Isalo National Park

Allocated national park status in 1962, the Isalo National Park is located approximately 400km southwest of Madagascar's capital city, Antananarivo, and protects 81,540 hectares of wildly eroded Jurassic sandstone massif. 

The grassy plains are surrounded by sandstone ridges sculpted by wind and water into wild forms, and secluded in the rocks are many Sakalava Tombs.  In places the landscape can give the sensation of being transported to the old wildwest.

Most vegetated areas of the park are covered with dry grassland or sparse, low deciduous woodland.  Near streams and in the microclimates of the deeper canyons, there are ferns, pandanus, and feathery palm trees.

Although animal life isn’t the park’s most prominent feature, there are a few species to look out for, including two species of lemur: ringtail and brown lemur, and Verreaux’s sifaka. Isalo National Park is also home to approximately 55 species of bird, including the rare Benson’s rock-thrush.

Those equipped for trekking and camping can spend several days or longer wandering around the Isalo Massif.

Special features include:

• Canyon des Singes
  The tightly constricted Canyon des Singes, whose name means “canyon of monkeys” is an interesting day walk from Ranohira, its better however to make it an overnight trip and leave time for exploration.
  
  
• Canyon des Singes to Piscine Naturelle
  A popular excursion is from the campsite at Canyon des Singes through the Isalo Massif to the Piscine Naturelle.  It’s a hot and long walk but the landscape along the way is breathtaking with hidden canyons, brilliantly coloured ranges, bizarre strata and the chance to observe sifakas as well as ringtail lemurs.
  
  
• Piscine Naturelle
  At Piscine Naturelle there is a natural stone cave that overlooks a waterfall that tumbles into a deep green pool surrounded by overhanging pandanus trees. Ideal for swimming, especially after a long hot trip over the massif from Canyon des Singes.