History
About the origins of the Famata lodge
Peter Schachenmann spent a majority of his life in Africa. 1993, he came to Madagascar to establish the today famous Andrinigitra national park. One day, while travelling to the South, he met his future wife, Julia. 2006, they bought a property in Ankilibe-Namakia directly at sea. It used to belong to Swiss Hermann Petignat, who established the close by world-known Arboretum Antsokay. With the birth of their daughter Nina, they decided in 2007 to build an eco lodge. 2011, the small paradise opened its gates - in line with the Malagasy tradition, with a lavish celebration lasting three days.
The property
Julia and Peter bought the property at sea in 2006 from Swiss Hermann Petignat, the founder of the famous Arboretums with Tulear. In the beginning, they lived in a tent, until they, one after the other, built their home and the lodge.
Die Namakia lagoon
The view from above shows the area with the fresh water lagoon, where the famous legend of the two Namakia snakes took place.
The plan
With their ideas in mind, Julia and Peter started making simple sketches on paper. It is hard to believe: the Lodge emerged without an exact plan.
The opening celebration
2011, the small paradise opened its gates - with a lavish 3-day celebration: An ombiasy blessed the lodge, two Zebus were slaughtered, and one night was spent in the open.
Das material
The timber constructions consist of native eukalyptus. Roofs are covered with local grasses. The clay bricks are locally manufactured according to traditional methods.