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An update from Evaneos
Madagascar

Ranomafana National Park, the biodiversity observatory!

Reputed since the colonial era for its thermal waters, Ranomafana , which means "hot water" in Malagasy, has definitely exchanged its original vocation as a thermal spa for ecotourism. Asthma, tension, gastric disorders and even sterility, the treatment formerly provided at the spa resort of Ranomafana no longer attracts tourists, who prefer the lemurs and amphibians of all colours!

So, swap your swimsuits for a pair of wellies and camouflage yourself among the other visitors to the heart of this rainforest, the present day playground of scientists or inquisitive visitors.

An immersion in greenery and nature

A real initiation to nature observation, an excursion to Ranomafana, one of the densest forests of Madagascar, can also be a getaway that is conducive to relaxation and well-being, thanks to its kaleidoscope of intense greens and to the gentleness of the sounds of nature.

Located down approximately sixty kilometres of bad road to the north-east of Fianarantsoa, between Betsileo and Tanala (the people of the forest) country, Ranomafana peaks at 1400 metres on a granitic terrain covered with primary forest. From a short nature excursion of 2 hours to several day's stay with a bivouac, each visitor chooses the time necessary to observe an agile lemur munching on a bamboo shoot or the endearing look of a more timid one!

Chameleon @Servane Rigault

A sanctuary of biodiversity

In this 40,000 hectare National Park that was created in 1991 to protect the forest from loggers and "Tavy", the ancestral practice of slash-and-burn farming that you will see everywhere during your trip to Madagascar, scientists have established a base where they still continue to discover new species. Orchids, tree ferns, palms, moss or giant bamboos, the humid tropical climate of this forest is the ideal environment for the development of an abundant flora.

Within a setting that ranges from the softest to the deepest of greens, Ranomafana National Park remains one of the most privileged sanctuaries for lemurs, geckos, chameleons and frogs, among which there are a large number of endangered species. In all, there are nearly thirty species of mammals, including 12 identified species of lemurs such as the very rare greater bamboo lemur or its cousin, the golden bamboo lemur discovered in 1987, but also boasts an extremely rich avifauna with no less than 96 species of birds.

Follow the guide!

To observe the greatest number of animals in their natural habitat, don't forget to take waterproof clothing (a rain cape is obligatory!), boots (Ranomafana receives an annual precipitation of 2600 mm) and headlamps - the essential accessory for pathfinders in the night!

Split into three sites, Talatakely (to the west), Votohananana (south of Talatakely) and Vohiparana (to the north), the excursions on marked hiking trails vary according to the time of day and the objectives, whether it may be to reach a panoramic viewpoint, to stalk lemurs or for a botanical observation trail. The night-time exploration of the park offers a different vision of the animal and plant world. When little by little darkness enfolds the primary forest, nature reveals its other, more intimate secrets to those who wish, and dare, to approach.

An immersion in a thermal spa at 38 °C or to silently keep still in the dark of the night in the heart of a swarming and exuberant forest - two activities that unquestionably require radically opposite desires and aptitudes!

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