National Park Visit and Thermal Bath

Antsirabe is the starting point of today's day.

The city of Ambositra is a point of interest on this road trip. Today, you will stop here for a coffee break on the way to the national park of Ranomafana. Don't worry, you will have more time later in the trip to experience the town.
Get a full experience of travelling like a local, drink coffee from a street stall or a "hotely" a restaurant that is open all day. They are easy to find especially in a big town like Ambositra.
On Day 4 of the road trip, you will hike to Ifasina, an ethnic village. You will need a guide for this trip. You can enquire on this coffee break about potential guides, ask at a hotel reception as you won't find a tourist office here. Or else, you can wait to be in Antoetra on the day of the hike.

You have arrived in Ranomafana. Time for lunch. This hotel also has a restaurant and eating here is an opportunity to taste local dishes.
The menu includes Malagasy dishes like porc with bambara peas or vegetable achards.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Ranomafana is one of the most beautiful natural parks in Madagascar. Home to rare species of endemic fauna and flora, including the golden bamboo lemur and the greater bamboo lemur, the park became a Unesco World Heritage in 2007. You can also observe some preserved primary forest inside the park.
There is an entrance fee and a community charge to visit the park. Hiring a guide is also a mandatory requirement at the entrance. She/he will help you spot animals and move around the park according to local rules. Account for additional guiding fees in your budget. You can choose from several trails options at the park.
Please note that there is a double pricing in a lot of places in Madagascar, foreigners can pay more than the locals. It is not a scam, it is just the way things are.
You can buy your ticket at the entrance of the park.
Clik here to the website

After the hike, wind down at Ranomafana's thermal pool. The walk to the pool is picturesque as you have to cross an astonishing bridge over a river and can observe locals in their daily lives.
The swimming pool is a rudimentary infrastructure with no lockers. But the pool of hot thermal water and its curative properties is perfect to relax sore muscles.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: Closed

This is a very popular local eatery with the inhabitants of Fianar. Dishes are simple but delicious and plentiful. Prices are very reasonable. This is a real insider tip!
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Spend the night in this cute guest house, tastefully decorated, and with a nice terrace. The guest house has private parking spaces.
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