Travel Guide Parc National De Ranomafana

The park of Ranomafana (41 601 ha) is a place of meeting of varied ecosystems: dense and humid forest of average altitude, with some rain forests. Very green scenery in general where delicate orchids abound. Slash and burn agriculture and the presence of illegal gold miners have considerably damaged this superb forest and this is an irreversible loss for biodiversity.The park is home to 115 species of birds (about half of all species found in Madagascar), 62 species of reptiles, 90 species of butterflies, rodents, and insects galore. In good weather, lemurs (more than 12 different species) come down to the forest. Two rare species have been identified: the Hapalemur simus (or Varibolomavo), one of the most endangered species in the world; and the golden Hapalemur(Hapalemur aureus or Varibolomena, discovered in 1987). The flora includes medicinal plants, giant fangeons, epiphytic orchids, etc. Annual rainfall here reaches 2,600 mm (humidity +90%): you may be surprised (especially in July-August) by the persistence of rain. However, this rainfall is variable in the region. So bring the necessary equipment to walk in the mud and protect yourself from the weather. Another thing: if it is quite easy to spot lemurs in the park, they do not particularly like the rain either and can be discreet on rainy days...The park is divided into three parcels:Parcel I, located in the north of the park, on 25 260 ha. It is the best preserved area of the park (because the farthest from the houses). There are two types of primary forest. Abundance of orchids. Swamps covered with pandanus and rushes to the south.Parcel II, in the west of the park, on 16 130 ha. Located on the high plateau, it presents a high altitude ombrophilous forest. This area is only accessible during a trek of several days.Parcel III, in the south of the park, on 13 740 ha. It is the most exploited zone, where most of the scientific researches are conducted (see the research station of Talatakely). Secondary forest. The abundance of guavas and bamboos ensures the observation of lemurs, very fond of them. In the southeast of this area, it is possible to admire the lemur Varijatsy.