MG
Isalo
Sandstone canyons, hidden pools and desert sunsets
Sandstone canyons, hidden pools and desert sunsets
The park’s trails wind through eroded sandstone ridges, palm-lined canyons and open plateaus, home to ringtailed and brown lemurs, endemic birds and hardy desert plants.
💡 A local guide is required; choose a route to match your fitness and the heat.
A jewel-like natural swimming pool fed by a small waterfall and shaded by pandanus palms, the reward at the end of a hot canyon walk, cool and gloriously refreshing.
💡 Bring swimwear and water shoes; the trail in is rocky.
This lush ravine hides waterfalls and the black and blue pools, with excellent chances of spotting ringtailed lemurs and sifaka along the streamside path.
💡 Combine it with the natural pool on a full-day loop.
The Isalo Window is a natural arch eroded from the sandstone, framing the plains beyond and glowing fiery orange as the sun drops behind it, the classic Isalo sunset spot.
💡 Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best light and a good spot.
The ‘Canyon of the Lemurs’ is a dramatic gorge where troops of lemurs move through the trees below towering red rock walls, reachable on a longer guided trek.
💡 Start early to hike in the cool and catch lemurs feeding.
Most meals happen at the lodges and hotels clustered around Ranohira, serving rice with zebu, chicken and vegetables, plus French dishes, soups and cold drinks after long, dusty hikes. Some places do fine three-course dinners with local wine. Carry plenty of water and packed snacks for the trails, as there is nothing to buy inside the park.
Take a guided day hike through Namaza canyon to the waterfalls and natural swimming pool, spotting ringtailed lemurs, then watch sunset at the Isalo Window.
Trek the Canyon of the Lemurs or the plateau trails for wider views and wildlife before relaxing at your lodge pool in the afternoon heat.
The park is hot and exposed with no shops; bring at least two litres per person and sun protection.
Guides are compulsory and know the trails, wildlife and water levels; book at the Ranohira park office.
April to October is dry and best for hiking; days are hot but nights can be surprisingly cold.
Trails are rocky and sometimes slippery near the pools; sturdy footwear makes a big difference.
Hillside-capital Antananarivo, beach-fringed Nosy Be, the rainforest of Andasibe, the baobab avenue at Morondava and the canyons of Isalo — Madagascar at its most varied.