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Ranomafana National Park

Park

Ranomafana National Park in southeastern Madagascar contains hot springs, dense rainforest and several lemur species. Visitors hire guides for canopy trails, night walks and wildlife spotting.

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In this guide

Ranomafana National Park essentials

Address: Ranomafana National Park, Haute Matsiatra Region, Madagascar (Ranomafana)
Website: parcs-madagascar.com
Admission: Entrance fees and mandatory local guide fees may apply; check park office for rates.
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About Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is a rainforest reserve in southeastern-central Madagascar’s Haute Matsiatra region, known for its thermal springs and high biodiversity. It protects montane rainforest habitat that supports many endemic species.

Dense forest trails lead to wildlife viewing opportunities for several lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur, plus numerous birds, reptiles and amphibians; thermal springs and nearby village baths are a local attraction. Both day hikes and organised night walks are commonly used to see diurnal and nocturnal wildlife.

The park area gained attention following the late 20th-century discovery of previously unknown lemur species; it was protected to conserve its unique fauna and forest ecosystems, with ongoing research and conservation efforts centred at nearby research facilities. Local communities are involved in guiding and park services.

Ranomafana National Park is located in the Haute Matsiatra region of Madagascar, accessed from nearby towns and the village of Ranomafana, and lies within the island’s eastern montane rainforest belt.

  • Biodiversity highlights: Noted for montane rainforest, thermal springs and the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur; rich in endemic flora and fauna.
  • Visitor tips: Guided day and night walks are standard; night walks along peripheral trails are good for nocturnal species such as mouse lemurs and chameleons.

What to See#

  • Forest trails and lemur viewing: Park trails and observation points through montane rainforest where multiple lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur, can be seen.
  • Thermal springs: Thermal springs and the village baths that give the area its name (Ranomafana means ‘hot water’ in Malagasy).
  • Research station: Centre ValBio research station, a long-term research and conservation facility based near the park that supports scientific study and community programmes.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ranomafana National Park

Best visited in the dry season (April-November) for clearer trails and easier wildlife viewing.

Dry season
April - November · 15-25°C
Drier, cooler conditions are better for hiking and wildlife spotting in this montane rainforest.
Wet season
December - March · 18-28°C
Heavy rains lead to muddy trails, higher river levels and more challenging access to some areas.

Weather & Climate near Ranomafana National Park

Climate

Ranomafana National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1523 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 35 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayOctoberApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 16° - 25° 21° 287 mm overcast 87% 1.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.1h
February Good 16° - 25° 21° 249 mm overcast 89% 1.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.7h
March Good 16° - 24° 20° 214 mm overcast 91% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 14° - 23° 19° 81 mm partly cloudy 91% 1.5 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
May Very Good 12° - 22° 17° 51 mm partly cloudy 91% 1.8 m/s 1.3 high 11.0h
June Very Good 10° - 19° 15° 43 mm partly cloudy 91% 1.9 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
July Good 9° - 18° 14° 47 mm partly cloudy 90% 2.1 m/s 1.1 high 10.8h
August Very Good 9° - 19° 14° 43 mm partly cloudy 87% 2.0 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
September Very Good 11° - 21° 16° 42 mm partly cloudy 84% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
October Very Good 13° - 23° 18° 57 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
November Very Good 15° - 25° 20° 146 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.0h
December Good 16° - 25° 20° 263 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ranomafana National Park

Ranomafana National Park is reached from the city of Fianarantsoa - it lies about 60-70 km to the east. Drive along the RN7 and the local turnoff toward Ranomafana village; the journey typically takes around 1.5-2.5 hours by car. The park entrance is adjacent to Ranomafana village and is within easy walking distance of most hotels; guides are available at the entrance.

Tips for Visiting Ranomafana National Park

  • Begin trails at pre-dawn to catch peak lemur activity-many species are most visible early in the morning before trails get busy.
  • Join a guided night walk from the reserve edge after dusk to see mouse lemurs, chameleons and frogs; these nocturnal encounters are often missed by those who only do daytime hikes.
  • Reach Ranomafana via Fianarantsoa on RN7 and overnight in Ranomafana village to permit early starts; buy guides and entrance permits at the park office on arrival.