Vakona Lemur Island

Vakona Lemur Island is a private reserve belonging to the Vakona Forest Lodge near Andasibe. The reserve consists of four small islands separated by water channels, accessible only by canoe. Various species of lemurs that were rescued from captivity or orphaned have been introduced here. Because the animals are isolated on the islands and receive regular supplemental feeding, they have become highly habituated to humans. This allows visitors to have exceptionally close encounters with black-and-white ruffed lemurs, brown lemurs, and bamboo lemurs, which often jump directly onto guests' shoulders. While it is not a fully wild habitat, the island serves as a vital educational center to raise awareness about the conservation of these endangered primates. The dense vegetation on the islands still provides the animals with a naturalistic environment and places to retreat. For photographers and families, Vakona is one of the few places where lemurs can be experienced up close without binoculars.

Nearby cities

Toamasina

Main seaport in Madagascar.

Moramanga

Forest-rich city in Madagascar.

Ambatondrazaka

Rice capital in Madagascar.

Maroantsetra

Gateway to Masoala in Madagascar.

Fenoarivo Atsinanana

Coast of cloves in Madagascar.

Mahanoro

Canal city in Madagascar.

Soanierana Ivongo

Gateway to Sainte Marie in Madagascar.

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Vavatenina

Clove production in Madagascar.

Mananara Avaratra

Spice region in Madagascar.

Amparafaravola

Rice-growing area in Madagascar.

Ambodifotatra

Island capital of Sainte Marie in Madagascar.

Vatomandry

Recreational destination in Madagascar.

Mahambo

A laid-back coastal village on Madagascar's east coast, renowned as the country's premier surfing destination and for its tropical tranqu…

Île Sainte-Marie

A lush tropical island with a fascinating pirate history and world-class whale watching opportunities.

History & landmarks

Ambatovy Refinery

A massive hydrometallurgical plant near Toamasina, processing one of the world's largest nickel and cobalt mines.

Port of Toamasina Terminal

The main infrastructure of Madagascar's largest seaport, which handles most of the country's international trade.

Pirate Cemetery of Sainte-Marie

A historic cemetery on Île Sainte-Marie where famous pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries are buried.

Nature

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Mangoro River

A long river that drains the eastern coast.

Lake Alaotra

The largest lake in Madagascar, known for its agricultural importance.

Mangoky River

The longest river in Madagascar, flowing through the southwest.

More places

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Habitat for Indri lemurs and many endemic species.

Andasibe Orchid Park

A small park full of exotic orchids, ideal for kids.

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Analamazaotra Colonial Station

An early colonial railway and forestry post during French rule.

Vohimana

A forest area at the edge of the eastern highlands.

Ambatovy Nickel Mine

One of the world's largest lateritic nickel mining projects, located deep in the forests of eastern Madagascar.

Lakato Lemur Conservation

A dedicated project for protecting and observing lemurs.

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Fanalamanga Forestry Company

This vast reforestation area manages extensive pine forests and provides timber for the local economy.

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Port of Toamasina

The country's most important seaport handles the vast majority of the island's international maritime trade.