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'''The Isalo National Park is part of the Ranohira municipality in the Ihorombe region. The park is located 279 kilometres south of Fianarantsoa and 80 kilometres ... south of [[Ihosy]]. The park is the most visited protected area in Madagascar and a popular highlight when discovering the Great South.'''
{| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_001.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_047.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_046.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_010.jpg|196px]]|} Isalo National Park was founded in 1962 and is administrated by [[Madagascar National Parks]] since 1997. The park is situated along the [[RN7]], a tarred road connecting the capital of [[Antananarivo]] with [[Tulear]]. The road is in very good condition and accessible all year round. The route from Antananarivo to [[Ranohira]], also known as the "door to Isalo", takes about 15 hours by car (701km). From Tulear to Ranohira is a 4-hour drive (250km). It is also possible to travel by [[taxi-brousse]], which leave daily from Fasan’ny Karana station in Antananarivo, Antsimo station in [[Fianarantsoa]] and Sanfily station in Tulear.
The park spreads over an area of 81,540 hectares, with an average length of 59 kilometres and an average width of 22 kilometres. The perimeter of the park is 164 kilometres. The altitude varies between 514 metres and 1,268 metres and some of the canyons are up to 200 metres deep.
The Isalo massif is a continental sandstone plateau, dating back to the Jurassic times. The park features various sandy valleys and narrow canyons. Strongly attacked by erosion, the rocks vary in shape and composition. The soil in the park is rich in iron and aluminium.
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In the eastern part of the park, the following rivers flow from north to south: Marandra, Tsiombivoly, Andriamanero, Andranonkova and Namaza Ianakandrarezo, all small tributary rivers of the Menamaty, a tributary river of Mangoky. In the western part, the following rivers stream from north to south: Sambay, Amboloando, Ankademoky, Sakamalio, Hoanga, Vohibasia, Andranomena and Sambalahitsara Analakira, all of which are small tributary rivers of Malio, another tributary of the river Mangoky.
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Falco newtoni''</td>
<td>[[Madagascan Madagascar kestrel]]</td>
<td>Hitikitiky</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Streptopelia picturata''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar turtle -dove]]</td>
<td>Dehoky</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Corythornis vintsioides''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar kingfisher]] or Madagascar kingfisher</td>
<td>Litotsy</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Leptosomus discolor''</td>
<td>[[Cuckoo -roller]] or Courol</td>
<td>Vorondreo</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Upupa epops''</td>
<td>[[Common Hoopoe]]</td>
<td>Tsakodara</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Motacilla flaviventris''</td>
<td>[[Madagascar Wagtailwagtail]]</td>
<td>Triotrio</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Coracina cinerea''</td>
<td>[[Madagascar cuckooshrikecuckoo-shrike]]</td>
<td>Vorondavenoky</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Hypsipetes madagascariensis''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar bulbul]] or Madagascar bulbul</td>
<td>Menasony</td></tr>
<td>Kininitsy</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Neomixix striagullaNeomixis striatigula''</td>
<td>[[Stripe-throated jery]]</td>
<td>Kininitsy</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Nectarinia notata''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy Long-billed green sunbird]]</td>
<td>Siangavola</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Foudia madagascariensis''</td>
<td>[[Red Madagascar red fody]]</td>
<td>Fody</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Lonchura nana''</td>
<td>[[Madagascar muniamannikin]] or Madagascar mannikin</td>
<td>Tsipiny</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Tachybaptus pelzelnii''</td>
<td>[[Madagascar grebgrebe]]e</td>
<td>Vivy</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Ardeola idae''</td>
<td>[[Madagascan Madagascar pond -heron]]</td>
<td>Malemylava</td></tr>
<td>Tsimalaho</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Accipiter Henstiihenstii''</td>
<td>[[Henst's goshawk]]</td>
<td>Fandrasabe</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Accipiter Francesiifrancesiae''</td><td>[[Frances's goshawksparrowhawk]] or France's sparrowhawkMadagascar goshawk</td>
<td>Fihiaky</td></tr>
<td>Firasambalala</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Falco Peregrinusperegrinus''</td>
<td>[[Peregrine falcon]]</td>
<td>Fitsindrinky</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Charadrius tricollaris''</td>
<td>[[ThreeAfrican three-banded plover]] or Three-banded sandplover</td>
<td>Kalipa</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Tyto alba''</td>
<td>[[Barn Common barn-owl]]</td>
<td>Vorondolo</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Nesillas typica''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar brush -warbler]] or Madagascar brush warbler</td>
<td>Vorombaratra</td></tr></table><br>
* Typhlopidae - blind snakes
* Colubridae - snakes
{| class="imageTable"
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|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_040.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_065.jpg|196px]]
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Amongst the amphibians living in the park are 2 endemic frog species: ''Mantidactylus corvus'' and the Malagasy rainbow frog (''Scaphiophryne gottlebei'').
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Boophis albilabris occidentalis''</td>
<td>[[White-lipped bright-eyed frog]]</td>
<td>Tree frog</td></tr>
<td></td>
<td>Frog</td></tr></table><br>
=== Mammals ===
* 14 species of lemurs can be found in the park. The following lemurs are nocturnal (active at night): Coquerel's giant mouse lemur (''Mirza coquereli''), Red-tailed sportive lemur (''Lepilemur ruficaudatus''), Western fat-tailed dwarf lemur (''Cheirogaleus medius'') and the Grey mouse lemur (''Microcebus murinus''). The Verreaux's sifaka ("Propithecus verreauxi"), Ring-tailed lemur ("Lemur catta") and Brown lemur ("Eulemur fulvus") are diurnal (day active).
* Carnivores: Small Indian civet (''Viverricula indica''), Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) and the Malagasy civet ("Fossa fossana").
* Insectivores: Lesser hedgehog tenrec ("Echinops telfairi).
* Omnivores (all-eater)
* Rodents
By 2009, following mammals were listed in the park:
<table width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" border="0">
<tr bgcolor="#dccbb3" valign="top"><td>Scientific name</td>
<td>English name</td>
<td>Description</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Cheirogaleus medius''</td>
<td>[[Western fat-tailed dwarf lemur]]</td>
<td>Lemur</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Microcebus murinus''</td>
<td>[[Grey mouse lemur]]</td>
<td>Lemur</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Mirza coquereli''</td>
<td>[[Coquerel's giant mouse lemur]] or Giant dwarf lemur</td>
<td>Lemur</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Propithecus verreauxi''</td>
<td>[[Verreaux's sifaka]]</td>
<td>Lemur</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Eulemur fulvus''</td>
<td>[[Brown lemur]]</td>
<td></td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Lemur catta''</td>
<td>[[Ring-tailed lemur]]</td>
<td>Lemur</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Lepilemur ruficaudatus''</td>
<td>[[Red-tailed sportive lemur]]</td>
<td>Lemur</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Echinops telfairi''</td>
<td>[[Lesser hedgehog tenrec]]</td>
<td>Tenrec, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Tenrec ecaudatus''</td>
<td>[[Tailless tenrec]] or Common tenrec</td>
<td>Tenrec, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Suncus madagascariensis''</td>
<td>[[Madagascan pygmy shrew]]</td>
<td>Shrew (mouse), insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Mormopterus jugularis''</td>
<td>[[Peter's wrinkle-lipped bat]]</td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Tadarida sp''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Hipposideros commersoni''</td>
<td>[[Commerson's leaf-nosed bat]]</td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Triaenops menamena''</td>
<td>[[Rufous trident bat]]</td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Miniopterus manavi''</td>
<td>[[Manavi long-fingered bat]]</td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Miniopterus gleni''</td>
<td>[[Glen's long-fingered bat]]</td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Myotis goudoti''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy mouse-eared bat]]</td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Pipistrellus sp.''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Bat, insectivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Viverricula indica''</td>
<td>[[Small Indian civet]]</td>
<td>Civet, carnivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Cryptoprocta ferox''</td>
<td>[[Fossa]]</td>
<td>Fossa, carnivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Fossa fossana''</td>
<td>[[Malagasy civet]]</td>
<td>Civet, carnivore</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Mus musculus''</td>
<td>[[House mouse]]</td>
<td>Mouse, rodent</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Macrotarsomys bastardi''</td>
<td>[[Bastard big-footed mouse]]</td>
<td>Mouse, rodent</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Eliurus sp''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Mouse, rodent</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Eliurus myoxinus''</td>
<td>[[Dormouse tufted-tailed rat]]</td>
<td>Rat, rodent</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Rattus rattus''</td>
<td>[[Black rat]]</td>
<td>Rat, rodent</td></tr></table><br>
== The best fauna most visible to tourists ==
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Mantella expectata''</td>
<td>Blue-legged Mantella</td>
<td>Blue Frog with blue legs, yellow back, black and white dotted chest.</td>
<td>Natural swimming pool circuit.</td>
<td>Rainy season.</td></tr>
<td>Rainy season.</td></tr></table><br>
== Flora ==
In the Isalo National Park more than 400 plant species grow. The following plants are endemic to Madagascar:
* ''Pachypodium rosulatum'' - [[Elephant's Foot Plant]] of the Apocynaceae family
* ''Catharantus ovalis'' - medicinal plant, endemic to the Ihorombe region and the entire plain of Zomandao
* ''Kalanchoe'' - medicinal plant
* ''Palmier d’Isalo'' - adapted itself to the hot, dry climate of the Isalo region
* ''Bismarckia nobilis'' - a typical palm of the region, with the particularity to resist fire. Its branches are used by the villagers for plaiting. The Malagasy name for the palm is "Satrana".<br><br>
{| class="imageTable"
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|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_071.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_042.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_015.jpg|196px]]
|-
|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_013.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_011.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_043.jpg|196px]]
|}<br>
== The best flora most visible to tourists ==
<table width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" border="0">
<tr bgcolor="#dccbb3" valign="top"><td>Family</td>
<td>Scientific name</td>
<td>English name</td>
<td>Endemicity</td>
<td>Where to find</td>
<td>When to find</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Apocynaceae</td>
<td>''Pachypodium rosulatum''</td>
<td>[[Elephant's Foot Plant]]</td>
<td>Endemic to Madagascar</td>
<td>Natural swimming pool circuit.</td>
<td>All year round.</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td></td>
<td>''Ichnolepsis tuberosa''</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>Natural swimming pool circuit.</td>
<td>All year round.</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Asclepiadaceae</td>
<td>''Menabea venenata''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td>
<td>Natural swimming pool circuit.</td>
<td>All year round.</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Aloaceae</td>
<td>''Aloes isaloensis ''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td>
<td>Natural swimming pool circuit.</td>
<td>All year round.</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Crassulaceae</td>
<td>''Kalanchoe''</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Apocynaceae</td>
<td>''Catharanthus roseus''</td>
<td>[[Madagascar Periwinkle]]</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Sarcolaenaceae</td>
<td>''Sarcolaena sp''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td>
<td></td>
<td>All year round.</td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Asteropeiaceae</td>
<td>''Asteropeia micraster''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td>
<td></td>
<td></td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Dipterocarpaceae</td>
<td>''Monotes madagascariensis''</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>All year round.</td>
<td></td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>Arecaceae</td>
<td>''Dypsis onilahensis''</td>
<td></td>
<td>Endemic to Madagascar.</td>
<td></td>
<td></td></tr>
<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td></td>
<td>''Cyathea isaloensis''</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>All year round.</td></tr></table><br>
== Landscape ==
This huge eroded massif extends over a large grass bed dotted with patches of forest. Isalo offers a fantastic, colourful landscape, shaped by erosion, and incredible panoramas.
The '''south''' consists of a large, sandy plateau, 800 metres above sea level. The plateau is characterised by savanna, shrubs, grassland and naturally eroded sandstone hills.
The '''east''' consists of a large plateau with an altitude of 1,000 to 2,000 metres. It is largely covered by sclerophyllous plants and grassland. The plateau is cut by numerous varyingly deep canyons with more or less permanent streams. The east of this plateau is dominated by rocky cliffs, characteristic for Isalo.
The '''west''' is a vast [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monocline monocline] plateau with an average altitude of 1,000 metres. It is almost entirely covered by sclerophyllous plants and large plains of grassland. In several places the plateau is cut by canyons, similar to those in the east. Like the east plateau, the west plateau also ends by rocky cliffs.
The '''central part''' between the east and the west is dominated by a valley, a sequence of plains and low-lying plateau, surrounded by sclerophyllous plants and grass meadows.
The '''north''' consists of a large rock barrier in the eastern part with typical rocky escarpment at its end, varying in altitude between 800 and 1,200 metres. The centre is formed by a vast monocline plateau, about 600 to 700 metres above sea level, which greatly reduces the lowering to the Amboloando river. The eastern part is a low plateau of 600 to 700 metres above sea level, descenting to the Malio river.
The '''area surrounding the park''' in the west, east and south consists of peneplain with an average altitude of 800 metres. (A peneplain represents the final stage of fluvial erosion in times of extended tectonic stability.) In the west, some forest along the river beds of Malio, Analalava and Analambia remains, forming the park boundary at this side. In the east, there is also a remnant forest along the river bed of the Menamaty, but smaller in size compared to the west. The rest is dominated by a large tree and shrub savanna which occupies a large area with grass land.<br>
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|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_078.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_073.jpg|196px]]
|}<br>
== Guides and entrance fees ==
The park office is located in Ranohira, 3 kilometres east of the park. There you can inform yourself about the various tours, guides and their rates as well as accommodation costs. Please bear in mind that the office does not open before 7am, so it is advised to obtain an entrance permit already a day in advance in order to have a full day in the park.
There are 70 guides working in the park. All speak French, as well as some English, Italian and German. All guides are educated in ecology, geology, local culture and technical guidance. A noticeboard informs visitors about the specialty of each guide.
More information about the park is available at the ''Maison de l'Isalo'', an interpretation centre located in [[Zahavola]], about 9 kilometres south of Ranohira along the RN7 direction Tulear. The centre holds a permanent exhibition about the geology, fauna, flora and the influence by the local people. The museum is open daily from 6.30am to 6pm and there is no entrance fee.
The admission fee for visiting the park for foreign tourists is 65,000 Ariary per day, children pay 25,000 Ariary per day (prices 2015). Guides are obligatory. The fee for a guide depends on the chosen tour (circuit). Porters cost 20,000 Ariary a day.
The income derived from entrance fees is used to finance several microprojects in the area, such as building of schools, wells, basic hospital, market place and reforesting.<br>
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|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_062.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_069.jpg|196px]]
|}<br>
== Circuits (Tours) ==
There are several circuits crossing the Isalo National Park. Visitors can choose between easy and medium level circuits. It is possible to combine individual circuits by staying overnight at a campsite in the park.
=== Piscine Naturelle - Natural Swimming Pool Circuit ===
Medium circuit, 3 km by car from Ranohira to Mangily and thereafter 3 km trek (3 hours).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This is the most popular circuit in the park offering panoramic views. The trek leads you to a palm-fringed pool, constantly fed by a warm waterfall. You walk through diverse ecosystems passing eroded cliffs with strange shapes, the plain of Tapia trees, the big savannas and several tombs of the Bara and [[Sakalava]] people. Beside various plants, one can observe the Ring-tailed lemur in the Mangily forest. The nearby Analatapia campsite has a toilet, shower and barbecue facilities.<br>
Guide: 25,000 Ariary, car 20,000 Ariary, porter: 20,000 Ariary (prices 2015)<br>
{| class="imageTable"
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|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_033.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_031.jpg|196px]]
|}<br>
=== Cascade de Nymphes, Piscine Noire et Bleue - Cascade of the Nymphs, Black and Blue Swimming Pool Circuit ===
Easy circuit, 4km by car, thereafter 2,8km trek (3.5 hours). Easy trek to the campsite, however, the ascent from the river up the waterfall or to the Black Swimming Pool can be more strenuous.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This tour takes you through the canyon to the Black or Blue Swimming Pool. You will climb along waterfalls inhabited by many rare birds, butterflies and lizards. From the top, one has a panoramic view over the green canyon. Throughout this trek you will have the possibility to spot lemurs. The highlight is a bath in the dark waters of the Cascade of the Nymphs.<br>
Guide for the Cascade of the Nymphs: 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>
Guide for the Black and Blue Swimming Pool: 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>
Porter: 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br><br>
=== Canyon des Makis et Rats - Canyon of the Makis and Rats Circuit ===
Medium circuit, first 17km by car, thereafter 1.7km trek (2.5 hours).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This circuit combines the wild nature and cultural discoveries. The trek offers panoramic views onto rice fields, incised rocks, gorges, the Canyon of the Makis and Rats as well as the huge Ihorombe plateau. The hike will take you to a former royal village, where you will see the surrounding palace wall, the royal bath, the royal tombs as well as traditional Bara tombs. While hiking up the huge gorges you can discover the unique flora of the forest and observe numerous colonies of lemurs, birds, butterflies and lizards. At the end of the trek you can go for a swim in the canyon.<br>
Guide for the Canyon of the Makis and Rats (by car): 25,000 Ariary, porter: 30,000 Ariary (prices 2015)<br>
{| class="imageTable"
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|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_025.jpg|600px]]
|-
|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_026.jpg|196px]]
|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_018.jpg|196px]]
|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_027.jpg|196px]]
|}<br>
=== Crête - The Crest Circuit ===
Medium circuit, 3km by car and thereafter 4km on foot (2.5 hours).<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
Discover the natural geological forms, for which Isalo is famous: "Reine de l’Isalo" - The Queen of Isalo, "Botte" - The Boot, "Loup" - The Wolf, "Tsingy de l’Isalo" - sharp limestone karst pinnacles.<br>
Guide by car: 20,000 Ariary, guide by foot: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 20,000 Ariary (prices 2015)<br><br>
=== The Malaso Circuit ===
Medium circuit, 42km by car (4 hours), thereafter a 2km trek. The Malaso circuit draws its name from the zebu thieves which use the natural labyrinth of the Isalo for their activities.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
The car will take you to a site where ''Pachypodium'', ''Aloe'' and ''Kalanchoe'' grow. Thereafter you will trek for one hour with the opportunity to discover the vegetation of the Isalo National Park. You will see the southern wall, the Tsihitafototra canyon, lemurs, the Isalo Ranch and The Boot. Thereafter the trek will continue through a geological site, where you will see the Tsingy of Isalo in the savanna, the Ampasimaiky cliffs and The Wolf rock formation. From the peak at a height of 975m above sea level you will have an unlimited view over the entire park, the best place to admire the vast extent of Isalo. 30km further you will be near [[Lac Andranovorinkaolo]], a lake paradise for wild ducks. Thereafter, cross the Satrana savanna to get to the Window of Isalo - a natural rock formation in shape of a window through which the sunset can be seen.<br>
Car 4x4: 20,000 Ariary (price 2015)<br><br>
=== The Antsifotra Circuit ===
Medium circuit, 29km by car (5 hours) and thereafter 5km on foot.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This circuit will take you to a riparian forest where lemurs live. The trek and ends at the foot of an amazing waterfall.<br><br>
=== The Anjofo circuit ===
Medium circuit, 29km by car (5 hours) and thereafter 5km on foot.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This trek along rain-loving vegetation gives you the opportunity to see orchids, birds and lemurs. The hike ends at a wonderful waterfall.<br>
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=== Lac Vert de l’Isalo - The Green Lake Circuit ===
Medium circuit, 20km by car (4 hours) and thereafter 1km on foot.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
You will cross the Tapia forest, an riparian forest with palms and lemurs, to reach the Green Lake (Lac Verte) which is a sacred location.<br><br>
=== Grand Tour - The Big Circuit ===
Hard circuit, 4 days on average. 120km on foot or 40km by car and 80km on foot.<br>
'''What to see?'''<br>
This tour compiles all sites, fauna and flora of the park: Archaeological sites (Grotte des Portugais), unforgettable panoramas, the dry forest and the rain forest, birds and lemurs (day as well as night active) and the natural swimming pool.<br>
Guide for Natural Swimming Pool Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 45,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>
Guide for Canyon of the Makis Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 45,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>
Guide for Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit and Black and Blue Swimming Pool Circuit: 35,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>
Guide for Canyon of the Makis Circuit, Natural Swimming Pool Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 65,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br><br>
== Tourist attractions in the region ==
* Grotte d’Ihosy - an underground cave located about 9 kilometres from Ranohira, easy to reach by foot or car.<br><br>
== Habits and customs in the region ==
* ''Bilo'' - a ritual of exorcism to cure the patient by removing the spirit that inhabits its host. During a 7-day long ceremony an ox is slaughtered. The involved persons are the patient, the healer, the Mahavatsy and the Tiam-bilo.
*''Turning of the dead'' - a 7-day funeral ritual, at which relatives and villagers have the opportunity to speak to the deceased.
* ''Hazomanga'' - a sacrificial ceremony to pray to ''Zanahary'' for the living and the dead. Hazomanga is the name of the altar where the sacrifice takes place as well as of the person who officiates the sacrifice.
* ''Sikily'' - circumcision
Three elements are present in all sacrificial rites:<br>
* ''Prayer'' - to call ''Zanahary'' and the ancestors to explain the reasons for the opportunity and demand.
* ''Joro'' - the sacrifice, usually a cow, or in case of pregnancy rice and honey.
* ''Tsipirano'' - the blessing, spraying water or water mixed with blood at the Joro.
The omnipresence of zebu in traditional ceremonies is a natural element in the culture of the Bara people. In the past, before getting married, a young Bara had to steal a zebu to prove his strength and bravery. The Malaso Circuit was named after the famous cattle thieves, who until today still use the natural labyrinths of the Isalo for their activities. ''Malaso'' literally means "cattle thief".
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== Fady - What not to do in the park ==
[[Fady|Fady's]] are not strictly taboos, they are more beliefs which signal when something is "dangerous" related to action, food, locations etc. In the Isalo National Park the following are fady:
* Goat meat
* Guineafowl
The entire Isalo National Park is a sacred place.<br><br>
== Accommodation in the park ==
'''Analatapia Camp'''
* 68 tent sites, tents for 2 people, 5,000 Ariary per person/night.<br>
'''Namaza Camp'''
* 34 tent sites, tents for 2 people, 5,000 Ariary per person/night.<br>
'''Gîte de l’Isalo'''
* 5,000 Ariary per person/night.<br><br>
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== Accommodation outside the park ==
In Ranohira and along the RN7 direction south are plenty of accommodation alternatives, ranging from basic rooms to luxurious bungalows. There is also the possibility of a homestay by renting a room from a local villager.<br><br>
'''[[Berny Hotel]]''' (18 rooms)<br>
Ranohira<br>
Tel: +261 (0)32 0525769 (mobile)<br><br>
'''[[Momo Trek]]''' (rooms, bungalows and camp site)<br>
Ranohira<br>
Tel: + 261 (0)32 4418790 (mobile) or + 261 (0)33 9005007 (mobile)<br><br>
'''Hotel Orchidee or [[Orchidée d'Isalo]]''' (30 rooms)<br>
Ranohira<br>
Tel: + 261 (0)32 4467689 (mobile)<br>
[http://www.orchidee-isalo.com www.orchidee-isalo.com]<br><br>
'''[[Isalo Ranch]]''' (20 bungalows)<br>
Tel: +261 (0)20 2330928<br>
Email: [mailto:info@isalo-ranch.com info@isalo-ranch.com]<br>
[http://www.isalo-ranch.com www.isalo-ranch.com]<br><br>
'''[[Satrana Lodge]]''' (40 bungalows)<br>
Tel: +261 (0)20 2221974 or +261 (0)34 1426087 (mobile) or +261 (0)34 1405949 (mobile)<br>
Email: [mailto:satranalodge@cortezexpeditions.mg satranalodge@cortezexpeditions.mg]<br>
[http://www.hotel-isalo-lodge.com www.hotel-isalo-lodge.com]<br><br>
'''[[Joyau de l'Isalo]]''' (20 bungalows)<br>
Tel: +261 (0)20 2253644 or +261 (0)33 1268092 (mobile)<br>
Email: [mailto:joyaudisalo@yahoo.fr joyaudisalo@yahoo.fr]<br><br>
'''[[Isalo Rock Lodge]]''' (60 rooms)<br>
Tel: +261 (0)20 2232860<br>
Email: [mailto:resirl@hms1.mg resirl@hms1.mg]<br>
[http://www.isalorocklodge.com www.isalorocklodge.com]<br><br>
'''[[Le Jardin du Roy]]''' - 27 bungalows<br>
Tel: +261 (0)20 2235165 or +261 (0)32 0784344 (mobile) or +261 (0)33 0712307<br>
[http://www.lejardinduroy.com www.lejardinduroy.com]<br><br>
'''[[Relais de la Reine]]''' (30 rooms, sister hotel of Jardin du Roy)<br>
[http://www.lerelaisdelareine.com www.lerelaisdelareine.com]<br><br>
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== Additional information ==
