Today we got up early to go to the Ranomafana National Park, which is located almost an hour's drive from Fiaranantsoa (60 kms).
Taxi area in Fianarantsoa
You can also get there by taxi brousse, but after yesterday's beating we decided to hire a taxi driver, Naina, who was offered to us from our hostel. There is a taxi stand near the hostel but the problem in Madagascar is that the vehicles are in very bad condition and although we managed to negotiate a good price the cars did not correspond. The one in Naina is quite good although it smells a bit like gasoline.
Next to the hotel there is a shop that also has pastries and has some incredible cookies. You can see the French influence.
We arrived at Ranomafana. To enter the park it is necessary to hire a guide. At the reception there are two Italians Monica and Luca and we take the guide together. We choose a route of 6 hours Vahorana. It is impressive the sensation when entering the forest, the sound, the humidity... we are very lucky and we see chameleons, mantis, different birds and several species of lemurs (the kings of Madagascar) among them sifakas, golden lemur, red front brown and nocturnal lemur. The flora is not left behind and you can enjoy endemic and other species such as giant bamboo, orchids... The tour takes us to a sanctuary of the ancient inhabitants, who currently live around the park and take care of it. We eat in a spectacular place with incredible views of the park, accompanied by a curious mongoose.
Lemur in Ranomafana National Park
Back in the afternoon to Fianarantsoa we visit the cathedral of Ambozontany and take a walk. We meet Naina to pick us up tomorrow to go to the bus station.
We have dinner in our accommodation with typical Malagasy dishes. The truth is that the family that runs it are very nice and we laugh a lot with them. They give us Malagasy coins that are not easy to see as they usually only use bills and never give you change in coins.
Breakfast: Restaurant Petite Bouffete (included in the accommodation) a baguette with jam and butter, juice and tea or coffee.
Taxi to Ranomafana: 140.000 Ar. (Renoult 19) (those of the street we got them for 120.000 Ar. but they were quite bad) (round trip)
Entrance to the park: 55.000 Ar. pax.
Guide: for 5 pax 27.000 Ar. pax.
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