Ranomafana
Ranomafana
Ranomafana means hot water in Malagasy, named after the natural hot springs in the area. This lush rainforest is home to rare lemurs, frogs and reptiles, and offers some of the best wildlife spotting in Madagascar. Expect misty trails, steep slopes, and lush greenery.
Covered on this page:
Things to do
- Hike in the National Park – The 3–4 hour trek is most popular, but you can go shorter or longer. Trails are well-maintained and always with a local guide. Spot golden bamboo lemurs, mouse lemurs, frogs, chameleons and more.
- Night walk (along the road) – You don’t enter the forest at night here – the walk takes place along the road outside the park. Still, you’re likely to see the tiny mouse lemur, chameleons and bright frogs.
- Lunch at Hotel Manja – A local favourite in the centre of the village. Great Malagasy food and a good spot to relax after your hike.
To: Ambalavao / Tsaranoro
Distance & time
To Ambalavao: 130 km | approx. 5 hours
To Tsaranoro: 175 km | approx. 7 hours
Route
- From Ranomafana, take the RN25 back to Vorondolo, then follow the RN45 to rejoin the RN7.
- Continue south on the RN7 to reach Ambalavao.
- For Tsaranoro, continue past Ambalavao and follow an off-road 4×4 track for around 1.5 hours.
- The track is rough but scenic.
Community fee
- A local community maintains the road to Tsaranoro and asks for a small fee of 20,000 MGA per person.
To: Antsirabe
Distance & time
255 km | approx. 7 hours
Route
- Start on the RN45, heading north toward Alakamisy. Don’t use the RN25, it’s in bad condition.
- From Alakamisy, rejoin the RN7 heading north to Antsirabe.
- The road is fully asphalted but windy and has some potholes.
Stopover in Ambositra
- Ambositra is a charming town known for wood carving.
- The Artisan Hotel has good sit-down meals or pizza to go.
- If time allows, visit a local workshop to see the craft in action.
Tip
- Plot your route to Alakamisy first, then Antsirabe. It’s longer on the map, but faster and better in reality.
To: Fianarantsoa
Distance & time
65 km | approx. 3 hours
Route
- Leave Ranomafana via the RN25 to Vorondolo.
- At Vorondolo, turn onto the RN45.
- Rejoin the RN7 and continue south to Fianarantsoa.
- Roads are paved but narrow and winding, so drive carefully.