Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s most visually spectacular protected areas featuring a rugged sandstone massif carved by erosion into deep canyons, natural swimming pools, and dramatic rock formations reminiscent of the American Southwest. The park covers over 81000 hectares in southern Madagascar and its varied terrain supports a surprising diversity of wildlife in an arid landscape. Ring-tailed lemurs, Verreaux’s sifaka, and brown lemurs inhabit the canyon forests while the rocky terrain shelters a wealth of endemic reptiles and amphibians. The hiking trails through the park lead to stunning natural pools, sacred burial caves, and panoramic viewpoints across the grassland plateau. The nearby town of Ranohira serves as the gateway and several excellent lodges offer comfortable bases for exploration. Isalo combines Madagascar’s unique wildlife with genuinely dramatic landscapes making it a highlight of any southern Madagascar itinerary.