Ranomafana National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rainforests Of The Atsinanana (2007), Managed By Madagascar National Parks. Steep Rainforest With About A Dozen Lemur Species, Including The Golden Bamboo Lemur Found Here In 1986, Plus Hot Springs In The Village · Ranomafana, Vatovavy-Fitovinany

Ranomafana is a steep, wet rainforest in the south-eastern highlands, about 65 km east of Fianarantsoa on the RN25, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. It is best known for its lemurs: about a dozen species, among them the golden bamboo lemur, found here by scientists in 1986, and the rare greater bamboo lemur. The name means hot water, and the village has natural thermal baths. Walks are on steep, muddy trails through dense forest, often misty and cold, and the lemurs can be hard to spot among the leaves. It is a rewarding but demanding place, farther and less comfortable than Andasibe, and reached by a winding highlands road. Local guides are compulsory and good at finding animals, which matters in such dense leaf cover. Prices, opening times and road conditions here are unconfirmed, so check before travelling, and expect cold, wet, muddy walking rather than an easy outing.

Ranomafana village on Route Nationale 25, about 65 km east of Fianarantsoa in the south-eastern highlands, Ranomafana, Vatovavy-Fitovinany, Madagascar

The park is normally open daily from early morning until late afternoon, with last entry some hours before dark; exact times are unconfirmed. Heavy rain, especially from January to March in the cyclone season, can close trails or damage the road. Night walks run separately after dark. To get here, take the RN7 south from Antananarivo to Ambositra and Fianarantsoa, then the RN25 east for about 65 km, roughly 2 hours; the whole trip is around 10 to 12 hours from the capital. Buy permits from Madagascar National Parks and book your guide and night walk through your lodge a day ahead.

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