Lokobe Reserve, Protected rainforest reserve in Nosy Be island, Madagascar
Lokobe Reserve is a 740-hectare rainforest on Nosy Be island that shelters black lemurs, mouse lemurs, chameleons, and over 100 bird species in its lowland forest. The forest consists of dense, layered vegetation with tangled roots and natural waterways winding through it.
The reserve gained official protected status in 1927, making it one of Madagascar's first conservation areas. This early designation saved the last primary lowland rainforest of the island from being cleared and destroyed.
The Sakalava and Antakarana people living nearby have maintained deep ties to the forest through their daily customs and spiritual practices. Their presence shapes how the forest is understood and cared for by those who know it best.
Visitors reach the reserve by taking a pirogue boat from Ambanoro village through mangrove channels. Once inside, guided walking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels lead through the forest.
The forest is home to the Nosy Be panther chameleon, a species found only on this island. These chameleons with their green coloring are hard to spot because they blend into the tree canopy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
