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Spotting Lemurs & wildlife in Madagascar

Here, makis leap through the trees, colorful chameleons hide among the leaves, and you spot animals found nowhere else on Earth. From the jungle of Ranomafana to the rocks of Isalo, we went looking for the weirdest, cutest, and most surreal residents of the eighth continent.

Wildlife paradijs Madagaskar | Lemur Park | Golden Bamboo Lamur | Anja Park | Isalo National Park | Veelgestelde vragen

Bondwa Overnight Hike | Morogoro motorbike tour |  FAQ

Why Madagascar is a wildlife paradise

Madagascar is one of the most unique nature reserves in the world. Nearly 90% of all animals and plants in Madagascar are found nowhere else on Earth. And the most iconic product of that isolation? The lemur. A unique group of primates that has been able to develop undisturbed on this beautiful island for millions of years.

But there's more: from the extraterrestrial leaf-tailed gecko to giant boas and brightly colored chameleons. Spotting these animals is an adventure in itself. You wander through dense rainforests, climb over gigantic rock formations, and gaze up at the treetops with our local guides. And then suddenly, a group of fluffy Ring-tailed Lemurs are staring at you, swinging and dancing through the trees. Get acquainted with the wildlife of Madagascar!

Our best lemur spots in Madagascar

From rainforests to dry rocky plains: these are our favorite places to spot makis and other unique animals, each with its own character.

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A cuddly warm-up at the Lemur Park near Tana

Located a stone's throw away from the capital Antananarivo, the Lemur Park is the perfect kick-off to your wildlife adventure. This is not a zoo; it is a beautiful green rescue center where lemurs previously kept as pets can rehabilitate in complete freedom. Here, you walk among no fewer than nine different species, such as the Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur and the Ring-tailed Lemur who leap freely around the beautiful green environment. It is the ideal place to get used to their curious stares and lightning-fast jumps. Besides lemurs, you can also spot chameleons, unique plants, and colorful birds here. A wonderful down-to-earth and accessible start to the trip, where you immediately learn how diverse and special these little animals truly are.

Ranomafana: the Golden Bamboo Lemur

The dense rainforest of Ranomafana is where the real adventure begins, with steep slopes and enormous biodiversity. Our guides and their 'spotters' immediately plunged into the dense vegetation here. The park is known as the only place in the world where you can spot the Golden Bamboo Lemur in the wild; a species only discovered in 1986 and found exclusively in this area. We made our way through the dense growth, scrambled upwards, and spotted him nibbling on bamboo in the high trees. Later, we were surrounded by cheerful Red-belly and Brown-belly makis. As the icing on the cake, we found a bizarrely well-camouflaged leaf-tailed gecko. It’s unbelievable how those guides spot such tiny critters!

Spotting Ring-tailed Lemurs in Anja Park

Anja Park is smaller than the national parks, but definitely not to be underestimated. It is run by the local community, and that is noticeable. Guide Victor (our man on the ground) takes you into the park, and soon you are surrounded by many Ring-tailed Lemurs.

Along the way, Victor points out hidden chameleons, unique plants, and tracks of enormous boas that hunt makis here. Oh yes, reassuring information during a hike. After a short climb, you reach a gigantic sloping rock with a view over the entire area. This park is small-scale, personal, and one of the best places in the country to see lemurs up close.

Lemurs and Canyons in Isalo National Park

Isalo is visually the most impressive park in Madagascar. Think: Grand Canyon-like sandstone formations, deep gorges, and hidden oases with crystal-clear water. And then, suddenly, a group of Ring-tailed Lemurs who don't bother about you one bit as they jump across the rocks.

In Isalo, you don't just go for the lemurs; you go for the whole package. Trekking through canyons, swimming in natural pools, sunset over a sea of orange rock. The sifakas you encounter here literally dance across the ground; it is ridiculously special. Take a guide with you; the paths are long and the sun is merciless. But this is the type of place where you don't want to go home until you absolutely have to.

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All your frequently asked questions about spotting lemurs in Madagascar at a glance

What is the best time to spot lemurs in Madagascar?

The best travel time is from April to November. During these drier months, the parks are easily accessible and lemurs are very active, especially during the mating season (September/October) when many young lemurs are also born.

Where do you spot the most lemurs?

Ranomafana, Andasibe, and Anja Park are among the best places to see different species of lemurs. If variety is key: combine both parks into one trip.

Are lemurs dangerous?

No, lemurs are curious but harmless animals. However, it is important to keep your distance and not feed them. And don't compromise your reputation as a wildlife-respecting traveler by taking a selfie with a held maki.

Do you need a guide in the national parks?

Yes, a guide is mandatory in almost all national parks. It is absolutely added value: guides work together with local 'spotters' who rush into the jungle. Without their trained eyes, you are guaranteed to walk right past the best-camouflaged geckos and makis.

What other wildlife can you see in Madagascar?

Besides lemurs, you can spot chameleons, geckos, unique birds, snakes, fossas, and unique insect species found nowhere else.

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