Ranomafana National Park

Parque de Ranomafana is one of the most beautiful and impressive parks in Madagascar. Ranomafana means “hot water” in Malagasy, the national park includes thermal springs in its long list of natural wonders. The park was founded in 1991 and extends on a mountainous terrain with an area of ​​415km2 at an altitude of 800 to 1200m.

 In 1986, Dr. Patricia Wright discovered the threat of extinction of the golden bamboo lemur and this prompted the government of Madagascar to create a national park. In the same year, a research primatological center was built to study them.

 Today Ranomafana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most popular stops among tourists of Madagascar.

 For most visitors, one of the main reasons for visiting this park is the opportunity to see the 12 famous lemurs of Madagascar in the wild. The rarest and endangered species of them is the golden bamboo lemur, which was considered extinct until 1986, but then this species of lemur was accidentally discovered in a neighboring park. Also here you can see eastern woolly lemur, red-bellied lemur, east-gray bamboo lemur, large bamboo lemur, brown lemur with a red facade, black and white shaggy lemur, Sifaku Milne-Edward, small crenellated sports lemur, large dwarf lemur and brown mouse lemur is very rare.

 Golden bamboo lemur

Gold and big lemurs are endangered and taken under protection. Although Madagascar is rich in bamboo species, its habitat is very limited. Since bamboo is actively used by local residents for construction, fishing, furniture and baskets.

 The park also has 8 species of bats and 6 species of carnivores, such as the Malagasy striped civet and some mongooses. About 115 species of birds are listed in the Red Book (30 are local endemic to this part of Madagascar), including a goshawk, an earthen skating rink with red heads, a velvet stork, and ibis.

 And also in the park there are 62 species of reptiles (chameleons, snakes and geckos with fringe and satanic leaves), 98 species of frogs, 90 moths, 350 spiders.

Among the plants that grow in these forests are used in medicine, such as Tanala and Betsileo. Valuable species of trees and palms grow here, many orchids and carnivorous plants. In these dense wooded hills are numerous streams that descend to a beautiful river called Namorona and form numerous picturesque waterfalls. The river divides the park into two parts in half and generates electricity for the surrounding areas at the Ranomafana Hydroelectric Power Station.

The park has a very well-developed system of walking paths along which you can walk, enjoying the splendor of vegetation and beautiful scenic views. You can also go to the hot mineral springs which are allowed to swim.

The climate of the Parc de Ranomafana is warm and humid throughout the year. The best time to visit the national park is from March to November.

You also can find:

Sifaka milna-edward lemur

Red-bellied lemur