Ring-tailed Lemur
Lemur catta
About the Ring-tailed Lemur
The ring-tailed lemur is Madagascar's most iconic primate, instantly recognisable by its long, black-and-white striped tail. Unlike most lemurs, they spend a significant amount of time on the ground and sunbathe with outstretched arms in a distinctive "sun-worshipping" posture. They live in female-dominated groups of up to 30 individuals in the dry forests of southern Madagascar.
Fun Facts
- Male ring-tailed lemurs have "stink fights" — they rub their tails with scent glands on their wrists, then wave them at rivals.
- They are one of the few primates that sunbathe — sitting upright with arms outstretched in a "yoga" pose to warm up in the morning.
- Ring-tailed lemurs are the most terrestrial of all lemur species, spending up to a third of their time on the ground.
Where to See Ring-tailed Lemur in the Wild
Anja Community Reserve
MadagascarHabituated troops of ring-tailed lemurs are easy to observe at close range in this community-run reserve.
Isalo National Park
MadagascarDramatic sandstone canyons with ring-tailed lemurs in the surrounding forest.
Berenty Reserve
MadagascarPrivate reserve famous for its large, habituated ring-tailed lemur population.
Featured Destinations to See Ring-tailed Lemur
Compare practical destination guides with seasonal timing, travel logistics, other wildlife, tours, and places to stay.
Explore Ring-tailed Lemur by Country
Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.
Habitats Used by Ring-tailed Lemur
Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.
Where to See Ring-tailed Lemur at Zoos
Duke Lemur Center
Durham, North Carolina, USA
Bristol Zoo
Bristol, UK
Support Independent Conservation Work
These third-party programmes offer relevant ways to adopt symbolically, foster, donate, or learn. We do not process contributions or receive commission.
Lemur Conservation Foundation Donation
A donation route supporting Madagascar field conservation, protected habitat and community work, education and research, as well as a managed lemur conservation-breeding programme.
Review programme →Due DiligenceCheck Before You Contribute
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Open the programme directory →Browse Ring-tailed Lemur Tours & Experiences
Current Viator listings matched to this species. Confirm where the activity operates, its wildlife policy, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.
Madagascar Day Tour Lemurs Park and Croc Farm from Antananarivo
6 hours
Madagascar 7 Days Baobabs and Lemurs Tour
168 hours
6 Day Madagascar Discovering Rainforest in Lemurs and Baobabs
144 hours
Lokobe Tour: Pirogue, Lemur Forest and Malagasy Lunch
4 hours
Full Day road Tour to Ampefy Village
12h 30m
Full Day Madagascar Tour with Lemurs' Park, Geysers and Waterfall
12 hoursSafari Packages to See Ring-tailed Lemur
Safari.com itinerary examples that may include ring-tailed lemur habitat. Request a current quote and confirm the operator, exact route, wildlife policy, recent reviews, and cancellation terms before booking.
3 Day Unrivaled Views of the Kruger & Sabie River Safari
Experience the Kruger National Park, suspended over the Sabie River.
- 2 nights aboard Kruger Shalati, a luxury train stationed on a bridge over the Sabie River
- Twice-daily game drives in southern Kruger in search of the Big Five
- Swim in the overhanging pool above crocodiles, hippos and elephants
5 Day Luxury Sabi Sands Promotion
Travelling soon? Enjoy a 42% last-minute discounted price when booking this 5-day Premier Sabi Sands luxury safari package. You'll be in the...
- 4 nights at 5-star Leopard Hills Lodge in the Sabi Sands
- Twice-daily game drives with off-roading for close-up Big Five sightings
- Guided bush walks and wildlife photography tips from expert rangers
4 Day All-Inclusive Kruger Safari with Hoyo Hoyo
Enjoy an All-inclusive 4-day Kruger National Park safari! Round-trip flights from Johannesburg, airport transfers, luxury accommodation, mea...
- 3 nights at 5-star Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park
- Twice-daily Big Five game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with ranger and tracker
- Three-course dinner under the stars
3-Day BIG 5 Safari at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (Combine with Cape Town)
Experience three days at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve on a 5-star BIG 5 safari - offering an exclusive and unique malaria-free safari, with the ...
- 2 nights at Dwyka Tented Lodge in malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
- Big Five game drives across open plains and Cape Fold Mountains
- Guided wilderness walks, ancient San rock art and Karoo stargazing
7-Day Kruger Park and Vic Falls Combo
Experience the ultimate safari adventure with a 7-day journey through Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls.
- 3 nights aboard Kruger Shalati, the train on the bridge over the Sabie River
- Twice-daily game drives in open Land Rovers across Kruger National Park
- 3 nights at The Wallow Lodge in Victoria Falls
7-Day Fly-In Cape Town to Kruger Luxury Safari
Embark on a luxury safari from the stunning Cape Town Waterfront Village to the deep wilderness of Simbavati Waterside Klaserie Nature Reser...
- 3 nights at Waterfront Village on Cape Town's V&A Marina
- Walking distance to Two Oceans Aquarium, Watershed and Food Market
- Fly to Hoedspruit for 3 nights at Simbavati Waterside Lodge
Photography Tips for Ring-tailed Lemur
Ring-tailed lemurs are relatively approachable at reserves like Anja. A 70-200mm lens is sufficient. Capture their characteristic sun-worshipping pose in early morning light.
Safety Guide
Lemurs at habituated sites may approach you — do not feed or touch them. Follow guide instructions. Respect reserve rules to support community conservation efforts.
