Responsible Lemur Watching in Madagascar (PDF)

While tourism is a key economic asset for Madagascar, there is a trade-off between economic gain and too many tourists, resulting in negative impacts on biodiversity. In recent years, Madagascar has seen an increase in harmful tourist activities, which have become commonplace, such as direct human-lemur contact for feeding or taking selfies.

Responsible Primate Watching for Tourists

Recommendations for responsible primate-watching by an interdisciplinary group of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group Section on Human-Primate Interactions (SHPI).

Responsible Images of Non-Human Primates

Guidelines from the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group Section on Human-Primate Interactions which detail appropriate imagery (photos and videos) to be shared of non-human primates. Available in 24 languages.

Asisten Travel

Silver Supporting Member

ASISTEN TRAVEL is Destination Management Company DMC specialized in the design and organization of luxury tailor made holidays tours in Madagascar. Our mission is to “Provide in a sustainable and responsible way some very high quality tourism experiences”.

Dadamanga

Bronze Supporting Member

Dadamanga thrives on crafting unforgettable experiences for English-speaking visitors to Madagascar. Our eco-friendly ethos, community support, and love for diversity earn us yearly awards.
Exciting news: In 2024, we’re launching group tours, driven by overwhelming demand!

Remote River Expeditions

Bronze Supporting Member

Remote River Expeditions are specialists in designing custom tours for all ages and interests. Based in Madagascar; English speaking with 20+ years’ experience. Our goal is to share our love for Madagascar in a personalized, ethical and sustainable fashion.

Visiting Camp Bandro to See the Lake Alaotra Bamboo Lemur

Five to six hours by car from Antananarivo is Lake Alaotra, home to the only primate that spends its entire life on reed beds above the water. Camp Bandro is run by LCN member, Madagascar Wildlife Conservation.

Silky Sifakas at Marojejy National Park

Marojejy in northeastern Madagascar has world class hiking with cabins and cooking facilities at three stops on the way to the peak of the mountain. See silky sifakas, red-bellied lemurs, white-fronted brown lemurs and more in this gorgeous rainforest.

Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (ASSR)

In the northeast SAVA region of Madagascar, ASSR is a great spot for camping, birding, and seeing lemurs among nature. The tourist facilities at ASSR are supported by the Lemur Conservation Foundation.

Tsitongambarika, Madagascar’s Southernmost Rainforest

In 2020, Asity Madagascar began managing this forest near Fort Dauphin in southeast Madagascar, which is home to seven lemur species! They have now set up tourist facilities and are working with local communities to protect the forest. Be one of the first tourists to visit this park!

Andasibe-Mantadia: A Rainforest Near Antananarivo

Andasibe is Madagascar’s most visited national park because of its proximity to the capital of Antananarivo. But, this rainforest is deceptively large and is home to many lemurs, frogs, and other animals. It’s well worth the visit.

Anjozorobe Forest

Also near Tana is the Anjozorobe Forest. A favorite here is Saha Forest Camp, run by the Malagasy NGO Fanambe. You can see several species of lemurs here and go on both day and night hikes, just a few hours from Madagascar’s capital city.

Sifakas, Ring-Tails and Sportive Lemurs at Berenty Reserve

Berenty is legendary, as many National Geographic documentaries are filmed here. See dancing Verreaux’s sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs, and sportive lemurs all in one place in southern Madagascar.

Ring-Tailed Lemurs at Anja Reserve

Anja is a community-run reserve along the popular Route National 7 in southern Madagascar. Here, you can see easily several troops of ring-tailed lemurs on short and long hikes with rock scrambles and gorgeous views.

The Sakaviro Forest: A Hidden Gem Near Anja

Just 5 km from Anja Reserve is the Sakaviro Forest. This community-run reserve is little visited, but so interesting. See a forest of a ring-tailed lemurs, and travel with villagers to see their ancestors’ cave and learn about their history.

Ranomafana National Park and Centre ValBio

The rainforest of Ranomafana National Park is home to 13 species of lemur and many endemic birds, frogs, and other species. Dr. Patricia Wright from Centre ValBio worked with the government of Madagascar to establish this park in 1991.

Google Earth Tour of Madagascar

In this Google Earth tour, you will visit 8 places, including 2 cities and 6 wildlife reserves. We’ll learn about the island of Madagascar and the people and wildlife that call it home!

Book a Virtual Tour of Ranomafana National Park

This interactive educational program connects local experts to people of all ages interested in the wonders of Madagascar via Zoom. Book a virtual hike through Ranomafana and learn from professional Malagasy tour guides about its wildlife.