PHI- Komba Eco Lodge

NOSY KOMBA, NORTHERN MADAGASCAR

KOMBA ECO LODGE

Exotic escape...

It’s rare for a thriving guesthouse located on the picturesque island of Nosy Komba on the northwestern shores of Madagascar to become available. This is, after all, an island so beguiling that when the owner set foot on its shores about 20 years ago, she didn’t want to leave. ‘Who would?’ says the owner. ‘This is where all the beautiful Malagasy Richelieu tablecloths come from, so we stepped off the yacht onto white sandy beaches and were greeted by the unforgettable sight of embroidered tablecloths blowing in the wind.’

After exploring the islands around Nosy Be for a week in a yacht they returned every year for three years, but particularly loved the island of Nosy Komba. This tropical paradise made a lasting impression so when a concession came up for land leased near the charming village of Ampangarina, it was as if it was always meant to be! The land was overgrown with sugar cane with abundant mango, pawpaw and lime trees alongside the heavenly trilogy of cacao, coffee and vanilla. The location? Idyllic.

Travelling to Madagascar is easier these days: the lodge might be tucked away in a beautiful bay near the village of Ampangorina on the island of Nosy Komba but airlines that fly to Nosy Be include Air Tsaradia (local airline), Airlink, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Austral and Neos Air amongst others. It’s a 30-minute boat ride from Hellville on Nosy Be. January to March is cyclone season but for the rest of the year, it’s idyllic.

KOMBA ECO LODGE

Nosy Komba, Northern Madagascar

Originally it was built as a family retreat, but was later converted into the successful guest lodge that is here today: Komba Eco Lodge. Fruit is plentiful, fish abundant – as is the sunshine. The weather, for the most part, is tropical and balmy so the lifestyle is laid-back, indoor-outdoor flow is easy and life is good. So good that couples from around the world return time and again to recoup, recharge and revitalise their souls annually in this unspoilt spot. Daily rituals are comforting: wake to the sea gently lapping the shoreline and the gentle tranquillity of island life at dawn. Before long, the daily catch of fish and seafood arrives by boat and decisions are made on what to buy, and everyone tumbles out of bed for first swims. The water is gloriously silky, temperate and tempting to enjoy for hours on end, but breakfast calls. Pawpaw, mangoes and other island fruits plucked from the garden or bought nearby taste sweeter than ever.

‘This is a volcanic island with rocks along the shoreline and so many places don’t have a beautiful bay in front of them with 60m of sea frontage like we have on Nosy Komba. We’re also conveniently close to the village, but not in it. So, the location is absolutely perfect,’ says the owner who currently has a team of 10 staff, most of whom have been at Komba Eco Lodge for a long time.‘I really love Madagascar. I love how simple it is. I love the freedom of living here, the beauty of it, everything. It’s always a beautiful day when you look out the window. And for some reason on Nosy Komba it only rains at night time, never in the day. Except in cyclone season, of course! ‘As a woman I’ve felt very safe here. I love the people, their authenticity and dignity. It’s an amazing investment for someone who wants to start over or get out and experience “freedom”,’ says the owner.

Nosy Komba is known as the island of lemurs and they’re a protected species in Madagascar. Macao or Black lemurs come up to the house in the evenings and to the village. Lemurs are vital to the island ecosystem: they love fruit but can’t digest the fruit seeds so they disperse them through their droppings which act as nourishing fertilizers for the seeds that grow into new trees and help with reforestation.

Komba Eco Lodge has a rustic charm so enticing that you’ll never want to leave. ‘The simplicity of island life, the warmth of the Malagasy people and the feeling of personal safety is so embracing that you cannot believe there are still places available like this,’ says the owner. Guests who love it return year after year – about 50 to 60% South Africans and the rest Europeans. It will be sold furnished and there is potential to upgrade but it’s already set up with solar, a generator for back-up and an irrigation system.There is a private owner’s suite (or 5th bedroom) with a dressing room, shower, office and private garden, ideal for a manager or owner.

Specs

• Erf size: 1525 m2

• Dwelling size: 518 m2

• 60 meters of sea frontage

• 4 guest bedrooms (en suite)

• 6 bathrooms

• Lounge and dining area

• Library and study

• Kitchen, pantry & laundry room

• Private owner’s suite (1 bedroom, shower room, office, dressing room, and private garden)

• Pool

• Maintenance and stock rooms

• Engine generator

• Solar panels

• Irrigation sprinkler

• Water storage

• Vegetable garden

• Activities: Kayaking,Canoeing, Paddle Boating,Fishing, Hiking/Trails nearby, Scuba-diving nearby

• Property being sold fully furnished, fully equipped, and ready for immediate operation

• The property is titled and registered with complete land ownership documentation, including the natural easement.

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gill@perfecthideaways.co.za