Visiting the iconic Lemur Island in Madagascar

Get up close and personal with Lemurs

Alistair
Alistair
Managing Director
Published on
13 Aug 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Ringtail Lemur Group

Lemur Island is an island just off Madagascar and as the name suggests, it is an island filled with furry creatures. It is a four-hour drive east of the capital Antananarivo and it is very close to the village of Andasibe. The small reserve located on the edge of the Andasibe Mantadia National Park is home to several species of lemurs, the instantly recognisable ring-tailed and the lesser known black and white ruffed lemurs, bamboo lemurs, diademed sifaka and brown lemurs.

Take a look at this 14-night Madagascar Wildlife holiday which includes a trip to Lemur Island.

Enquire-Button.png#asset:116423

Diameded Sifaka Lemur
Diameded Sifaka
White  Fronted  Brown  Lemur  Mfl
White Fronted Brown Lemur

Feed lemurs

Getting to the island is an adventure in itself, you will be greeted by friendly boatmen and board a two or three-person canoe to paddle across to the island. The boatmen whistle to attract the attention of the banana-hungry lemurs. Bananas are lemurs' kryptonite; they can not resist the yellow sweetness. They will bound through the long grasses and board on to the boat. Curious and full of personality the lemurs will eat straight out of your hands. They might even perch on your shoulder, which provides an excellent photography opportunity, but don’t be concerned as they have gentle padded feet. After the lemur-filled boat ride you will be taken around to the other side of the island to meet some more cute creatures.

Ring Tailed Lemurs On Lemur Island
Visiting Lemur Island by boat

More wildlife

Other than lemurs – what else can you see on the island? As well as hordes of cheeky lemurs, there are some animals of different nature – crocodiles. Furthermore, on the island, there are some of the lemur's only predators: the fossa, a cat like creature more closely related to a mongoose.

When to visit

The best time of day to visit this primate-filled isle is early in the morning as the sun is rising. Or take a visit last thing in the evening when there are fewer tourists. In total the whole experience lasts approximately an hour.

Andasibe Rainforest
Andasibe Mantadia National Park

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Madagascar.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

Start planning your ultimate safari to Madagascar by calling us on 01768 603 715.

Enquire-Button.png#asset:116423

Trips in Madagascar

Madagascar Trip Inspiration

Type

All

Location

All

Price

Sort by

Featured

Speak to a Madagascar expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
or
Our Madagascar Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Ruth headshot

Ruth

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024