divers Alert Network) affiliated. It is fully equipped with gear from Scubapro. The dive cylinders are steel (10 L, 12 L or 15 L) with a DIN or International fitting. Nitrox is available at a surcharge. There are two Instructors and one Dive Master on site.
Facilities
Bungalows have mosquito nets and fans, free unlimited Wi-Fi, 3 course dinners every night, a fully licensed bar serving cocktails right on the beach, a Zebu Zen Massage center to unwind. Beach towels and snorkelling equipment are available to all guests and other facilities include a crafts boutique, nanny service, laundry service, wake up calls, board and card games, and a book exchange.
Local Wildlife
Divers and snorkelers are treated to a vast array of tropical reef fish including sea horses, crocodile fish, emperor angelfish, dragonfish, frogfish and there are also porcelain crabs, giant tropical lobsters, blue spotted rays and moray eels and immense table top corals.
There are 14 resident green turtles that can be found on the nearby area of sea grass, which has now been designated as a turtle reserve.
A relocated population of black lemurs occur in the primary forest next to the lodge and panther chameleons, hermit crabs and other smaller wildlife can be found on the island of Sakatia.
Whale sharks can be seen on offshore boat trips between October and November and humpback whales, Omura's whales and spinner dolphins between September and November.
Optional Activities
The house reef of Nosy Sakatia is 400 meters from Sakatia Lodge and over a kilometer long. It is not only excellent for scuba diving, but also for snorkeling. Some snorkel spots and beaches are best visited with a pirogue (a traditional dug out boat). Or take a kayak out in search for the sea turtles that are right in front of the Lodge during high tide. You can also discover the island on foot with a guide.
Whale shark snorkelling (with possibilities for manta rays too) is possible between October and late November.
Excursions to Lokobe Nature Reserve on Nosy Be for wildlife or other islands such as Nosy Komba, Nosy Iranja or Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
A four-night minimum stay is necessary for Sakatia Lodge and this is ideal to enjoy a range of snorkelling and diving sites as well as time for relaxation.
If you have any questions regarding our Madagascar tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Absolutely excellent - I can't praise this wonderful place enough! Caring and knowledgeable owners, food was delicious - we felt very spoilt at [Sakatia Lodge].