Ranomafana National Park

Why visit Ranomafana National Park?

This dense rainforest, bisected by the Namorona River, is where the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur was discovered in 1986, and it is one of the most important and spectacular parks on Madagascar. Its tremendous biodiversity supports a remarkable range of wildlife, including 12 lemur species, including the rare aye-aye, and over 115 species of bird and nearly 100 species of frog.
Reasons to visit Ranomafana National Park include:

• Lemurs! There are plenty of them here including the golden bamboo lemur, Milne-Edward’s sifaka and the aye-aye. 
• Look for other wildlife, including the Malagasy striped civet, chameleons, satanic leaf-tailed geckos, or any of the 90 species of butterflies. 
• Go birding – 30 of the 115 species here are unique to this part of Madagascar, and you could see the threatened Crested ibis, or the Henst’s goshawk. 
• Trek past waterfalls or through primary forest. 
• Take a night hike to find reptiles and frogs by torchlight. 
• Make a cultural visit to the two traditional Tanala villages. 
• Discover the numerous orchids, palm trees and carnivorous plants.

When to go to Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana is is warm and humid all year, and at its rainiest from December to May – which is also the best time to see reptiles and amphibians.  The best times to visit are are May and September to November.

How to do it

Ranomafana is usually incorporated as part of a driving itinerary. It's about 2 hours from Fianarantsoa and around ten from Antananarivo, and this would be broken up exploring towns and areas of interest en route.

Where to stay in Ranomafana National Park

There are some lovely small boutique hotels and guest houses in this area that will be perfect for exploring Ranomafana. Two of our favourites are Karibotel, a short walk from the centre of the village, or Centrest Sejour with its pretty gardens, just 10 minutes from the park.