Isalo National Park

Isalo National Park is a nature reserve covering roughly 81,540 hectares of sandstone formations that create deep canyons, gorges, and plateaus shaped by millions of years of natural erosion. The terrain reveals layers of geology that tell the story of how water and weather transformed the rock.

The park was established as a national park in 1962 and came under the authority of Madagascar National Parks in 1997. This transition formalized protection of the area for future generations.

The land is sacred to the Bara people, who bury their ancestors here and raise zebu cattle in the surrounding grasslands. These practices continue to shape daily life in the region today.

Visitors need to arrange guided tours through Ranohira town, as independent exploration is not permitted. Trails range from short daytime walks to multi-day treks depending on fitness and interest.

The park is home to 77 bird species, including Madagascar's Benson's rock thrush, along with 14 lemur species and plants that have adapted specifically to sandstone environments. This variety reflects how the isolated plateau creates its own ecosystem.