Isalo: the jewel of Southern Madagascar
Welcome to one of Madagascar's most spectacular landscapes: Isalo National Park, where golden sandstone canyons, dry savannahs and natural pools shape a unique world between sky and earth.
Practical guideAn iconic park in the heart of the South
Located in the Ihorombe region, in the heart of Southern Madagascar, Isalo covers 81,540 hectares of ruin-shaped plateaus, deep canyons and savannahs. Created in 1962, this iconic park, which is also a Geopark, protects a mosaic of ecosystems, remarkable biodiversity and major natural and cultural sites, among sclerophyllous forests, natural pools and towering cliffs.
The semi-arid climate shapes a wide range of habitats, from rock-dwelling vegetation to riverside forest, and allows rare and endemic species to thrive: lemurs, birds, amphibians and remarkable plants.
The history of Isalo National Park
Isalo National Park was created on 19 July 1962 by decree No. 62-371. It was established as a National Park within the Sub-Prefecture of Ihosy, Fianarantsoa Province. The decree was signed by the former President of the Republic and Head of Government Philibert Tsiranana and the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs René Rasidy.
In 1992, Isalo was opened to tourism under the management of ANGAP (National Association for the Management of Protected Areas).
Isalo National Park is governed by law No. 2015-005 of 26 February 2015 reforming the Protected Areas Management Code, and by decree No. 98-164 of 19 February 1998 implementing law No. 97-012 of 6 June 1997, which amends and supplements certain provisions of law No. 90-033 of 21 December 1990 on the Environmental Charter.
A wide variety of natural environments
🏔️ Ruin-shaped sandstone massif
Deep canyons, cliffs and spectacular rock formations sculpted by erosion.
🌳 Sclerophyllous forests
Mid-altitude forests adapted to semi-arid conditions, home to unique plants.
🌾 Wooded savannahs
Grasslands and plateaus dotted with drought-resistant trees.
💧 Natural pools
Rivers (Sahanafa, Ankademoky, Sakamalio), waterfalls and seasonal wetlands.
🪨 Rock-dwelling vegetation
Plants adapted to rock faces, including the famous Pachypodium rosulatum.
🌱 Riverside forests
Lush vegetation along the rivers, with rare species such as Sartidia isaloensis.
Exceptional biodiversity
🐒 Lemurs (7 species)
- Lemur catta (EN) - The famous ring-tailed lemur
- Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi (EN) - Verreaux's sifaka
- Eulemur fulvus (NT) - The brown lemur
- Microcebus murinus (LC) - The grey mouse lemur
- Other nocturnal species
🦜 Birds (77 species)
Monticola sharpei bensoni (endemic to Isalo), various water and savannah birds.
🦎 Reptiles (33 species)
Mabuya vato (locally endemic), Chalarodon, Oplurus, gecko, Zonosaurus.
🐸 Amphibians (15 species)
Scaphiophryne gottlebei (CR, endemic to Isalo), Mantella expectata (EN), Mantidactylus noralottae (VU).
🦇 Mammals (17 species)
2 carnivores (including Cryptoprocta ferox), 5 rodents, 3 insectivores, 8 bats.
Plants found nowhere else
Isalo National Park is home to 215 recorded plant species , many of them endemic and threatened.
🌳 Sclerophyllous forests
Leptolaena sp., Asteropeia micraster, Uapaca bojeri
🌱 Riverside forests
Sartidia isaloensis (rare species)
🌵 Rock-dwelling plants
Pachypodium rosulatum, Pachypodium geayi, aloes, euphorbias, kalanchoe
🌺 Flagship species
Monotes madagascariensis (CR), Pachypodium horombense, Pachypodium geayi
What to do in Isalo National Park?
Activities focus on the region's scenic landscapes and natural attractions: nature watching, wildlife and plants.
🥾 Hiking
Trails of 2 to 6 hours through the canyons and plateaus.
🚗 Driving circuit
Discover the park by vehicle, ideal for families and people with reduced mobility.
🐴 Horse-riding circuit
Explore the park on horseback for a unique experience.
🧗 Via ferrata
For adventurers: climb the park's cliffs safely.
🏊 Natural pools
Swim in the park's natural pools, such as the famous "Natural Pool".
🌅 Sunset
Watch the sunset at the "Window of Isalo", an unforgettable sight.
Guiding and interpretation of the different themes on each trail are provided by local guides working in partnership with the park. Being accompanied by a local guide is mandatory.
How to get to Isalo National Park?
By road
The park is reached via the RN7 from Antananarivo or Tuléar to Ranohira.
By sea
No direct sea access to the park. You can reach Tuléar by boat.
By air
No direct flights. Fly to Tuléar, then take the RN7.
📍 Welcome office
The welcome office is in the town of Ranohira , 3 km east of the park. The park staff will help you organise your stay.
🏕️ Interpretation centre
Isalo has its own interpretation centre, “ La Maison de l'Isalo ”, located in Zahavola, 9 km from Ranohira village on National Road 7 towards Tuléar. La Maison de l'Isalo hosts a permanent exhibition on Isalo, its geology, wildlife, plants and history.
Campsites and visitor facilities
🏕️ Zahavola campsite
On the RN7, between the interpretation centre and the Rock Lodge hotel. A 2,229 m² site with a beautiful view: 5 tent pitches, kitchen area, toilet and shower block, meeting area.
🏕️ Namaza campsite
At the entrance to the Namaza gorge, 700 m from the car park. 12 tables with benches, 33 tent pitches, kitchen area, toilet blocks.
🏕️ Natural Pool campsite
40 pitches for 80 campers. Running water, toilets and showers. Firewood, fireplaces and covered tables.
🏕️ Korobe campsite
Additional visitor facilities inside the massif.
🏕️ Betaindambo campsite
A campsite in an unspoilt natural setting.
🏕️ Via ferrata campsite
Accommodation close to the via ferrata site for climbing enthusiasts.
Good to know
- The park is open all year round
- Bring your entrance ticket validated at the welcome office
- Being accompanied by a local guide is mandatory
- 4 types of circuits: walking, driving, horse riding, via ferrata
- Bivouac and camping are allowed on dedicated sites
💡 Best time to visit: The park can be visited all year round. The landscapes are spectacular in every season, but the dry season (April to December) offers more comfortable hiking conditions.
Discover in photos
Ready to discover Isalo?
Contact Ma'Tour Guide Madagascar to organise your visit to Isalo National Park and your tour of Southern Madagascar.