Lokobe Natural Reserve

Walk through a virginal forest in the Lokobe Natural Reserve, where you may see colorful birds and endemic species such as black lemurs, before relaxing on the reserve’s beach.

After disembarking from the ship, you will board a small boat at the pier for a short cruise across the bay to the Lokobe Natural Reserve. Densely forested, the reserve protects most of the island’s endemic vegetation and several species of animals, such as the black lemur.

As you walk through the reserve, you may spot one of these curious-looking creatures, which are primitive relatives to monkeys and apes. The males are completely black, and the females are rust-colored and sport long white tufts of hair on their ears. Because lemurs are social animals, if you see one, chances are you will see a half-dozen nearby.

You may also catch sight Madagascar pygmy kingfishers, Madagascar long-eared owls, snakes, leaf-tailed geckos and boldly colored panther chameleons. If you are fortunate enough to watch the chameleon catch an insect, it will be a spectacular show. The reptile’s tongue (which can be longer than its body) will quickly uncurl, shoot forward and grab the prey with a suction cup on the tip of its club-like tongue. All in as little as .07 seconds.

Following your guided walk through the forest, you will spend an hour or so relaxing at the beach and watching women from the Sakalava ethnic group perform a traditional folk dance. A light snack and beverages will be provided. Afterwards, you will return to the pier by boat.