Ranomafana National Park

The creation of Ranomafana was directly in response to research on, and the preservation of, two species of rare lemur – the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur. Since establishment in 1991 it has become one of the most popular natural history destinations in Madagascar. Close to Fianarantsoa, it is relatively easy to reach (see map below).

Ranomafana has a very wide diversity of flora and fauna and not surprisingly is a World Heritage Site. Twelve species of lemur are found here, with an excellent range of birdlife.

One of the features of the Park is that most visitors have the opportunity to undertake some wildlife watching at night from the road that transects the Park. This provides visitors with the chance of seeing such wonders as the Rufous Mouse Lemur - a very tiny delicate nocturnal lemur, which otherwise they would not see.

The Park is named after the little town of Ranomafana, which in Malagasy means "hot water" because of the thermal springs found here. Many people visit the town to bath in these waters, and a large number of hotels and lodges are also found there.

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Features of Ranomafana:  Accessible, rare lemur species and has nocturnal viewing of the rainforests

Time to Visit: Rainy for much of the year, with the best times being June - November

Access: via Fianarantsoa