Le Zahir Lodge, Nosy Be, Madagascar

Miles Willis
Nov 7
4 min read

Le Zahir Lodge, Nosy Be – Where Families Discover the Real Madagascar in Comfort and Style

Tucked between lush tropical gardens and the soft golden sands of Madirokely Beach, Le Zahir Lodge offers families a rare blend of authentic Malagasy charm and modern beachside comfort. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the lively village of Ambatoloaka — Nosy Be’s best-known coastal hub — this boutique-style lodge perfectly balances peace and play. It’s one of those hidden gems that feels local, looks beautiful, and delivers a truly memorable family holiday experience at excellent value for money.

For South African families seeking a relaxed island escape that’s close to home, Le Zahir Lodge is an easy choice.

A Prime Location on Madirokely Beach

Nosy Be, often called “The Perfumed Island” for its frangipani and ylang-ylang fields, is the heart of Madagascar’s island tourism. Le Zahir Lodge sits just behind Madirokely Beach, one of the island’s most family-friendly stretches of sand.

The beach is calm, swimmable year-round, and filled with life — from gentle fishermen paddling their pirogues to children playing at low tide. Parents will love that it’s both scenic and safe, while kids can splash, explore tide pools, or simply build sandcastles in the soft volcanic sand.

Ambatoloaka village, only a short stroll away, adds convenience and character. You’ll find lively cafés, small local shops, and beachfront restaurants where you can try grilled seafood straight off the boat. Yet, step back through Le Zahir’s palm-lined entrance, and you’re in a tranquil oasis — shaded gardens, gentle music, and that unmistakable island sense of time slowing down.

Why Families Love Le Zahir Lodge

Le Zahir Lodge has built a loyal following among families who value simplicity, authenticity, and space to unwind. The atmosphere is laid-back and intimate, with only a handful of individually designed bungalows scattered through tropical gardens.

Each bungalow is bright, spacious, and full of Malagasy personality — think handcrafted wooden furniture, colourful fabrics, and large open terraces that invite barefoot relaxation. Family units are available, and interleading options can be arranged to keep everyone comfortably close.

For younger children, there’s plenty of shaded outdoor space and a small pool that feels more like a natural lagoon. The friendly staff are warm and genuinely attentive — the kind of people who’ll remember your child’s name and bring them a fresh coconut after swimming.

For teenagers, the lodge’s proximity to Ambatoloaka means easy access to snorkelling trips, beach volleyball, kayaking, and even diving excursions to the coral-rich reefs of Nosy Tanikely Marine Park — one of Madagascar’s top snorkelling spots.

Good Value for Money – Comfort Without the Price Tag

Nosy Be offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to simple lodges, but Le Zahir Lodge stands out for its exceptional value. You get the boutique feel of a personalised, character-rich stay without the high-end price tag.

Rates include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping — and optional half-board or full-board packages make it even easier for families to budget. Meals are a highlight: fresh local fish, zebu steak, and Italian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients. The lodge’s owner, originally from Italy, has infused the kitchen with Mediterranean flair, ensuring even the pickiest eaters find something to love.

Families appreciate the convenience of being close to everything — beaches, restaurants, and island excursions — without needing taxis or transfers. You can walk to most attractions, meaning your holiday budget stretches further for experiences like snorkelling trips, visiting Lemur Island, or taking a sunset cruise.

Activities for All Ages

Le Zahir Lodge serves as a perfect base for exploring the natural and cultural wonders of Nosy Be. Island-hopping to nearby Nosy Komba, Nosy Sakatia, or Nosy Tanikely is easy to arrange right from the lodge.

Nosy Komba: Meet the friendly black lemurs and browse local crafts.
Nosy Sakatia: Swim with turtles in crystal-clear waters.
Nosy Tanikely: Snorkel over coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.

Back on the main island, families can visit the Lokobe Nature Reserve to spot lemurs and chameleons, or enjoy a scenic drive to Mont Passot for panoramic sunset views.

For something more relaxing, stay local: enjoy a beach picnic, take a traditional pirogue ride, or simply lounge under a palm tree while kids play in the shallows. Le Zahir’s team can tailor-make daily activities to suit your family’s pace and interests — from wildlife adventures to lazy beach days.

A Warm, Genuine Island Welcome

What truly sets Le Zahir Lodge apart is its people. Guests consistently praise the team’s warmth, humour, and willingness to help. Whether it’s organising a babysitter, arranging an early breakfast before a dive trip, or recommending a quiet local beach, nothing is too much trouble.

This genuine hospitality creates the feeling of staying with friends — relaxed, informal, yet wonderfully attentive. For families, especially those travelling with younger children, that personal touch makes all the difference.

Why Book with IslandStays

Booking through IslandStays gives families extra peace of mind and exclusive value. As island specialists with years of experience helping South Africans travel to Madagascar, IslandStays ensures your flights, transfers, and accommodation fit together seamlessly.

Our team understands family travel — from arranging interconnecting rooms to making sure transfers are safe, reliable, and timed with your flights. We know Le Zahir Lodge personally and can recommend the best bungalow types for your family’s needs, as well as the top excursions suited for kids.

You’ll also benefit from our local partnerships, special family rates, and expert guidance on the best time to travel for calm seas, dry weather, and turtle sightings.

With IslandStays, it’s not just about booking a hotel — it’s about creating the kind of island holiday your family will remember forever.

In Summary

Le Zahir Lodge captures the soul of Nosy Be — warm, relaxed, and full of character. Its unbeatable location on Madirokely Beach, family-friendly atmosphere, and honest value make it one of Madagascar’s most appealing small lodges for travellers who prefer personality over polish.

For families who want to introduce their children to the magic of Madagascar — from smiling locals and playful lemurs to palm-fringed beaches and endless adventure — Le Zahir Lodge is the perfect place to start.

Let IslandStays take care of the details and help you plan your family island holiday to Nosy Be — where comfort meets authenticity, and every sunset is shared barefoot on the beach.