Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(baths/pool Ar1000/5000) The hot springs for which Ranomafana is named are across a
bridge near the now-defunct Hôtel Station Thermale. The setting is pretty, but the individu-
al baths, housed in little huts, are a bit dingy. Another option is the adjacent swimming
pool, also fed by the springs, which is popular with locals. Best to swim here on Wednes-
day, as they clean the pool by emptying and refilling it on Tuesday. It's worth seeing even
if you choose not to swim.
Ranomafana Arboretum BOTANICAL GARDEN
(RN7; admission Ar5000; 8am-noon & 2-4pm) If you have any interest in local botany
this is your first stop. It features over 150 species of native trees, 50 of which are fruit trees.
There's a self-guided walking trail in English.
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
Wildlife
The park is divided into three parcels of land containing both primary and secondary forest.
The former is more impressive, with enormous trees, but takes more hiking to reach. The
park is known for its diverse wildlife, although some of it is quite elusive. There are 29
mammal species, including 12 species of lemur. On a typical day's walk, you are likely to
see red-bellied lemurs, diademed sifakas and red-fronted lemurs. With luck (and a good
guide),youmayalsoseeagoldenbamboolemur.Thisspecieswasfirstdiscoveredin1986;
Ranomafana is one of its two known habitats. The forest abounds with reptiles and amphi-
bians; on a single night walk you may see 10 different species. The park's birdlife is also
rich, with more than 100 species, of which 68 are endemic to Madagascar. Although most
visitors come for the animals, the plant life is just as impressive, with orchids, tree ferns,
palms, mosses and stands of giant bamboo.
Hiking
In Parcel III, the short Talatakely Trail (Petit Circuit) takes a leisurely two hours up and
back and heads as far as the lookout at Bellevue, with lemur-spotting along the way. A
branch heads to the Petite Cascade, which flows into a forest pool. In Parcel I, the three-
to four-hour Vohipara Circuit goes a bit further in its search for lemurs, and is one of the
best birding spots in Madagascar.
If you want the full-on experience, multiday treks take you even deeper into the park's
primary forest, where the other tourists disappear. They also allow you to spend the night.
This usually involves taking the Soarano Circuit into Parcel III, where there is another
waterfall. Parcel II is rarely visited.
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