The combination of fair accessibility, comfortable accommodation, scenic beauty and varied wildlife make the 158-sq-mi-/410-sq-km Ranomafana National Park (about 40 mi/66 km from Fianarantsoa) one of the most alluring protected areas in Madagascar. It is quite possible to see 10 different lemur species in the course of a stay of two or three days. An otherwise elusive small carnivore called the Malagasy striped civet and the satanic leaf-tailed gecko can also be found.
More than 120 bird species have been recorded, and it's a good place for forest couas and ground rollers. Hiking conditions are excellent, even along the main road through the park, which follows a spectacular river as it tumbles downhill to the hot-spring resort for which the park is named. September-November is ideal for orchid lovers.
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