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Nosy Komba Lemur Peninsula

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Nosy Komba, a circular volcanic island situated between Nosy Be and the mainland of Madagascar, is globally renowned for its population of black lemurs. The island's name translates to "Island of Lemurs," emphasizing its ecological significance. The animals in this protected area have developed a remarkable tameness toward humans, as they have long been protected by local communities. Geographically, the island is dominated by a 622-meter-high extinct volcano covered in dense tropical rainforest. The village of Ampangorina serves as the main entry point and is also famous for its exquisite handicrafts, particularly intricate embroideries and wood carvings. Since there are no roads or motorized vehicles on the island, the pristine nature has remained largely intact. Visitors reach the island exclusively by boat, contributing to a tranquil and authentic atmosphere that attracts both nature enthusiasts and culture seekers.

Location: Madagascar
Nearby: Nosy Komba (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	26	26	24	24	24	25	27	27	27
Rain mm	343	281	259	83	31	17	13	11	14	25	92	239

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Lemurs can be observed year-round on Nosy Komba, but the best time is the dry season from May to October when the animals are more active. In the rainy season from November to April, the trails are often muddy, but lemurs are still frequently seen.

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Best time of day

Early morning hours are good, when lemurs go foraging after waking up. Late afternoon they are also active, while they often rest in the shade during the midday heat.

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Etiquette

Never feed the lemurs - even if they seem friendly, human food harms their health and can encourage aggressive behaviour. Keep your distance and avoid loud noises so as not to stress the animals.

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What to bring

Lightweight binoculars help spot lemurs even in the treetops. Wear sturdy footwear and light, long-sleeved clothing for protection against insects and the sun.

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Getting there

Nosy Komba is accessible by boat from Nosy Be - the crossing takes about 20 minutes. On the island, you can explore the forested trails on foot or hire a local guide who knows the best lemur spots.

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What to expect

The lemurs on Nosy Komba are relatively tame and used to humans, yet you still need some patience before they show up. Sit quietly in a shady spot and wait - the animals often approach on their own.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.40000, 48.35000

Facts

The island's highest point, Antaninaomby, reaches an elevation of 622 meters.
The black lemur (Eulemur macaco) exhibits strong sexual dimorphism.
Male black lemurs are entirely black, while females are brown-orange.
There are no cars or paved roads anywhere on the island.
The village of Ampangorina is a hub for traditional Richelieu embroidery.
The boat trip from Nosy Be takes approximately 20 minutes by speedboat.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nosy Komba5 km · WExplore →

Lokobe Forest6 km · SExplore →

Marodoka Ghost Town8 km · SEExplore →

Hell-Ville9 km · SExplore →

Dzamandzar Rum Factory10 km · SEExplore →

Nosy Be Fishery Plant13 km · SEExplore →

Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve14 km · SWExplore →

Nosy Be18 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nosy Komba Lemur Peninsula (1)

Lokobe🌿 nature

Protecting the last remaining primary Sambirano forest on Nosy Be, Lokobe National Park is a critical sanctuary for the endangered black lemur.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I experience lemurs up close?

Yes, on Nosy Komba lemurs are very friendly and can be observed in the village.

Are you allowed to feed the lemurs?

It is better not to do so, to avoid getting the animals accustomed to human food.

How do I get to the island?

There are regular boat connections from Nosy Be.

Is the island family-friendly?

Yes, it is a great experience for children to discover nature and animals.

How much time should I plan for?

A day trip is perfectly sufficient to explore the island.

Nosy Komba Lemur Peninsula: where is it located?

Nosy Komba Lemur Peninsula is located in Madagascar.

Nosy Komba Lemur Peninsula: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Nosy Komba Lemur Peninsula: why is it worth visiting?

Nosy Komba, a circular volcanic island situated between Nosy Be and the mainland of Madagascar, is globally renowned for its population of black lemurs.

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