Vakona Reserve

The Vakona Reserve is famous for its two spectacular parts, the Vakona Lemur Island and the Vakona Crocodile Valley. Located in Andasibe and about 150 kilometers (93 miles) east of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, the natural reserve attracts tourists worldwide to feed lemurs, view crocodiles, tortoises, frogs, and many other animals, and also enjoy the beautiful scenery of tropical forests. 

Top Things to Do in the Vakona Reserve

Take a Canoe to View Lemurs

All the lemurs in the Vakona Reserve live on the Vakona Lemur Island surrounded by a river, meaning tourists need to take a canoe to get to the other bank. A total of 5 species of lemurs including black-and-white ruffed lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, bamboo lemurs, common brown lemurs, and sifaka lemurs are protected well here. The black-and-white ruffed lemur has the same fur color as a panda. The ring-tailed lemur has a special tail on which 11 to 12 white and black rings are staggered. The bamboo lemur feeds on bamboo and is active in the morning and evening. The common brown lemur has reddish-brown eyes and brown fur. The sifaka lemur is an excellent dancer and walks sideways.

You can take some bananas to feed them, and the friendly fluffy creatures will jump on your shoulder and take the food gently. The lemurs have adapted to interactions with humans and they are not afraid of tourists. You can take wonderful pictures with them but please do not touch them.

Hike along the River to See Crocodiles

After viewing lemurs, you can hike along a river to see Nile crocodiles in the Vakona Crocodile Valley. More than 40 adult and baby crocodiles lie on the bank. Don’t be afraid when you see them opening their mouths. Instead of biting you, these cold-blooded animals are in this way absorbing heat and maintaining their body temperatures. You may see staff in the reserve feeding them and watch the crocodiles get food swiftly.

Tip: Please keep a proper distance from the crocodiles in case of an accident.

Observe Other Animals and Enjoy Stunning Scenery

The Vakona Reserve is a comfortable habitat for abundant animals including chameleons, tortoises, pearl chickens, tomato frogs, and various birds. When you take a canoe to view lemurs, what also amazes you is the pure river water that reflects tall and dense trees and brilliantly-colored flowers. Hiking along the river to view the crocodiles, you can enjoy verdant tropical forests and breathe fresh air. Walking on a suspension bridge in the reserve makes your tour more exciting and joyful.

How to Get to the Vakona Reserve

It takes about 3.5 hours by car from Antananarivo to the Vakona Reserve, and if you rent a car for your travel, it costs about 280,000 MGA a day. The distance between the Lemur Island and the Crocodile Valley is only 1 kilometer (0.5 miles), and only a fifteen-minute walk is needed.

 Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00
 Recommended Visiting Duration: 2 hours.
 Ticket Fare: 30,000 MGA including guiding fee but excluding tip for the tour guide.