Ranomafana National Park
Located on the gorgeous tropical island of Madagascar, approximately 60 km north of Fianarantsoa, Ranomafana National Park is undoubtedly one of the island’s best kept natural gems. Surprisingly accessible, the park is a must-see and should be at the top of every tourist’s bucket list.
Boasting unsurpassed diversity and striking vegetation, Ranomafana has become one of the island’s top attractions. It was established in 1991 and spans an impressive 415 km², traversing mountainous terrain and densely covered in moist primary and secondary forested areas. Dr Patricia Wright came across the critically endangered golden bamboo lemur sheltering in the region in 1986, which reiterated the necessity for the park to be proclaimed.
Visitors on tours to Ranomafana National Park can expect to see an abundance of animals and birds, including twelve lemur species, which thrive in the tropical forests. Look out for the red bellied lemur, eastern grey bamboo lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, greater bamboo lemur, black and white ruffed lemur, eastern woolly lemur, small-toothed sportive lemur, Milne-Edward’s sifaka, the greater dwarf lemur, brown mouse lemur and elusive aye-aye.
Varying species of bats, tenrecidae, mongooses and other creatures great and small, are secreted within the forest, which provides perfect camouflage making them somewhat difficult to spot. Bird enthusiasts will find the park an absolute dream, with over 115 species habituating the region, including 30 rare, endemic varieties. Twitchers must keep a beady eye out for Henst’s goshawk, the velvet asity, crested ibis and Rufuous-headed ground roller.
Meander along the sloping banks of the mighty Namorona River and revel in the plethora of plants adorning every available space, including multiple species of orchids. Follow the numerous pathways and relish your immaculate surrounds, immersing yourself in nature and listening to the melodic calls of the birds.