Ranomafana National Park

Pros & Cons

• Very accessible
• Home to 12 lemur species
• Large network of trails
• Lush rainforest
• Kayaking available
• Mid-altitude rainforest is often cold and wet
• The terrain is steep and slippery
• Most lodges are on a main road and in the village

Wildlife

Ranomafana is home to seven lemur species active in the day including red-bellied lemur, red-fronted brown lemur, golden, greater and grey bamboo lemurs. There are many chameleons and frogs and they are most easily seen at night. This is one of the best places to see the bizarre, aptly named giraffe-necked weevil.

• More about Ranomafana's wildlife

Scenery

The mid-altitude rainforest of Ranomafana spreads out over some steep slopes on either side of the valley of the Namorona River. The hilly terrain can make hiking more challenging but guarantees good views into the canopy. A main road follows the river through the valley and gives access to a spectacular waterfall which is a scenic highlight in the area.

Weather & Climate

The park has a temperate to warm climate. Rainfall is high and the Wet season months are from November to April. During these months, temperatures reach up to a maximum of 26°C/79°F during the day with high humidity. The cooler Dry season months from May to October see daytime temperatures of 22°C/72°F and nights get as cold as 10°C/50°F.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time to Visit

Ranomafana can be visited throughout the year. However, January to March is cyclone season and these months might be too wet to enjoy activities. The shoulder months of April, May, October and November are particularly nice as the weather is mild and there isn’t too much rain. Animals, including reptiles which are less easy to spot in the Dry season months, are active during this time and in October and November many lemurs have babies.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Ranomafana NP?

• Ranomafana safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Ranomafana