Magrotto Estate Headquarters
Headquarters of the Magrotto oil palm estate are located in the center of the estate on a hill top. Due to its central location and facilities, the estate headquarters provides a nice base for ecotourism activities in the area.
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Estate manager’s house |
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View from the back yard of the manager’s house |
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A cycad in the estate garden |
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A papaya plant and factory buildings in the foreground. The buildings in the background are estate workers’ houses |
Manager's house
The estate manager´s house was built by Germans in 1940s. The building has three self-contained big rooms, a big sitting room and a dining room with a fire place, which can be used for heating the house during cold season. Water supply for the house is from a nearby spring, and electricity is supplied by a diesel generator. The building is surrounded by a nice flat area that can be used for camping.
The house was renovated for visitors in the end of 2010.
Garden with view
Behind the manager’s house there is a nice view to the lowlands. The back yard of the house is also a very good location for bird viewing. Birds are abundant in numbers and different species can be observed such as sunbirds and hornbills.
The old garden surrounding the house has many ornamental and economic plants such as Traveler’s tree (Ravelana), cycads, citrus trees, old araucarias, and palms. The plants could be labeled for educational purposes and some additional plant species could be planted.
Factory, offices and stores
Palm oil was produced in the Magrotto Estate factory until 1993. The factory and its machinery are still in place and in relatively good condition. Offices and stores are well maintained and in use. A small museum exhibiting the history of the estate could be established in the factory building. One of the offices could serve as a tourist information center.
If you plan to visit the estate and/or book accommodation, contact the Amboni Sisal Properties Ltd:
| Dr. Tobias Gress, General Manager | |
| e-mail: | tobias.gress (at) ambonisisal.com |
| Tel: | +255-784 200 290 |
| Mobile: | +255-784 503 363 |
| www.ambonisisal.com | |