Are you traveling on the 7th National Road towards Fianarantsoa? Take the crossroads to Alakamisy Ambohimaha (NR 45) and you will end up in a heavenly spot in the Matsiatra Ambony and Vatovavy-Fitovinany regions, none other than the Ranomafana National Park which covers 41.601 hectares. The Tanala and Betsileo communities present in these regions will welcome you.

A huge reserve of endemic animal species

The names of the animal and plant species found in the site will fill a very long list. But briefly, you can discover 6 species of fish, including Bedotiasp or "Jono", discovered in 1994. The region is also home to 90 species of butterflies of which 4 are rare species (Graphiumendochus, Charaxescowani, Euxanthemadagascariensis and Acreaeaboya). 8 families of spider are still new in the wildlife list recorded in Madagascar. 58 species of reptiles are crawling in the Park.

In the aquatic environment, there are 6 endemic species of crustaceans and one subspecies of crayfish from the Astacoides group, the unique one in the world. Diversified amphibian species Mantidactylus and Mycrohylidae also makes the site special.

This time of the year (October and November) is the perfect moment for bird watching, even if it falls in the rainy period. Note that 118 bird species, among the 257 recorded in Madagascar are visible in the region. Moreover, the majority is endemic, and about thirty species exist exclusively in the primary forest of the Park, to mention only Mesitornisunicolor, Brachypteraciassquamiger, Neodrepanishypoxantha, and Xenopirostrispolleni, which are globally recognized species.

Do you want to discover our lemurs? You will be fascinated. 13 species are visible in the park, including diurnal species like Hapalemur aureus and nocturnal species like the famous Aye-Aye or Daubentonia madagascariensis. Among the primates most appreciated by tourists are Varibolomena, Varibolomavo, Simpona, Varijatsy, and Varikamena. Also get acquainted with the rare foot-sucker bat or Myzopodaaurita, which you will not find anywhere else outside the country. Other mammals such as "Voalavondrano" and "Fosa" can be added tothe list attractions for tourists.

Diversified vegetation

The rain forest covers Ranomafana Park. However, only the part included in the hard core is considered primary forest. The forest is home to rare tropical hardwoods of which several species have considerable economic value both locally and nationally, such as pallisander or Dalbergia. A profusion of rare species also makes up the park's biological richness: ferns, bamboos and hundreds of orchids that are there to amaze your eyes.

What to do in Ranomafana?

After buying your ticket at the Ambodiamontana welcome office, 56 multilingual guides are ready to accompany you in one of the three tourist circuits offered by the Park so that you can contemplate the beauty of the Malagasy nature.

The Park also offers other attractions such as tree climbing, kayaking and organized mini-marathon. The most interesting activity that visitors should do is camping in one of three places: Ambodiamontana, Vatoharanana and Sahamalaotra. Wear rain gear and cleated shoes, take a tent and relax.

Taste the Malagasy dishes offered by the local cuisine, bring handmade souvenirs home – basketry, sculpture, banana peel or bamboo. Dance to the rhythm of the Tanala traditional dance, the "Dombolo" and discover the "Horija", traditional music of the region.

Note that about 500 villagers from the local community provide control, surveillance and maintenance of the Protected Area.

Source & Photo Credit: Ranomafana National Park

Contacts:

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• Telephone: 032 09 402 53 | 032 09 402 54