Nosy Komba: Jungle Trek & Lemur Sanctuary with Lunch

Summary

Jungle trekking on Nosy Komba to meet lemurs up close

You’ll hike through Madagascar’s lush Nosy Komba island with a local guide, tasting wild fruits straight from the trees and meeting villagers along hidden jungle paths. Friendly black lemurs may leap onto your shoulder as you explore their sanctuary before relaxing over lunch in a traditional Malagasy restaurant — moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I still laugh thinking about the first half hour after we landed at Anjiabe village on Nosy Komba — I was sweating already, but our guide, Mamy, just grinned and pointed out a vanilla vine twisting around a jackfruit tree. The air smelled thick and green, if that makes sense. We tried raw cocoa fruit (sweet and slippery), then chewed sugar cane until my jaw hurt. I’d never tasted soursop before — it’s like mango met pineapple and decided to be friends. The path was muddy in spots and sometimes you had to duck under low branches. It’s not an easy stroll; more like a real jungle trek than I expected.

We passed tiny villages where kids waved and women carried baskets on their heads without ever wobbling. Mamy stopped to chat with an old man who handed us something that looked like a lime but tasted nothing like it — he called it “voasary makirana.” I probably butchered the pronunciation; he just laughed. Climbing up toward the summit (622 meters, apparently), my legs started complaining, but the view from the top made me forget for a second. You can see all the way across the archipelago — blue haze, little boats bobbing far below.

The descent felt easier, maybe because we started spotting lemurs everywhere — black ones with bright eyes leaping between branches or landing softly on our shoulders for banana slices. One sat right on my head for a minute; I didn’t dare move. There were chameleons too, almost invisible until they blinked at you. By the time we reached Ampangorina village and the Black Lemur Sanctuary, I was tired but weirdly happy — maybe it was all those new tastes or just being so far from anything familiar. Lunch at the local restaurant tasted better than anything back home (the fish curry is still in my dreams). If you’re looking for a real day trip on Nosy Komba with actual jungle trekking and time with lemurs, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle Trek and Lemur Sanctuary Visit

• Jungle trek to Komba summit
• Visit Black Lemur Sanctuary and village

Top questions

How long does the Nosy Komba jungle trek take?

The trek lasts about 6 hours from start to finish.

Is lunch included in the Nosy Komba day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a traditional Malagasy restaurant.

Will I see lemurs during this tour?

Yes, you’ll meet black lemurs at the sanctuary and along the trek.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?

No, it’s best for travelers with moderate fitness due to steep paths.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

Snacks and soda/pop are included during the trek.

Do I get to taste local fruits?

Yes, you’ll taste fresh cocoa fruit, sugar cane, jackfruit, soursop, mangoes, and more.

Does this tour include pickup or transport?

The tour starts after arrival by boat at Anjiabe village; boat ride details may vary.

Are there any health restrictions?

This trek isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What’s included

Your day includes snacks along the trail (think fresh fruit straight from the trees), soda or pop to keep you going in the heat, lunch at either a traditional Malagasy spot in Ampangorina village or an exclusive cliffside restaurant overlooking the ocean if you prefer something special. You’ll also get a local SIM card with internet access for your whole journey — handy when you want to share photos of lemurs perched on your head.