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Baobab Ankify lies away from the hustle and bustle of the village, a few minutes' drive south of Ankify. Set right on the bay with views across to Nosy Komba, it is a particularly welcoming place to arrive in after a long journey through the countryside.

The 16 standard rooms are scattered behind the beach, in pretty rondavels with thatched roofs, whitewashed walls and windows opening out toward the sea. Most of the rooms lie on a level with the beach, where pathways lead guests through the sand and palm trees sway up above. A few of the standard rooms are also set back on a small hill up above the beach.

Off to one side lie the four superior rooms. Larger than the standard rooms, these are decorated very much in a similar style. They have private terraces overlooking the water, and their own steps down to the sea. What makes these really special though is waking up in the morning — there's certainly no need for an alarm clock as the sun rises over the sea and straight into the rooms! All of the rooms that are on the beach, whether standard or superior, have double beds only.

The main bar and restaurant area is raised up from the beach, offering great views of the water as the fishermen sail past and water taxis ply to and from the surrounding islands. As with many of the lodges on the coast, the main emphasis of the menu is on seafood, but there are plenty of other alternatives on offer, and there is also the chance to try some Malagasy wine.

The beach here is fairly shallow, so the water goes a very long way out at low tide, though at high tide it is just a few metres away from some of the bungalows. The lodge does not yet have a swimming pool and due to this, we would not recommend this for a long stay at present, but it works well as an overnight stop on the way to one of the islands, or continuing your journey on the mainland.

OUR RATING: Simple