Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
or search out chameleons by the road at night. But be prepared for rain and temperature
swings, particularly in winter, when a 25°C day becomes a 10°C night.
Park Entry & Fees
The
MNP Office
( 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) is located on a dirt road a half-mile northeast
of the Ranomafana town centre. Park visitors pay an entry fee (one/two/three/four days
Ar25,000/37,000/40,000/50,000), part of which goes to the community, and a guide fee
(two/three/four hours Ar15,000/22,00/35,000, full day Ar60,000). Guides are mandatory
and will assist you in working out an itinerary. There are many guides available; several
speak English. A knowledgeable one is
Theo
( 034 45 511 89, 033 09 793 30), who
calls to the birds with his own jukebox of songs. It is customary to tip the guide; 10% is the
norm.
PARC NATIONAL DE RANOMAFANA
Best time to visit
Between September to December, when the weather is warm
and dry.
Key highlight
Spotting a bamboo lemur.
Wildlife
Lemurs, birds, frogs, chameleons.
Habitats
Primary and secondary rainforest.
Gateway town
Ranomafana.
Transport options
Taxi-brousse from Fianarantsoa (Ar5000).
Things you should know
Park management leaves much to be desired: hunting
of lemurs in the park persists.
SIGHTS
Centre ValBio
RESEARCH CENTRE
( 033 02 753 98, 034 13 581 71;
www.icte.bio.sunysb.edu
;
centrevallbio@gmail.com)
This international training centre for the study of biodiversity, funded by several interna-
tional universities, is housed inattractive buildings onthe edge ofthe park, including anew
and striking outreach centre. If you have any interest in the scientific research going on in
the park, stop by here and someone will be happy to speak with you.
Thermal Baths
BATHHOUSE
