Lemur Tours Madagascar

Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar. Over 110 species and subspecies of lemurs have been identified. There is the smallest one, mouse lemurs, which are below sixty grams, and the athletically impressive Indri, which can leap over a distance of ten meters, living for the most part in a thick rainforest canopy. These animals live in different ecosystems, like dense rainforests to dry and spiny deserts south and west of the island. Madagascar’s network of national parks, managed by Madagascar National Parks (known as ANGAP), plays a vital role in protecting these primates and their natural habitats.

This guide provides an overview of the lemur species found in almost all regions and national parks across Madagascar. These destinations include both popular and lesser-known remote reserves. Whether you plan to take photographs, hike, or do academic fieldwork, the summary below will help you choose the right destination based on your interest in these remarkable animals.

Lemur Tours on the Eastern Part of the island

We propose 03 packages for you to explore the Eastern lemur species in the National Parks

1. From Andasibe to Sainte Marie (11 Days)

You will visit Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park for lemurs, will discover the Pangalane channel by boat and the beautiful island of Sainte Marie

2. Exploration of the South and the luxuriant East (12 Days)

This is a combination of the Southern Part of the island and the Eastern Part, where you are going to visit three National Parks namely Isalo, Ranomafana and Mantadia National Parks together with and Analamazaotra Special Reserve. You will also discover the Pangalane channel by boat.

3. Wildlife Expedition & Birdwatching (18 days)

This tour includes five lemur national parks namely Ranomafana, Isalo, Zombitse, Ankarafantsika and Mantadia. It is especially designed for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists or researchers. Then we take you to relax on the beautiful beach of Ifaty. After that, there is a visit to Renala Reserve to discover one of the most enormous baobabs of the island.

Lemur Tours on the Southern Part of the island

We propose six packages to explore the Southern part of the island.

1. The Southern Road and its Highlights (11 Days)

You will discover two central National Parks on the Southern Road in the itinerary: Ranomafana and Isalo, beautiful landscapes, colourful tombs rich with history and baobabs all along the road. You also visit Renala Reserve with its giant baobab tree before heading to the beautiful sea resort in Ifaty.

2. Exploration of The South & the Luxuriant East (12 Days)

This is a combination of the Southern Part of the island and the Eastern Part, where you are going to visit 03 National Parks: Isalo National Park and Ranomafana National Park in the South, then Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park in the East. You will discover the Pangalane channel by boat.

3. Humanitarian Tour (13 Days)

You will discover two central National Parks on the Southern Road in the itinerary: Ranomafana and Isalo, beautiful landscapes, colourful tombs rich with history and baobabs all along the road. Visit of Renala reserve with its giant baobab tree before going to the beautiful sea resort of Ifaty. This tour aims to support local communities through donations to an association that cares for children of incarcerated parents in Antsirabe, and by staying at a solidarity-based hotel in Ifaty.

4. Trekking, Camping (13 Days)

In this tour, you can explore three lemur national park namely Ranomafana, Andringitra and Isalo . The tour also includes hiking and camping on the Pic Boby and exploration of Zafimaniry village which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008.

5. Makay Massif Expedition (15 Days)

We offer Makay Massif as an expedition and here you can see the red-fronted lemurs, the elusive bamboo lemurs (Hapalemur) and the most iconic Verreaux’s sifaka, a very rare lemur variety. Hundreds of canyons and labyrinths, special vegetation, very rich and unique vegetation and wonderful scenery awaits discovery during Makay expedition.

5. Wildlife Expedition & Birdwatching (18 days)

Include five lemur national parks namely Ranomafana, Isalo, Zombitse, Ankarafantsika, Mantadia before relaxing at the beautiful beach of Ifaty. Then we make you visit Renala Reserve to discover the enormous baobabs. A tour especially designed for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists or researchers.

Lemurs on the Western Part of the island

We officially propose only one package to explore the Western Part.

Explore the Western part differently (11 Days)

We explore the Bemaraha National Park, another UNESCO heritage for lemurs and the amazing limestones, the Manambolo river gorge and the Baobabs Avenue. We can add any of Sahamalaza
Namoroka and Baie de Balyon national parks demand.

4. Lemurs on the Northern Part of the island

Here also we offer one package that includes two lemurs national parks.

The Northern Beauty and Nosy Be the Island of perfume (10 Days)

You get to explore the region of Diégo and its two central National Park namely Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana National Park. You will also visit the Vanilla and cocoa plantation. After that we transfer you by boat to visit Nosy Be island with its beautiful beaches.

About the Lemurs National Parks in Madagascar

Form part of our packages or may be added to our packages if not listed in the above tours.

1. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Home to several species of lemurs, Andasibe-Mantadia is located about 140 km East of Antananarivo. It consists of two main sections: Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park.

Lemur species:

1. Indri indri (Indri) – the largest living lemur, known for its loud, haunting calls
2. Propithecus diadema (Diademed sifaka) – a strikingly beautiful sifaka with silver and golden fur
3. Eulemur rubriventer (Red-bellied lemur)
4. Varecia variegata (Black-and-white ruffed lemur)
5. Hapalemur griseus (Eastern lesser bamboo lemur)
6. Microcebus lehilahytsara (Goodman’s mouse lemur)
7. Avahi laniger (Eastern woolly lemur) – mostly seen during night walks
8. Lepilemur mustelinus (Greater sportive lemur)

Best for:

Wildlife photographers, birders, nature lovers, and families. This park is ideal for first-time visitors to Madagascar who want to see iconic species like the Indri.

2. Mananara-Nord National Park

Five lemur species form part of Mananara-Nord National Park. It is on Madagascar’s northeast coast. This park, which gets tiny visits, includes both mainland forest and marine protected areas, including the island of Nosy Antafana.

Lemur species:

1. Varecia variegata (Black-and-white ruffed lemur) – flagship species, known for vocalizations
2. Microcebus sp. (Likely multiple species, including undescribed ones)
3. Cheirogaleus sp. (Dwarf lemurs)
4. Avahi laniger (Eastern woolly lemur) – active at night
5. Lepilemur seali (Seal’s sportive lemur) – named after naturalist W.C. Seal, very localized

Best for:

Eco-conscious travelers, scientists, and marine/forest biodiversity enthusiasts. The park offers a rare combination of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and remains one of the least disturbed coastal forests in the country.

3. Nosy Manga Be

Nosy Manga Be is a small island reserve off the coast of Masoala National Park, known for its pristine forest and significant lemur populations.

Lemur species:

1. Daubentonia madagascariensis (Aye-aye) – one of the few places to reliably see this nocturnal lemur on guided night walks
2. Microcebus lehilahytsara (Goodman’s mouse lemur)
3. Eulemur albifrons (White-fronted brown lemur)
4. Cheirogaleus sp. (Dwarf lemurs)

Best for:

Ecotourists and primatologists are seeking rare species in a protected island environment. Access is by boat and often combined with Masoala visits.

4. Zahamena National Park (Alaotra-Mangoro Region)

With seven species of lemurs, this remote and dense park lies east of Lake Alaotra and is part of the UNESCO-listed rainforests of the Atsinanana.

Lemur species:

1. Indri indri (Indri)
2. Propithecus diadema (Diademed sifaka) – found in higher altitudes
3. Varecia variegata (Black-and-white ruffed lemur)
4. Eulemur fulvus (Common brown lemur)
5. Avahi laniger (Eastern woolly lemur) – nocturnal and tree-hugging
6. Microcebus sp.
7. Cheirogaleus major (Greater dwarf lemur)

Best for:

Hardcore nature lovers and researchers. Access is often only by foot from nearby villages. The park is a refuge for some of the island’s most endangered primates.

5. Masoala National Park

Six lemur species inhabit the Masoala National Park, which is the largest national park in the country. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Rainforests of the Atsinanana and is one of the most important conservation sites in the country.

Lemur species:

1. Varecia rubra (Red ruffed lemur) – This striking, vocal species is endemic to Masoala and a flagship for conservation in the area
2. Eulemur albifrons (White-fronted brown lemur) – often seen in groups, especially near forest edges and in community-managed zones.
3. Avahi mooreorum (Moore’s woolly lemur) – nocturnal and extremely discreet; endemic to the Masoala peninsula
4. Cheirogaleus sp. (Dwarf lemurs)
5. Microcebus lehilahytsara (Goodman’s mouse lemur) – one of the most frequently seen nocturnal species during guided night walks
6. Daubentonia madagascariensis (Aye-aye) – rare and elusive, but present both in the Masoala rainforest and on Nosy Mangabe, a nearby island reserve included in the protected network.

Best for: Hardcore nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and researchers. Masoala offers one of the wealthiest and least disturbed rainforest ecosystems in Madagascar. Though remote and logistically challenging, it rewards visitors with extraordinary biodiversity and a true sense of wilderness.

6. Ranomafana National Park

The nine lemur species in this southeastern part of Madagascar are UNESCO World Heritage-listed with lush rainforest, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Lemur species:

1. Hapalemur aureus (Golden bamboo lemur)
2. Propithecus edwardsi (Milne-Edwards’ sifaka)
3. Eulemur rubriventer (Red-bellied lemur)
4. Eulemur rufifrons (Red-fronted brown lemur)
5. Varecia variegata (Black-and-white ruffed lemur)
6. Avahi peyrierasi (Southern woolly lemur)
7. Microcebus rufus (Brown mouse lemur)
8. Cheirogaleus major (Greater dwarf lemur)
9. Lepilemur mustelinus (Greater sportive lemur)

Best for:

Researchers and serious wildlife enthusiasts. Ranomafana is a hotspot for endemic species and scientific discovery. The trails are challenging but rewarding, and night walks are rich in nocturnal species.

7. Andringitra National Park

Located south of Fianarantsoa, Andringitra is inhabited by seven species of lemur. It is home to Madagascar’s second-highest peak, Pic Boby (2,658m).

Lemur species:

1. Propithecus edwardsi (Milne-Edwards’ sifaka)
2. Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis (Ranomafana bamboo lemur)
3. Eulemur rufifrons (Red-fronted brown lemur)
4. Cheirogaleus major (Greater dwarf lemur) – nocturnal and seasonal
5. Microcebus rufus (Brown mouse lemur)
6. Avahi peyrierasi (Southern woolly lemur)
7. Lepilemur microdon (Small-toothed sportive lemur) – elusive and nocturnal

Best for:

Experienced hikers, climbers, and researchers. The park’s rugged terrain and ecological gradients make it ideal for diverse lemur communities and highland biodiversity studies.

8. Isalo National Park:

Isalo is famous for its dramatic landscapes and hosts four lemurs.

Lemur species:

1. Propithecus verreauxi (Verreaux’s sifaka) – agile and graceful “dancers”
2. Lemur catta (Ring-tailed lemur)
3. Eulemur rufifrons (Red-fronted brown lemur)
4. Microcebus griseorufus (Gray-brown mouse lemur) – nocturnal species

Best for: Visitors who enjoy hiking and dramatic scenery. While not a biodiversity hotspot, the lemurs are relatively easy to observe, and the mix of landscape and fauna is unique.

9. Tsimanampetsotsa National Park

Tsimanampetsotsa National Park has four species of lemurs. It has arid landscapes, including a large saline lake, unique vegetation, and endemic fauna adapted to drought.

Lemur species:

1. Cheirogaleus medius (Fat-tailed dwarf lemur) – one of the few lemurs adapted to dry conditions; hibernates during the dry season
2. Microcebus griseorufus (Gray-brown mouse lemur) – nocturnal and common
3. Lepilemur leucopus (White-footed sportive lemur) – nocturnal and elusive
4. Lemur catta (Ring-tailed lemur)

Best for: Visitors interested in unique dry ecosystems and wildlife adapted to arid conditions. Night walks are highly recommended to see nocturnal species.

10. Berenty Private Reserve

Spiny forest and riverine gallery forest. Situated near Fort Dauphin (Tolagnaro), Berenty is a small but legendary private reserve, especially famous for behavioural studies of lemurs.

Lemur species:

1. Lemur catta (Ring-tailed lemur)
2. Propithecus verreauxi (Verreaux’s sifaka) – the famous “dancing lemurs” of the South
3. Eulemur collaris (Collared brown lemur)
4. Microcebus griseorufus (Gray-brown mouse lemur)

Best for: Those interested in close-up photography and guaranteed lemur sightings. Berenty is also a centre for academic research, particularly long-term primate studies. It is excellent for visitors with limited mobility.

11. Andohahela National Park

With six lemur species, Andohahela is a rare example of a park that contains both rainforest and spiny forest, due to the Anosy mountain range acting as a climate barrier.

Lemur species:

1. Propithecus verreauxi (Verreaux’s sifaka)
2. Eulemur collaris (Collared brown lemur)
3. Lemur catta (Ring-tailed lemur)
4. Microcebus griseorufus (Gray-brown mouse lemur)
5. Avahi meridionalis (Southern woolly lemur)
6. Lepilemur leucopus (White-footed sportive lemur) – in spiny thickets

Best for: Ecologists, botanists, and nature-loving visitors who want to understand ecological transition zones. Accessibility is moderate, and guides are essential for navigating different sectors.

12. Ankarafantsika National Park

It is a dry deciduous forest with lakes and savannah. Located in Northwestern Madagascar near Majunga, this park offers excellent wildlife watching, particularly for birds and lemurs.

Lemur species:

1. Propithecus coquereli (Coquerel’s sifaka)
2. Eulemur mongoz (Mongoose lemur) – now rare in the wild, but Ankarafantsika holds one of the last strongholds
3. Microcebus ravelobensis (Golden-brown mouse lemur) – a very localized and studied species
4. Cheirogaleus medius (Fat-tailed dwarf lemur) – hibernates part of the year
5. Lepilemur edwardsi (Milne-Edwards’ sportive lemur)
6. Phaner pallescens (Western fork-marked lemur) – elusive, but present

Best for: Birdwatchers and primate researchers. The dry forest offers excellent visibility. Night walks are especially rewarding.

13. Sahamalaza National Park

Sahamalaza national Park is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its coastal biodiversity with four lemur species amongst others.

1. Eulemur flavifrons (Blue-eyed black lemur) – critically endangered, one of the rarest lemurs, found only in this region
2. Microcebus ravelobensis (Golden-brown mouse lemur) – nocturnal and localized
3. Phaner electromontis (Electromontis fork-marked lemur) – nocturnal and elusive
4. Lepilemur sahamalazensis (Sahamalaza sportive lemur) – endemic and nocturnal

Best for: Conservationists and researchers interested in endangered species. The park is remote, and access requires local guides. Night walks offer chances to spot rare nocturnal lemurs.

14. Namoroka National Park

Namoroka National Park has five lemur species, but is visited significantly little

Lemur species:

1. Eulemur fulvus rufus (Red-fronted brown lemur) – adaptable and common
2. Phaner pallescens (Western fork-marked lemur) – seen at night, hard to spot
3. Microcebus ravelobensis (Golden-brown mouse lemur)
4. Cheirogaleus medius (Fat-tailed dwarf lemur) – nocturnal and seasonal
5. Lepilemur edwardsi (Sportive lemur species, identification under review)

Best for: Adventurers and spelunkers interested in off-the-beaten-path experiences. It is not heavily touristed and is best explored with a guide and a local naturalist.

15. Baie de Baly National Park

This park is home to several lemur species listed below. It is a dry deciduous forest, mangroves, swamps, savannah, and coastal lagoons. It is known mainly for being the only natural home of the Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora).

Lemur species:

1. Eulemur flavifrons (Blue-eyed black lemur) – critically endangered, known from nearby Sahamalaza; may exist in the forest corridor around Baie de Baly
2. Eulemur fulvus (Common brown lemur)
3. Phaner pallescens (Western fork-marked lemur) – nocturnal, hard to spot
4. Microcebus sp. (Several mouse lemur species, possibly including M. ravelobensis)
5. Lepilemur edwardsi (Sportive lemur) – active at night

Best for: Conservationists and researchers. The park is remote and difficult to access, but vital for protecting critically endangered species. Visits often require coordination with conservation NGOs.

16. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

This park is famous for its unique limestone karst formations known as “Tsingy,” and is found western Madagascar along the Tsiribihina River. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its dramatic limestone pinnacles, labyrinthine caves, and rare biodiversity. it has 6 lemur species.

1. Propithecus deckenii (Decken’s sifaka) – an agile sifaka species endemic to western dry forests, often seen bounding across the Tsingy formations
2. Eulemur rufifrons (Red-fronted brown lemur) – common in forested areas of the park
3. Phaner pallescens (Western fork-marked lemur) – nocturnal and elusive
4. Microcebus berthae (Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur) – the world’s smallest primate, found in nearby Kirindy and possibly southern parts of Bemaraha
5. Cheirogaleus medius (Fat-tailed dwarf lemur) – nocturnal and seasonal hibernator
6. Lepilemur mittermeieri (Mittermeier’s sportive lemur) – localized species within the park

Best for: Adventurers, wildlife photographers, and researchers who want to explore unique karst landscapes alongside rare and endemic lemur species. Trekking can be physically demanding but rewarding.

17. Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Located in Northern Madagascar, Montagne d’Ambre is one of the most accessible rainforest parks. It inhabits 6 species of lemur and was the first national park established in Madagascar in 1958.

Lemur species:

1. Eulemur coronatus (Crowned lemur)
2. Sanford’s brown lemur (Eulemur sanfordi) – endemic to the north, sometimes hybridizes with crowned lemurs
3. Microcebus tavaratra (Northern rufous mouse lemur) – tiny, active at dusk
4. Cheirogaleus andysabini (Montagne d’Ambre dwarf lemur) – newly described and very localized
5. Lepilemur ankaranensis (Ankarana sportive lemur) – nocturnal, in tree holes
6. Avahi unicolor (Amber Mountain woolly lemur) – shy, rarely seen but present

Best for: Families, photographers, and travelers looking for an accessible rainforest experience. Night walks are excellent, with high chances of seeing mouse lemurs, chameleons, and frogs.

18. Marojejy National Park

Marojejy is one of the most pristine and remote parks in Madagascar and part of the UNESCO Rainforests of the Atsinanana. Lemur species found here are:

1. Propithecus candidus (Silky sifaka) – critically endangered, one of the rarest lemurs on Earth, endemic to this region
2. Eulemur albifrons (White-fronted brown lemur) – often observed in mid-elevation forests
3. Avahi laniger (Eastern woolly lemur) – nocturnal and tree-dwelling
4. Microcebus sp. (likely Microcebus marohita or undescribed taxa)
5. Cheirogaleus sp. (Dwarf lemurs, under study in this area)

Best for: Hardcore hikers and researchers. The terrain is challenging, but the rewards include rare species and breathtaking scenery. The Silky Sifaka is a flagship species here.

Daraina Protected Area: Dry and humid transitional forest. Located in northeastern Madagascar between Vohemar and Daraina, the Loky-Manambato area (often just called “Daraina”) is a protected forest corridor known for one scarce lemur species.

Lemur species:

Cheirogaleus sp. (various dwarf lemurs under study)

Propithecus tattersalli (Golden-crowned sifaka) – one of the rarest lemurs, only found in this region

Eulemur albifrons (White-fronted brown lemur) – observed in mixed habitats

Microcebus sp. (likely undescribed mouse lemurs)