Lemur Conservation Network
A Project of the Madagascar Section of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group
In Madagascar, ecotourism can be a win-win-win for tourists, Malagasy people, and Madagascar’s lemurs and other wildlife. When done well, ecotourism helps protect natural environments by both supporting conservation and providing financial benefits to local people and their communities.
When I first heard that giant lemurs had once roamed the earth, I was fascinated and devasted. Fascinated to learn that at one point in our planet’s history there had been at least 17 large-bodied species of lemur, the largest of which is estimated to have weighed 160 kg. But I was devastated because researchers think these giant lemurs may have been around as recently as 500 years ago. I had just missed them. Today, there are 111 species and […]
If you have a few extra days near Antananarivo, consider visiting the Anjozorobe Protected Area, just 2 1/2 hours away by car. The Anjozorobe forest is home to 82 species of birds and 11 species of lemur. The lemur species here are similar to those found in Andasibe-Mantadia, but the indri is darker in coloring. And, the trails are much less crowded than those at Andasibe! About Saha Forest Camp In October 2019, I spent three days and two nights […]
A Northeastern Rainforest Reserve Rarely Visited by Tourists Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve (ASSR) is rarely visited by tourists. In fact, when I asked my guide Jackson how many tourists he thinks had visited ASSR that year, he said, “Not many tourists. Just you.” I was excited to see ASSR in person, after learning about it from Dr. Erik Patel when we discussed his work in the reserve with the Lemur Conservation Foundation. But why is it so rarely visited? The […]
After hiking in Marojejy National Park to see silky sifakas in the beautiful mountain rainforest, we spent a couple of days relaxing near the beach in Sambava. Then, we head out of the city for the second multi-day hike of the trip: four days in Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve (ASSR) with Jackson as my guide. But first, I wanted to see the locally managed Antanetiambo Reserve on the way. We stayed in the town of Andapa that night in order to […]
Can you tell us about your past adventures? CP: I have over 15 years of remote travel and expedition experience and have completed many different long distance treks all over the world. Over the last 3 years I’ve undertook and focused on my biggest challenge to date called ‘The Wildest Journey’. This was my mission to walk the length of Africa’s wildest rivers from source to sea in the battle against wildlife crime. In 2016-17, I walked for 3000 km […]
Visiting the villages outside Marojejy National Park in northeast Madagascar with local guide Jackson. Jackson shows us his reserve — Anolakely — where he is protecting and reforesting the land which provides homes for northern bamboo lemurs, frogs, and more.
Hiking in Marojejy is challenging but rewarding. The views of the surrounding water and mountains from camp 2 are breathtaking, and this is a great base for spotting rare and beautiful silky sifakas. Adventurous hikers can continue to camp 3 and to the summit on clear days.
