Lemur Island

At Vakona lodge, a posh hotel that we didn't stay at near to Andasibe in Madagascar, lies lemur island.

Several types of lemur, including the Lac Alaotran Gentle, the Red Bellied Brown and the Black and White Ruffled - as well as the most beautiful lemur of them all, the Diademed Sifaka, live on the island.

They were captured from their natural habitats as pets, and were freed by the lodge to live in safer captivity on the island.

We walked in the blistering sun for an hour and a half to reach the lodge, but it was well worth it. These tame lemurs will do anything for a bite of sweet banana - which fortunately the guides have in abundance ready for you to deliver via the medium of your hand.

Watch out for the brown ones though. Their continence levels leave a lot to be desired!

Category:

Pets & Animals

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• amazing
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• jumping
• lemur
• caramel
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• sprengiko

[murphy12667]

Thanks for all the info which will prove very useful. We're really looking forward to our trip in October and hopefully getting some classy photos.

[sprengiko]

@murphy12667 Good luck with that - I'd also recommend heading to Camp Bandro at Lac Alaotra to see the gentle lemurs there - it's a bit out of the way but a lovely project run by a great local family. I did a video from there too (on my youtube) which gives you an idea of it. Have a good time!

[murphy12667]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. If you can spare more time could you tell me whether you had your own guide or were part of a group? Also, how long were you allowed to stay on the island, what time of day could you go and were there many tourists there at the same time?

As we're staying at Vakona for three nights I want to make the most of the photographic opportunities. Many thanks again. I hope my efforts are as good as yours.

[sprengiko]

@murphy12667 The island is quite small, and separated from the resort itself by a 30 second canoe ride. The two of us had our own guide, but there were other groups on the island, and we left when it seemed to get a little busy. I would say we had abut 20 minutes there, which was plenty. It was quiet when we arrived, which was great, but I guess through luck rather than judgement.

[sprengiko]

@murphy12667 I'm not sure what the opening times are, but I guess it would be open throughout the day, and that it would be quieter first thing. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to get the shots you want, but you can always go back I suppose. We didn't stay at the lodge but walked there from Andasibe (took ages!) We had a drink in the bar there after - seems like a great spot, and I know there's a crocodile area there too, so lots to do (and photograph!)

[murphy12667]

Really enjoyed your video.Very useful as we'll be there later in the year and I want to take photos of all the lemur species. Consequently, your excellent shots have given me an idea of what to expect and therefore what lenses etc to take. Was also interested in the name of caramel sifaka as it appears to be a diademed sifaka. Is that a local name? Thanks.

[sprengiko]

@murphy12667 Lemur island was certainly the best place we visited for lemur closeups - they're incrediby tame there and used to tourists (though I think the banana had something to do with it!)

Caramel sifaka is indeed the diademed sifaka - I guess a local colloquial name. Very beautiful animal.

Have a good time!

[VigVix]

Awesome video