Lemur Tours Madagascar — from the lemur kingdom to a beach escape
Madagascar is the only place on Earth where lemurs live in the wild — more than one hundred species and subspecies, from the 30-gram mouse lemur to the indri, whose song carries for three kilometres. This tour is built around the parks that offer the best chances of observing them, and ends with a beach escape.
What you'll experience
- Indri indri at Andasibe-Mantadia, the largest living lemur
- Golden bamboo lemur in Ranomafana National Park
- Ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifaka in Isalo
- Coquerel's sifaka in Ankarafantsika
- Crowned and Sanford's lemurs in Ankarana and Montagne d'Ambre
- Night walks for mouse lemurs and sportive lemurs
Lemur tours on the eastern part of the island
The eastern rainforest corridor is the richest in primates. Andasibe-Mantadia, Zahamena and Masoala combine indri, diademed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemur and the elusive aye-aye. From Andasibe to Sainte Marie (11 days) is the classic route, and can be extended to a 12-day exploration of the south and the luxuriant east.
Lemur tours on the southern part of the island
Ranomafana, Andringitra, Isalo, Tsimanampetsotsa, Berenty and Andohahela follow the RN7 and the far south. Expect ring-tailed lemurs, Verreaux's sifaka, the golden bamboo lemur and, in the dry spiny forest, the white-footed sportive lemur.
Lemurs on the western and northern parts
In the west, Kirindy, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Namoroka and Baie de Baly protect Madame Berthe's mouse lemur — the smallest primate in the world — as well as Deckenii's sifaka. In the north, Montagne d'Ambre, Ankarana, Marojejy and Sahamalaza are home to crowned lemurs, Sanford's lemurs and the silky sifaka.
Photos from this tour
Your detailed programme
- 1
Arrival in Antananarivo
Welcome at Ivato airport and transfer to the hotel, briefing on the tour.
- 2
Antananarivo – Andasibe
Drive east through the Mandraka corridor. Afternoon visit of Peyrieras reserve: chameleons, geckos, frogs. Night walk at the edge of the forest.
- 3
Analamazaotra National Park
Morning tracking of indri families, then a visit of Vakôna private reserve and its island of semi-free lemurs.
- 4
Mantadia National Park
Primary rainforest: diademed sifaka, black-and-white ruffed lemur, endemic birds. Swim at the Sacred Falls.
- 5
Andasibe – Antsirabe
Back through Tana to the highland city of Antsirabe, known for its rickshaws and gemstone workshops.
- 6
Antsirabe – Ranomafana
Drive south through Ambositra, the woodcarving capital of the Zafimaniry. Arrival in Ranomafana in the late afternoon.
- 7
Ranomafana National Park
Full day in the UNESCO rainforest in search of the golden bamboo lemur, greater bamboo lemur and Milne-Edwards' sifaka. Night walk.
- 8
Ranomafana – Ranohira (Isalo)
Drive via Ambalavao, its Antaimoro paper workshop and the Anja reserve, where ring-tailed lemurs live among granite boulders.
- 9
Isalo National Park
Canyon des Makis walk, natural swimming pool, and sunset at Isalo's famous window.
- 10
Ranohira – Ifaty
Southbound through Zombitse forest (Hubbard's sportive lemur) to the beaches and spiny forest of Ifaty.
- 11
Ifaty / Tuléar – Antananarivo
Morning at sea or in the baobab forest, then flight back to the capital.
- 12
Departure
Transfer to Ivato airport. Extension available to Nosy Be, Sainte-Marie or Ankarafantsika.
- All airport / hotel / airport transfers as per the detailed programme
- Accommodation on a half-board basis throughout the tour
- A 4x4 vehicle with fuel included
- All visits and entrance fees to national parks and reserves listed in the programme
- One bottle of water per person per day
- An English or French speaking driver-guide
- Tourist taxes
- — Lunches
- — Drinks
- — Any visit not mentioned in the programme, or taken as an option
- — Domestic flights
- — Comprehensive travel insurance
You may be wondering…
What is the difference between the East, South, West and North circuits for lemur watching?+
Each region shelters different species and habitats: rainforest in the east, dry spiny forest and canyons in the south, deciduous forest and tsingy in the west, and humid massifs in the north. The east gives the highest number of species in the shortest time.
Is it guaranteed to see diurnal and nocturnal lemurs during the tours?+
Nothing is guaranteed in the wild, but our local guides track habituated family groups daily, so sightings of diurnal lemurs are almost systematic. Nocturnal species are seen on organised night walks.
When is the best time of the year to plan a lemur tour?+
From April to November. September to November is best: babies are born, and the animals are active for longer during the day.
Check availability for this tour
A local English-speaking advisor replies within 24 hours. 100% customizable: dates, accommodations, beach extensions.