Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is located in the South Eastern part of Madagascar with rich biodiversity, mist-shrouded rainforests and thermal hot springs. The park was founded in 1991 with remarkable primate species like the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus) that make it stand out as an attraction.

Geography

Ranomafana National Park is situated in the Fianarantsoa Province in Madagascar’s South Eastern highlands approximately 65 kilometers east of Fianarantsoa and 415 kilometers from Antananarivo, the capital city. The park covers an area of 416 square kilometers (161 square miles) and lies between 600 and 1,400 meters above sea level with tropical and montane rainforest ecosystems.

The name “Ranomafana” means “hot water” in Malagasy, a reference to the local natural hot springs that bubble from the earth.

Climate of the Park

Ranomafana’s terrain is characterized by steep hills, deep valleys and fast-flowing rivers. The park’s verdant forests are cloaked in mist much of the year with annual rainfall that falls from November to April, contributing to the dense, moss-covered vegetation.

The climate is humid and warm, with average temperatures ranging between 14°C and 24°C (57°F to 75°F). The dry season from May to October is the best time for trekking and wildlife viewing.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Ranomafana is one of the most biodiverse places in Madagascar with a range of species, many of which are endemic to the region or to the island itself. You shall watch primates like lemurs i.e Golden Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur aureus), Greater Bamboo Lemur (Prolemur simus), Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi), Red-bellied Lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) and Small-toothed Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur microdon). Other mammals you can watch include; fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), Malagasy civets and tenrecs.

Birds

Ranomafana is a haven for all bird watchers visiting the park on safari vacation. There are over 130 species which include; Pitta-like ground roller (Atelornis pittoides), Yellow-browed oxylabes, Velvet asity, Rufous-headed ground roller.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The Park includes the Ranomafana’s herpetofauna which is spectacular. There are also more than 90 species of frogs many of them endemic and some not yet fully studied. The Park also comprises of colorful chameleons like the short-horned chameleon (Calumma parsonii cristifer), Uroplatus geckos (leaf-tailed geckos), masters of camouflage.

Flora and Vegetation

The Park includes dense plant life with Canopy trees up to 30 meters high, a variety of orchids, ferns, lianas, and bamboo as well as many plants used in traditional Malagasy medicine. There are also endemic palms and hardwoods.

Cultural and Human Significance

The region around Ranomafana is inhabited by the Tanala (“people of the forest”) and Betsileo ethnic groups, who rely on the forest for medicinal plants, spiritual traditions and sustainable agriculture.

Getting to the Park

Ranomafana National Park can be accessed using both Road and Air and this is preferred by the travelers on vacation in Madagascar. If you transfer from Antananarivo, you shall move for a period of 10 to 12 hours using road via RN7 and RN25.

Park Access and Trails to follow on Hikes

  • Varibolomena Trail – Easy, 2–3 hours, ideal for lemur viewing.
  • Sahamalaotra Trail – Intermediate, passes waterfalls and river valleys.
  • Vohiparara Trail – Longer hikes into pristine primary forest.
  • Soarano Trail – Full-day trek for serious hikers.