Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is one of Madagascar protected areas located in the island's South Eastern highlands with endemic wildlife species i.e the golden bamboo lemur. The name "Ranomafana" means "hot water" in Malagasy referring to the natural hot springs found in the nearby town with verdant tropical rainforest, cascading rivers, abundant wildlife and scenic hiking trails.

Ranomafana National Park is located about 60 kilometers northeast of Fianarantsoa in Madagascar's Haute Matsiatra and Vatovavy regions covering about 41,600 hectares (416 square kilometers) of mountainous rainforest with elevations ranging from roughly 800 to 1,300 meters above sea level. The Park includes dense evergreen rainforest, Cloud forest, Steep hills and valleys, Rivers and waterfalls, Bamboo forests, Marshes and wetlands.

The Namorona River flows through the park creating many streams, waterfalls and humid habitats that support exceptional biodiversity. Ranomafana experiences a cool, humid tropical climate throughout the year with the Rainy season in the months of November to April, Drier season in the months of May to October, Annual rainfall of more than 2,000 mm in many areas and average temperatures: 15°C to 25°C. Frequent rainfall and persistent mist create ideal conditions for verdant rainforest vegetation and abundant wildlife.

The Park inhabits Lemurs i.e the Golden bamboo lemur, Greater bamboo lemur, Milne-Edwards' sifaka, Red-bellied lemur, Red-fronted brown lemur, Eastern lesser bamboo lemur, Small-toothed sportive lemur. The golden bamboo lemur is the park's most prominent species. There are also bird species which include more than 110 bird species inhabit the park i.e Ground rollers, Vangas, Sunbirds, Blue coua, Madagascar paradise flycatcher as well as reptiles i.e Colorful chameleons, Leaf-tailed geckos, Tree frogs, Mantella frogs, Endemic snakes, Skinks.

Ranomafana's forests are exceptionally rich in plant life including Giant hardwood trees, Tree ferns, bamboo forests, Wild orchids, Palms, Carnivorous plants, Mosses and epiphytes.

Best Time to Visit

The park can be visited throughout the year although the best time to visit the park is during the months of May to October as there is Less rainfall, Comfortable hiking conditions, Better trail accessibility, Excellent lemur viewing. November to April are ideal as there is verdant green rainforest, Active amphibians and reptiles, Rich plant life, More frequent rain.