VOIMMA Reserve

The VOIMMA Reserve, located near the village of Andasibe in eastern Madagascar, is an excellent example of community-led conservation.

The name V.O.I.M.M.A. stands for Vondron’olona Ifotony Mitia sy Miaro ny Ala, which in Malagasy means: “the local people love and protect the forest.” Established in 2012, the community has been managing around 0.4 km² (31 hectares) of primary rainforest since 2009.

Despite its modest size, VOIMMA offers exceptional biodiversity. There are 11 species of lemurs, including the iconic Indri-indri, whose haunting calls echo through the forest in the early morning. Visitors often spot brown lemurs, and with some luck, may also encounter diademed sifakas, bamboo lemurs, or red-bellied lemurs. At night, nocturnal species such as Goodman's mouse lemur can be observed during guided evening walks.

In addition to primates, VOIMMA is home to a rich variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the impressive and endemic Parson’s chameleon, as well as smaller species like the blue-legged chameleon and brown leaf chameleon. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting many endemic bird species, while insects and brightly colored frogs add even more vibrancy to the forest.

The reserve offers day and night walks, as well as canoe trips along the rivers that meander through the landscape.

What makes VOIMMA truly unique is that 50% of its revenue is reinvested into local development projects, such as clean water systems and healthcare—benefiting both the ecosystem and the local community.

In short, the VOIMMA Reserve is more than just an ecotourism destination: it is a living example of sustainable management, where Madagascar’s beauty and biodiversity go hand in hand with community empowerment. A visit here offers an authentic, educational, and heartwarming experience.