If you have watched the animated film titled Madagascar, then you will know that King Julien is a ring-tailed lemur.
Do you know that these lemurs are real and that they live in Madagascar? The lemurs in the film can be found in Madagascar. They are native to Madagascar and can rarely be seen elsewhere.
In this article, we will provide you with a list of places to see lemurs in Madagascar. We will also include a little bit of detail to help you find your way to these destinations easily.
Why Madagascar is a Lemur Paradise
Madagascar can easily be seen as a lemur paradise due to the different types of lemurs that can be found on the island. The island has over 100 different species of lemurs, and each of them is unique in its own way.
Lemurs have thrived in Madagascar since they do not have any predators on the island. Their large population makes them a symbol of Madagascar’s rich wildlife.
Where to See Lemurs in Madagascar
Here are the 10 places to see lemurs in Madagascar:
1. Lemurs’ Park
The first destination on our list is the Lemurs’ Park, which is located southwest of Antananarivo, the capital city.
In this park, you will experience different lemur species in their natural habitat as they leap from tree to tree. This is a good place to get a good view of nature while still seeing your favorite animals.
The park is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and they offer guided tours as well as standard amenities that will make your visit memorable.
Directions to Lemurs’ Park
Getting to Lemurs’ Park is a breeze. It’s located a mere 22 kilometers southwest of Antananarivo. You can catch a ride on a private park shuttle that’ll whisk you straight from the city to the park’s entrance. And guess what? The journey itself is an adventure, with scenic views that will make great photographs if you are a picture person.
2. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
At the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, you will find 11 different species of lemurs. This park is known to house the indri, one of the largest living lemurs in Madagascar.
Andasibe is a lemur territory and will make your dreams of seeing lemurs in their natural habitat come true.
In this park, you will be guided by some of the best in Madagascar, with a great degree of knowledge about these creatures.
Directions to Andasibe
Andasibe is located in the eastern part of Madagascar, and it is close to the capital city of Antananarivo.
This park is a popular location, so you should find your way easily by just following the signs to Andasibe.
3. Nahampoana Reserve
Nahampoana Reserve is another great place to see lemurs in Madagascar. This reserve allows visitors to have a close encounter with lemurs in their natural habitat.
At Nahampoana Reserve, you will see lemurs at every turn, jumping, walking, and sitting next to you.
Journey to Nahampoana
Nahampoana is situated near Tolanaro in the southeast of Madagascar. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it special.
The drive to Nahampoana is scenic, and you get to take some great pictures along the way.
4. Ranomafana National Park
At Ranomafana National Park, you will see around 20 species of lemurs. From the black-and-white ruffed lemurs to the rare golden bamboo lemur, this park offers a wild experience that’s hard to match.
- black-and-white ruffed lemurs
Aside from seeing lemurs, you can also engage in other activities like birdwatching and seeing waterfalls.
Directions to Ranomafana
Ranomafana is located in the southeastern region of Madagascar. The best and only way to get to Ranomafana National Park is by road.
You can take a taxi-brousse directly from Antananarivo, from Fianarantsoa, or from Manakara.
5. Berenty Reserve
Berenty Reserve is famous for its accessible trails and high likelihood of lemur sightings. This reserve is home to ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas. So if you want to see King Julian, this is the place to go! 😄
Directions to Berenty Reserve
Situated in the southern part of Madagascar, Berenty is reachable via a drive from Fort Dauphin. You can get to the reserve by road from Taolagnaro in 2-4 hours.
6. Loky-Manambato Protected Area
Loky-Manambato, near the village of Daraina, is a protected area that is home to the golden-crowned sifaka.
This species isn’t one of the rarest of all the lemurs, but it thrives here in its natural habitat. There have also been sightings of the rarely-seen aye-aye. So if you want to see Maurice from the animated film, this is the place to go!
Directions to Loky-Manambato
Daraina is located in the northeast of Madagascar. It is a small village, but it is worth the visit and the time.
7. Ankarafantsika National Park
Ankarafantsika National Park houses eight species of lemurs, with two of them being mouse lemurs, the world’s smallest primates. These lemurs can be spotted during night walks in the park due to their eyes that glow in the dark.
The park is also home to other animals, like reptiles and birds. Here, you have a variety of options to view.
Route to Ankarafantsika
This park is situated in the northwest of Madagascar and is easily accessible by vehicle from the paved Route National. The closest city is Majunga, which is 115 kilometers (71 mi) north of the park.
8. Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park is not only known for its attractive landscapes but also for its population of ring-tailed lemurs.
The park is home to fourteen species of mammals, including different species of lemurs.
During the day, you can see red-fronted lemurs, Verreaux’s sifaka, and ring-tailed lemurs. At night, you will see Coquerel’s giant mouse lemur, the red-tailed sportive lemur, and the gray mouse lemur.
The park also houses over 100 species of birds and other species of reptiles.
Directions to Isalo
Located in the Ihorombe region of Madagascar, Isalo National Park can be reached by road from the nearby town of Ranohira.
9. Amber Mountain National Park
Amber Mountain National Park, located in the northern region of Madagascar, is a cool, lush paradise.
This park isn’t known for its iconic waterfalls, crater lakes, and, of course, its diverse lemur population. Here, you can find eight species of lemurs, including the crowned lemur, Sanford’s brown lemur, and the northern sportive lemur, among others.
How to get to Amber Mountain
The park is near the city of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), and it’s best to hire a local guide to take you on the trails where lemurs are often spotted.
10. Anja Community Reserve
Anja Community Reserve is a small but remarkable place to see ring-tailed lemurs up close. The reserve is managed by the local community as a way to preserve the local environment and wildlife.
It also provides additional employment and income to the local community. In this reserve, you will see a larger population of ring-tailed lemurs due to the preservation efforts of the locals.
Directions to Anja Community Reserve
The reserve isn’t located just south of Ambalavao along Route Nationale 7. It is easily accessible and is a perfect stopover for those traveling between Ranomafana and Isalo National Parks.
Conclusion
Madagascar is the only place in the world where you can see different species of lemurs at close range. In this article, we have provided a list of 10 places to see lemurs in Madagascar.
We have also provided information to guide you to your preferred location and the kinds of lemurs to see.
If you have any questions or if you have been to any of these locations, let us know in the comments.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to see lemurs in Madagascar?
Lemurs can be seen all year round in Madagascar. But personally, the best time to see lemurs in Madagascar is in October or November, during the birthing season.
You will see baby lemurs during this time, and your travels will be memorable.
Can you only find lemurs in Madagascar?
Yes, lemurs can only be found in Madagascar. The different species of lemurs can only be seen on the island of Madagascar.
Is Madagascar tourist-friendly?
Yes, Madagascar is tourist-friendly. The island has a travel advisory of level 2, which means travelers should exercise increased caution.
Hi, I’m Louis Ojibe, and I grew up around wildlife in Africa. I have always been fascinated by animals and nature across the world.
As a child, my parents used to take me to see wild animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, tortoises, and many others at our local zoo.
