Isalo National Park

Madagascar, Africa

Isalo National Park, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Madagascar," features stunning sandstone formations, deep canyons, and natural pools. It boasts diverse wildlife, including lemurs and unique flora, making it a hiker's paradise. Trekking trails lead you through breathtaking vistas and ancient burial sites, providing a rich cultural experience. Whether you swim in the natural pools or gaze at the starry night sky, Isalo promises an adventure filled with natural beauty and serene landscapes.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Toliara

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Isalo National Park

1

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hiking the Isalo Massif

Explore stunning sandstone formations and canyons.

No booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the natural swimming pools

Swim in crystal-clear pools surrounded by cliffs.

No booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Canyon des Makis

Witness unique flora and fauna in this lush canyon.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Spot ring-tailed lemurs

Catch a glimpse of Madagascar's iconic lemurs.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Isalo windows

Photograph this iconic rock formation at sunset.

No booking required
6

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cultural visit to a local village

Experience the culture and traditions of the Bara people.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Birdwatching in Isalo

Observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

No booking required
8

Est. 12 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Camping under the stars

Experience a night in the wild at Isalo.

Booking required
9

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the 'Lizard' rock formation

Marvel at this unique rock shaped like a lizard.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography of the Isalo landscape

Capture breathtaking landscapes of Isalo's terrain.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~5-10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-11 (#162 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Malagasy Ariary

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Malagasy

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Romazava

Beef and greens stew (National dish)

Ravitoto

Pork with cassava leaves

Lasopy

Vegetable soup with meat

Koba

VE

Rice cake with peanuts

Akoho sy Voanio

Chicken with coconut milk

Phrases to learn

English

Malagasy

Hello

Salama

(Sah-lah-mah)

Yes/No

Eny / Tsia

(Eh-nee / Tsee-ah)

Thank you

Misaotra

(Mee-sah-oh-tra)

Excuse me

Azafady

(Ah-zah-fah-dee)

How much?

Ohatra?

(Oh-hah-trah)