Parc National Isalo

Top choice in Southern Madagascar


Isalo is one of Madagascar's most beautiful parks. It contains sculpted buttes, vertical rock walls and, best of all, deep canyon floors shot through with streams, lush vegetation and pools for swimming. All of this changes with the light, culminating in extraordinary sunsets beneath a big sky. Add all this to easy access off the RN7 and you understand why this is Madagascar’s most visited park.

At more than 800 sq km, it’s also a large park, so if you want to go off on your own there is plenty of room for exploration, with everything from two-hour to week-long hikes. There's also an excellent chance of spotting ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifaka around the Nemaza campsite.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Madagascar attractions

1. Canyon des Makis

3.07 MILES

Canyon des Makis is an important hiking area north of town, with some lemurs in residence. It's a 17km drive from Ranohira and an easy 2km hike, taking…

2. Canyon des Rats

3.57 MILES

Around 17km north of town, Canyon des Rats is a traditional burial area with some lemurs in residence. Often combined on a hiking expedition with Canyon…

3. Maison de l’Isalo

6.08 MILES

The buttons don't work at this once-interactive little museum, but it's still a good introduction to the history, culture and geology of the park. If you…

4. La Reine de l'Isalo

7.31 MILES

If you like finding figures in stone, La Reine de l’Isalo sits about 3km south of the museum, on the left side of the road. It's cool once you spot it,…

5. La Fenêtre de l'Isalo

8.85 MILES

La Fenêtre de l’Isalo is a popular natural rock window that frames the setting sun, although we actually prefer it for the surrounding views of sweeping…

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