Ranomafana National Park is one of Madagascar’s most famous and biologically important protected areas. Located in the mountainous southeastern part of the island, its name means “hot water” in the Malagasy language, a nod to the local thermal springs. Established in 1991, the park was created to protect the incredible biodiversity of its dense, high-altitude rainforest, particularly after the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur in 1986. This UNESCO World Heritage site (as part of the Rainforests of the Atsinanana) is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and trekkers. It is a world of steep, forest-clad hills, rushing rivers, and misty landscapes, offering some of the best opportunities in Madagascar to see a wide variety of lemurs, chameleons, birds, and other unique fauna in their natural habitat.

Name and Address

• Name: Ranomafana National Park (Parc National de Ranomafana).
• Address: Located in the Haute Matsiatra and Vatovavy regions of southeastern Madagascar. The main entrance to the park and the park office are located in the village of Ambatolahy, just off the RN7 and RN25 roads.

How to Get There

Ranomafana is a key stop on the popular Route Nationale 7 (RN7) overland journey, making it one of the more accessible rainforest parks in the country.

• By Car/Taxi (Recommended): The most common way to visit is as part of a multi-day road trip along the RN7. The park is approximately 60 kilometers (about a 1.5-hour drive) from the city of Fianarantsoa and about 400 kilometers (an 8-10 hour drive) from the capital, Antananarivo. A private vehicle with a driver offers the most comfort and flexibility.
• By Taxi-Brousse (Shared Taxi): For budget travelers, taxi-brousse services run along the RN7. You can take one from Antananarivo or Fianarantsoa and ask to be dropped off at the turn-off for Ranomafana village. From the main road, it is a further 7km to the park entrance, which you can walk or get a local taxi for.
• Visitor Tip: A local guide is mandatory for all treks within the park and can be hired at the park office. The best time to visit is during the drier season from April to December. The park is a rainforest, so be prepared for rain and muddy trails at any time of year. Night walks (conducted on the road outside the park) are a must-do to see nocturnal creatures.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Ranomafana is its dense, multi-layered rainforest ecosystem, shaped by its mountainous terrain and abundant water.

• Mountainous Rainforest: The park covers a large, rugged area of over 400 square kilometers. The landscape is characterized by steep, forest-covered hills and deep valleys carved by numerous rivers and streams. The altitude ranges from 800 to 1,200 meters, creating a cool and very humid climate.
• Namorona River: The powerful Namorona River cuts through the park, creating spectacular gorges and waterfalls. The main road (RN25) follows the course of this river, offering scenic views.
• Flora: The park is a hotspot of floral diversity, with a dense canopy of precious hardwoods, giant tree ferns, a vast array of palms, and over 100 species of orchids. The forest floor is a rich tapestry of mosses and fungi.
• ValBio Research Center: Located near the park entrance is the ValBio Research Center, an internationally renowned facility run by Stony Brook University. While not an architectural wonder, its presence underscores the park’s global importance for scientific research.

What Makes It Famous

Ranomafana is famous for its incredible biodiversity, its scientific importance, and for being one of the best places in the world to see lemurs in the wild.

• Lemur Paradise: Its primary claim to fame is its exceptional diversity of lemurs. The park is home to 12 different lemur species, including the critically endangered Golden Bamboo Lemur, the Milne-Edwards’ Sifaka, the Red-bellied Lemur, and the very rare Aye-aye.
• The Golden Bamboo Lemur: The park was created largely because of the 1986 discovery of the Golden Bamboo Lemur, a species previously unknown to science. This discovery highlighted the incredible and threatened biodiversity of the region and galvanized conservation efforts.
• A Hub for Research: Ranomafana is a world-renowned site for primatology and biodiversity research, thanks in large part to the work of Dr. Patricia Wright and the ValBio Research Center.
• Exceptional Night Walks: The area is famous for its guided night walks along the road bordering the park. These walks provide incredible opportunities to spot a wide range of nocturnal creatures, including mouse lemurs (the world’s smallest primates), chameleons, and geckos.

Differences from Other Wonders

Ranomafana offers a classic, high-biodiversity rainforest experience that sets it apart from Madagascar’s other major national parks.

• Lush Rainforest vs. Dry Sandstone Canyons: The dense, humid, and green environment of Ranomafana is a complete contrast to the arid, open, and rugged sandstone landscapes of Isalo National Park. While Isalo is famous for its geology and landscapes, Ranomafana is famous for its deep forest and rich biodiversity.
• A Mountain Rainforest vs. a “Forest of Knives”: While both are UNESCO sites, Ranomafana is a classic rainforest trekking experience. This is fundamentally different from Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which is a unique geological wonder that requires climbing and via ferrata to navigate its sharp limestone pinnacles.
• Focus on Biodiversity vs. a Singular Spectacle: Unlike the Avenue of the Baobabs, which is famous for one specific, iconic view, Ranomafana is about the immersive experience of exploring a complex ecosystem and the thrill of searching for its many hidden creatures. The reward is the diversity of sightings rather than a single landscape photo.