Eco-Lite: Lemur Island, Vakona Forest Lodge, Madagascar

OVERVIEW

Lemur Island is located on the grounds of the Vakona Forest Lodge. The lemurs here are tame and will jump all over you, especially if you have bananas. It’s basically a glorified zoo but in natural foliage setting. It’s fun to spend an afternoon visit there when it’s too hot to go birding but don’t confuse this with real eco-tourism. Kids are welcome.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

From Andasibe village, keep going north to the Vakona Forest Lodge. Lemur Island is just near the main gate. After you buy a ticket, you will be rowed across a small river to the island where you can wander around as you wish.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Tickets are 15,000 ariary per person. You can buy them at the reception of the Vakona Forest Lodge and use a credit card (when the machine can get a signal).

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

We spent about an hour there. The lemurs will jump all over your fellow tourists, sometimes with hilarious results. Staff will give you bananas to feed them. The lemurs found here include bamboo lemur, the black & white ruffed lemur, brown lemur and diademed sifaka.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

While not affiliated with any conservation programs, the island does provide a home for some lemurs that were formerly captive as pets and rescued and can’t live in the wild. You can get excellent photos as the lemurs come right up close.