Lokobe Forest, Nosy Be, Madagascar

Miles Willis
21 hours ago
5 min read

Discover Lokobe Forest, Nosy Be – A Family Adventure Like No Other

If you’re looking for an island holiday that blends tropical beauty, adventure, and real wildlife encounters, Madagascar’s Lokobe Forest Reserve on Nosy Be is the hidden gem your family will never forget. It’s a place where curious lemurs leap through the treetops, where children can paddle through mangroves in dugout canoes, and where every moment feels like a discovery.

At IslandStays, we specialise in curating exceptional family holidays to Madagascar, helping South African travellers experience both the wild heart and the tranquil shores of Nosy Be. The Lokobe Forest Experience is one of our most recommended adventures for families who want to explore Madagascar’s unique ecosystems while still enjoying comfort, connection, and safety.

Why Choose Lokobe Forest?

Lokobe Forest Reserve is Nosy Be’s last remaining pocket of original lowland rainforest — a thriving, protected sanctuary for Madagascar’s most iconic species. It’s compact, accessible, and yet teeming with life: black lemurs, colourful chameleons, rare frogs, and exotic birds all call this ancient forest home.

For families, it offers a rare combination of adventure and education. You’ll explore the reserve on guided walks led by local naturalists who love to share their knowledge in a fun, interactive way. Children quickly become captivated by the search for lemurs, giant millipedes, and bright green geckos. Parents love how safe and manageable the experience feels — no long drives or exhausting treks, just immersive nature at its best.

Because Lokobe is so close to Nosy Be’s main resorts, it’s also perfect for families who want both exploration and relaxation. Spend the morning hiking under lush canopies, and the afternoon swimming or snorkelling in warm, turquoise water — all in one day.

What Makes the Lokobe Experience Unique

Unlike mainland Madagascar’s vast reserves, Lokobe offers a concentrated and accessible microcosm of the island’s biodiversity. It’s small enough for children to explore without fatigue, yet diverse enough to feel like a true expedition.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

Guided forest walks: Knowledgeable guides lead you through shaded trails pointing out chameleons, lemurs, and medicinal plants. These walks are slow-paced, designed for discovery rather than distance.
Canoe access: The adventure begins with a short ride in a traditional pirogue (dugout canoe), gliding through mangroves before reaching the reserve — a magical experience for both kids and adults.
Wildlife sightings: The star attraction is the black lemur, found only in this region, but you’ll also see bright tree frogs, snakes, and an astonishing variety of butterflies and birds.
Cultural touchpoints: Visits often include a stop at the nearby Ampasipohy village, where local communities welcome visitors and demonstrate traditional crafts, weaving, and cooking.
Eco-friendly ethos: Lokobe is a protected area where visitor numbers are limited to preserve the environment, so your family adventure directly supports conservation and community employment.

Where to Stay – Comfort Meets Authenticity

When you book your Madagascar holiday with IslandStays, we pair your Lokobe Forest adventure with the right lodge or eco-retreat in Nosy Be or nearby islands. Families often love combining this forest experience with a stay at Sakatia Lodge or similar beachfront properties — perfect for unwinding after your rainforest walks.

These resorts are small, family-run and eco-minded, offering delicious Malagasy and international cuisine, comfortable family bungalows, and easy access to both sea and forest. Imagine finishing a morning’s hike with an afternoon of snorkelling alongside sea turtles — a balance few destinations can match.

Why Lokobe Is Perfect for Families

1. Safe and accessible:Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s easiest destinations to reach, with direct flights from Johannesburg and minimal internal travel. Lokobe’s proximity to the main island resorts means no long transfers, making it ideal for children and parents alike.

2. Fun meets learning:Every outing in Lokobe is educational but never feels like a classroom. Guides are brilliant at engaging young travellers, teaching them about ecosystems, evolution, and conservation in ways that spark curiosity.

3. Gentle adventure:The forest walks are short, the canoe rides calm, and the wildlife plentiful — meaning kids stay entertained without getting overtired. It’s adventure at the perfect pace.

4. Eco-positive travel:When you book through IslandStays, part of your tour cost helps fund conservation and local community initiatives. Families can travel knowing their trip contributes to preserving Madagascar’s natural treasures.

Best Time to Visit

While Lokobe can be visited year-round, early December is a lovely time for South African families looking to escape to tropical warmth. Expect lush green scenery, comfortable sea temperatures for snorkelling, and a lively forest buzzing with wildlife. Short tropical showers are common, but they add to the rainforest magic — and most fall in the late afternoon.

If you prefer slightly drier conditions, May to October is the classic dry season, but early summer (November–December) brings vibrant foliage, baby lemurs, and fewer tourists.

The IslandStays Difference

Planning a family holiday to Madagascar can seem daunting — remote islands, multiple transfers, and local logistics. That’s where IslandStays comes in.

We handle every detail: from flights and airport transfers to accommodation, guided tours, and local experiences. Our on-the-ground partners in Nosy Be ensure safety, reliability, and authentic interactions. You’ll travel confidently knowing everything is coordinated by experts who understand both Madagascar’s quirks and South African families’ travel expectations.

Our curated Lokobe Forest + Beach packages typically include:

Return flights from Johannesburg to Nosy Be
Transfers and boat rides to the reserve
Guided forest tours with licensed local naturalists
Accommodation in a family-friendly lodge or eco-resort
Breakfast and dinners daily
Optional snorkelling, diving, and cultural excursions

IslandStays takes care of the details, leaving you free to focus on what matters — reconnecting as a family in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings.

Why Book Your Lokobe Adventure with IslandStays

When you book your Madagascar holiday with IslandStays, you’re choosing more than just a travel agent — you’re choosing experience, trust, and a passion for island travel that’s unmatched in South Africa.

We’ve spent decades exploring the Indian Ocean islands, hand-selecting properties and local guides who deliver comfort, authenticity, and safety. We don’t offer cookie-cutter packages; we create bespoke itineraries that fit your family’s pace and interests.

So whether you’re travelling with young children, teens, or adventurous grandparents, the Lokobe Forest Experience can be perfectly tailored — balancing rainforest adventures, beach time, and cultural discovery in a seamless 12-day itinerary.

Ready to Explore Madagascar’s Wild Side?

The Lokobe Forest Experience on Nosy Be is Madagascar in miniature — wild, welcoming, and wonderfully alive. It’s a chance for your family to connect with nature, discover new cultures, and experience a side of the Indian Ocean that few travellers ever see.

Let IslandStays craft your personalised Madagascar itinerary — combining Lokobe’s lush rainforest with Nosy Be’s idyllic beaches for the ultimate family island adventure.

Contact IslandStays today to start planning your Lokobe Forest family holiday in Madagascar. The lemurs are waiting!