Isalo National Park in the south is a landscape of huge sandstone massifs, canyons and canyon pools, rising above golden grassland. It looks more like the American West than the Madagascar of rainforests, and it is one of the most spectacular places in the country.
Walks lead to natural swimming pools, such as the Piscine Naturelle and the Blue and Black Pools, through narrow canyons and past the traditional Bara burial sites. Ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas live in the park, and the sunset at the Window of Isalo, a natural rock arch, is a favourite photograph.
Isalo is a popular stop at the end of the RN7 route, with hotels and lodges set against the cliffs.
Ring-tailed lemur and Verreaux’s sifaka are the main lemurs, along with the red-fronted brown lemur. Rock-dwelling reptiles, chameleons and some endemic birds also live in the park, and the plant life includes endemic species such as the elephant’s foot.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Huge sandstone massifs, deep canyons and golden savannah, with a changing palette of red and orange at dusk.
Activities here
Isalo is hot and dry for much of the year, with a wet season from November to March. Winter days are mild and nights are cool, and the summer is very hot.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 | 21 | 250 |
| Feb | 33 | 21 | 220 |
| Mar | 32 | 20 | 130 |
| Apr | 31 | 18 | 30 |
| May | 28 | 14 | 10 |
| Jun | 26 | 11 | 5 |
| Jul | 26 | 10 | 3 |
| Aug | 28 | 12 | 3 |
| Sep | 31 | 15 | 5 |
| Oct | 34 | 18 | 40 |
| Nov | 34 | 20 | 120 |
| Dec | 33 | 21 | 240 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to October is dry and sunny. Walking is most comfortable from May to September.
November to March is hot and stormy. Canyons can flood, and trails are slippery.
April to October for walking and swimming in the canyon pools. The park is best avoided in the heat of summer.
Best time to visit Apr to Oct
Isalo is about five to six hours by road from Toliara, and about seven hours from Ranomafana, on the RN7. Ranohira is the nearest village. Allow generous drive times.
Park entry and a guide are required and are included in our tours. Please see the Madagascar page for visa details.
Isalo is a low malaria area, but please take advice. It is hot in summer, so bring a hat, water and sun protection. Trails are rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.
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“Our take”
Give Isalo two nights. Hike in the morning, rest in the heat, and be at the Window at sunset.
Safaris from
US$3,196 per person
Plan your time in Isalo
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