Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are no longer any night walks into the forest; these now take place along the main
road, where one moves down a wall of green looking for mouse lemurs and chameleons.
This is a great experience - and what else are you going to do here at night?
SLEEPING & EATING
Ranomafana has an extraordinary range of interesting lodging options for its size. Almost
all the hotels are spread along a 10km stretch of the RN7 to the east of the park entrance.
This means that you will likely need a ride to the park, although it is possible to walk along
the road as well.
Cristo
LODGE €€€
( 034 12 353 97;
http://cristohotel.cabanova.fr
;
d Ar90,000, bungalows Ar70,000) This
relatively new lodge on the outskirts of town, perched on a gorgeous bend in the Namorona
river, has the best view of any property in the area. From the fabulous wraparound veran-
dah, one can see a breathtaking tropical sunset break over green hills, with a
ravinala
(trav-
ellers' palm) tree in the foreground spreading its leaves like a huge peacock. The upper-
floor rooms share this panorama, and riverside bungalows are also available. An attractive
restaurant with open fire is another draw, particularly on a rainy day, as are the amiable
owners.
Hôtel Domaine Nature
LODGE €€€
( 75 750 25; desmada@malagasy.com; d/ste Ar62,000/136,000; ) Located on both
sides of the road, this aptly named hotel thrusts you right into the forest. Airy hillside
bungalows with platform beds and space heaters are surrounded by jungle and the sound
of rushing water; you look out into the canopy. A brand-new glass restaurant (mains
Ar12,000) and super pool add creature comforts. It shows some wear, but the ambiance is
what you came for. (Be warned: there are a lot of steps to the upper bungalows.)
Rianala Gite
HOSTEL €
( 033 14 905 69, 034 06 298 45; edm@moov.mg; dm Ar10,000, camping Ar3000) This
is a great budget option. Right near the park entrance, you feel immersed in the forest. The
rooms are clean and come with blankets and hot water, and there is a nice porch to sit on.
There is also a restaurant, which you'll need unless you bring your own food. There are
some great campsites a short walk away, too, with pitched thatched roofs overlooking the
forest and the sound of a rushing stream below. Don't confuse them with the nearby MNP
campsites, which aren't as atmospheric and cost Ar2000 more. Camping in the park itself
is only allowed on guided treks.
