Taking its name from the nearby hot springs (Ranomafana means “hot water”) the park was only created in 1991 after the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur, and is now one of the country’s most important and visited wildlife reserves. We also consider it to be one of Madagascar’s most beautiful parks, with densely forested hills and numerous small streams which plummet down to the Namorona River – an area filled with wildlife.
The enticing mix of long and short trails, as well as some challenging hikes take you into the wilder areas of the park making Ranomafana a really fun place to explore. It is also the best reserve in terms of the number and diversity of lemurs, with over 12 species found here, many of which can easily be seen. Birding is also well represented, with over 30 endemics species, but it is the dazzling Parsons chameleon and painted mantilla (a frog!) that catch the eye.