Ranomafana National Park, in the south-eastern highlands, is a UNESCO-listed rainforest of steep hills, rivers and hot springs. It was created in 1991, soon after the discovery of the golden bamboo lemur, and is one of the best places in Madagascar for lemurs and birds. The name means hot water in Malagasy.
Walks lead through dense forest to see the golden bamboo lemur, greater bamboo lemur, red-fronted brown lemur and red-bellied lemur, and the park holds a dozen or more lemur species. Chameleons, frogs, orchids, butterflies and giant fern forests add to the experience.
It is usually visited on the RN7 route between Antsirabe and Isalo, with one or two nights in the village of Ranomafana, and a soak in the thermal baths at the end of the day.
The park holds more than a dozen lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur, greater bamboo lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, red-bellied lemur, Milne-Edwards’s sifaka and the Eastern woolly lemur. Fossa and many chameleons, geckos and frogs live in the forest.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Steep hills covered in rainforest, with rivers, waterfalls and terraced fields. Mist often hangs in the valleys.
Activities here
Ranomafana is cool and very wet. The rains fall from December to March, with cyclones possible, and the dry season from April to November still brings regular showers.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 16 | 380 |
| Feb | 26 | 16 | 350 |
| Mar | 25 | 15 | 320 |
| Apr | 24 | 14 | 180 |
| May | 21 | 11 | 120 |
| Jun | 18 | 9 | 100 |
| Jul | 17 | 8 | 110 |
| Aug | 18 | 8 | 100 |
| Sep | 21 | 10 | 60 |
| Oct | 24 | 12 | 80 |
| Nov | 25 | 14 | 170 |
| Dec | 26 | 15 | 310 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to November is drier, with cool nights. Trails are muddy but easier. June to August is cold at night.
December to March is warm and very wet, with heavy rain and cyclone risk. Some trails are closed.
September to November is a good time for lemurs and birds, with the forest less wet and babies appearing. April to May is also pleasant.
Best time to visit May to Nov
Ranomafana is about seven hours by road from Antsirabe, and about 6 to 7 hours from Isalo, on the RN7 and RN45. Allow generous drive times, as roads are slow and winding.
Park entry and a guide are required and are included in our tours. Please see the Madagascar page for visa details.
Ranomafana is a malaria area, so please take advice. Trails are steep and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. Bring a rain layer and repellent.
National ParkAndasibe-Mantadia National ParkThe haunting song of the indri
City & TownAntananarivoThe highland capital
National ParkIsalo National ParkSandstone canyons and natural pools
Scenic AreaMorondava and the Avenue of the BaobabsGiant baobabs at sunset
Beach & CoastNosy BeIslands, reefs and turquoise water
National ParkTsingy de BemarahaA forest of stone needlesOur take
“Our take”
Give Ranomafana two nights, and walk with a guide who knows where the lemurs feed that day.
Safaris from
US$3,196 per person
Plan your time in Ranomafana
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
