Isalo National Park
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.
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.
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.
The climate is tropical dry, with an annual rainfall of 800-1000mm in the months of December to March and an average temperature of 17°C in June and 25°C in February.
Since centuries the Bara people dominate the Isalo region. Their main activities are livestock, especially zebu, and agriculture.
Contents
Fauna
Birds
There are 77 bird species living in the Isalo National Park, of which one is endemic to Madagascar, the Pseudocosyphus bensoni - Benson's rock thrush. The following species can be observed in the reserve:
| Scientific name | English name | Malagasy name |
| Polyboroides radiatus | Madagascar harrier-hawk | Fihiaky |
| Buteo brachypterus | Madagascar buzzard | Bobaky |
| Falco newtoni | Madagascan kestrel | Hitikitiky |
| Numida meleagris | Helmeted guineafowl | Akanga |
| Streptopelia picturata | Malagasy turtle dove | Dehoky |
| Oena capensis | Namaqua dove | Tsakatoto |
| Treron australis | Madagascar green pigeon | Voronadabo |
| Coracopsis vasa | Greater vasa parrot | Sihotsy |
| Coracopsis nigra | Lesser vasa parrot or Black parrot | Sihotsy |
| Coua cristata | Crested coua | Tokambolo |
| Cuculus rochii | Madagascar cuckoo or Madagascar lesser cuckoo | Taotaokafa |
| Centropus toulou | Malagasy coucal or Madagascan coucal | Toloho |
| Corythornis vintsioides | Malagasy kingfisher or Madagascar kingfisher | Litotsy |
| Merops superciliosus | Olive bee-eater or Madagascar bee-eater | Kiriokirioky |
| Eurystomus glaucurus | Broad-billed roller | Tsararahaky |
| Leptosomus discolor | Cuckoo roller or Courol | Vorondreo |
| Upupa epops | Hoopoe | Tsakodara |
| Motacilla flaviventris | Madagascar Wagtail | Triotrio |
| Coracina cinerea | Madagascar cuckooshrike | Vorondavenoky |
| Hypsipetes madagascariensis | Malagasy bulbul or Madagascar bulbul | Menasony |
| Copsychus albospecularis | Madagascar magpie-robin | Fitatsy |
| Pseudocossyphus bensoni | Benson's rock thrush | Menatretraky |
| Cisticola cherina | Madagascar cisticola | Tity |
| Neomixis tenella | Common jery | Kininitsy |
| Neomixix striagulla | Stripe-throated jery | Kininitsy |
| Terpsiphone mutata | Madagascar paradise-flycatcher | Singetretry |
| Nectarinia souimanga | Souimanga sunbird | Sobita |
| Nectarinia notata | Malagasy green sunbird | Siangavola |
| Zosterops maderaspatanus | Malagasy white-eye | Tsiparimaso |
| Leptopterus chabert | Chabert's vanga | Fotsytretraky |
| Leptopterus viridis | White-headed vanga | Vorondaja |
| Vanga curvirostris | Hook-billed vanga | Bekapoaky |
| Dicrurus forficatus | Crested drongo | Ndovy |
| Corvus albus | Pied crow | Gaga |
| Foudia madagascariensis | Red fody | Fody |
| Lonchura nana | Madagascar munia or Madagascar mannikin | Tsipiny |
| Newtonia brunneicauda | Common newtonia | Katekateky |
| Tachybaptus pelzelnii | Madagascar grebe | Vivy |
| Ardeola idae | Madagascan pond heron | Malemylava |
| Ardeola ralloides | Squacco heron | Malemylava |
| Circus maillardi | Réunion harrier | Fitsindraky |
| Milvus migrans | Black kite | Tsimalaho |
| Accipiter Henstii | Henst's goshawk | Fandrasabe |
| Accipiter Francesii | Frances's goshawk or France's sparrowhawk | Fihiaky |
| Bulbulcus ibis | Cattle egret | Sikotry |
| Ardea purpurea | Purple heron | Dangoro |
| Lophotibis cristata | Madagascar crested ibis or Madagascar ibis | Akohoala |
| Dendrocygna viduata | White-faced whistling duck | Vivy |
| Sarkidiornis melanotos | Knob-billed duck | Angongo |
| Anas erythrorhyncha | Red-billed teal | Sadaelatsy |
| Macheiramphus alcinus | Bat hawk | Hila |
| Falco eleonorae | Eleonora's falcon | Firasambalala |
| Falco concolor | Sooty falcon | Firasambalala |
| Falco Peregrinus | Peregrine falcon | Fitsindrinky |
| Margaroperdix madagascariensis | Madagascar partridge | Traotrao |
| Turnix nigricollis | Madagascar buttonquail | Kibo |
| Dryolimnas cuvieri | White-throated rail or Cuvier's Rail | Tsikoza |
| Gallinula chloropus | Common moorhen | Akohondrano |
| Porphyrio porphyrio | Purple swamphen | Vatry |
| Charadrius tricollaris | Three-banded plover or Three-banded sandplover | Kalipa |
| Tringa nebularia | Common greenshank | Sakalo |
| Actitis hypoleucos | Common sandpiper | Bohaky |
| Pterocles personatus | Madagascar sandgrouse | Hatrakatraky |
| Agapornis cana | Grey-headed lovebird or Madagascar lovebird | Kitrehoky |
| Coua gigas | Giant coua | Aliotsy |
| Tyto alba | Barn owl | Vorondolo |
| Otus rutilus | Madagascar scops owl | Torotoroky |
| Ninox Superciliaris | White-browed hawk-owl | Tovotovoky |
| Asio capensis | Marsh owl | Hanka |
| Caprimulgus madagascariensis | Madagascar nightjar | Fatoriandro |
| Zoonavena grandidieri | Madagascar spinetail | Firihitsandro |
| Cypsiurus parvus | African palm swift | Firihitsandro |
| Apus melba | Alpine swift | Firihitsandro |
| Apus barbatus | African black swift | Firihitsandro |
| Ispidina madagascariensis | Madagascar pygmy-kingfisher | Litotsy |
| Mirafra hova | Madagascar lark | Boria |
| Phedina borbonica | Mascarene martin | Firihitsandro |
| Saxicola torquata | African stonechat | Fitaboly |
| Nesillas typica | Malagasy brush warbler or Madagascar brush warbler | Vorombaratra |
Reptiles and Amphibians
39 species of reptiles can be found in the park. The snake Typhlops arenarius and the skink Mabuya vato are endemic.
The main families are:
- Pelomedusidae - fresh water turtles
- Geckonidae - geckos
- Opluridae - iguanas
- Chamaeleonidae - chameleons
- Scincidae - skinks
- Cordylidae - lizards
- Typhlopidae - blind snakes
- Colubridae - snakes
Amongst the amphibians living in the park are 2 endemic frog species: Mantidactylus corvus and the Malagasy rainbow frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei).
| Scientific name | English name | Description |
| Scaphiophryne gottlebei | Malagasy rainbow frog or Rainbow burrowing frog | Frog |
| Scaphiophryne brevis | Frog | |
| Mantidactylus corvus | Frog | |
| Mantidactylus curtus | Frog | |
| Mantidactylus femoralis | Frog | |
| Mantidactylus lugubris | Frog | |
| Mantidactylus wittei | Frog | |
| Boophis sp | Tree frog | |
| Boophis albilabris occidentalis | White-lipped bright-eyed frog | Tree frog |
| Boophis goudotii | Tree frog | |
| Boophis luteus | Tree frog | |
| Boophis tephraeomystax | Tree frog | |
| Mantella expectata | Blue-legged Mantella | Frog |
| Heterixalus betsileo | Betsileo reed frog | Reed frog |
| Tomopterna labrosa | Frog |
Mammals
- 14 species of lemurs can be found in the park, of which are 8 introduced and 7 endemic to Madagascar. 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:
| Scientific name | English name | Description |
| Cheirogaleus medius | Western fat-tailed dwarf lemur | Lemur |
| Microcebus murinus | Grey mouse lemur | Lemur |
| Mirza coquereli | Coquerel's giant mouse lemur or Giant dwarf lemur | Lemur |
| Propithecus verreauxi | Verreaux's sifaka | Lemur |
| Eulemur fulvus | Brown lemur | |
| Lemur catta | Ring-tailed lemur | Lemur |
| Lepilemur ruficaudatus | Red-tailed sportive lemur | Lemur |
| Echinops telfairi | Lesser hedgehog tenrec | Tenrec, insectivore |
| Tenrec ecaudatus | Tailless tenrec or Common tenrec | Tenrec, insectivore |
| Suncus madagascariensis | Madagascan pygmy shrew | Shrew (mouse), insectivore |
| Mormopterus jugularis | Peter's wrinkle-lipped bat | Bat, insectivore |
| Tadarida sp | Bat, insectivore | |
| Hipposideros commersoni | Bat, insectivore | |
| Triaenops menamena | Bat, insectivore | |
| Miniopterus manavi | Bat, insectivore | |
| Miniopterus gleni | Bat, insectivore | |
| Myotis goudoti | Malagasy mouse-eared bat | Bat, insectivore |
| Pipistrellus sp. | Bat, insectivore | |
| Viverricula indica | Small Indian civet | Civet, carnivore |
| Cryptoprocta ferox | Fossa | Fossa, carnivore |
| Fossa fossana | Malagasy civet | Civet, carnivore |
| Mus musculus | House mouse | Mouse, rodent |
| Macrotarsomys bastardi | Bastard big-footed mouse | Mouse, rodent |
| Eliurus sp | Mouse, rodent | |
| Eliurus myoxinus | Dormouse tufted-tailed rat | Rat, rodent |
| Rattus rattus | Black rat | Rat, rodent |
The best fauna most visible to tourists
| Scientific name | English name | Description | Where to find | When to find |
| Mantella expectata | Blue-legged Mantella | Frog with blue legs, yellow back, black and white dotted chest. | Natural swimming pool circuit. | Rainy season. |
| Mabouya sp | Long-tailed skink, reptile. Six species of this genus are only known in Madagascar, all are endemic. Brown colour, neck with white dots. | Natural swimming pool circuit. | All year round. | |
| Boophis albilabris occidentalis | White-lipped bright-eyed frog | Frog, endemic to Isalo and Bemaraha. | Cascade of the Nymphs circuit. | Rainy season. |
| Pseudocossyphus bensoni | Benson's rock thrush | Songbird, endemic to Madagascar. | All circuits. | All year round. |
| Brookesia | Chameleon | Canyon of the rats. | Rainy season. | |
| Buteo brachypterus | Madagascar buzzard | Bird of prey, endemic to Madagascar. Can be found throughout the island. | Canyon. | Dry season. |
| Polyboroides radiatus | Madagascar harrier-hawk | Bird of prey, endemic to Madagascar. Fairly common. | Canyon. | Dry season. |
| Upupa epops | Hoopoe | Colourful bird with an distinctive orange crown of feathers. | ||
| Terpsiphone mutata | Madagascar paradise-flycatcher | Bird that can be found on Madagascar and the Comoros. | Namaza circuit. | Rainy season. |
| Acrantophis dumerili | Dumeril's boa | Snake that can be found mostly in the southern and southwestern Madagascar, especially in Andranolava near Mahajanga. | Namaza circuit. | Rainy season. |
| Ithycyphus perineti | Perinet night snake | Snake that lives in the rainforest. | Namaza circuit. | Rainy season. |
| Scorpion | Natural swimming pool circuit. | All year round. | ||
| Phromnia rosea | Flatid leaf bug | Insect. At a distance it can be mistaken for a flower. | All circuits in the forest. | Rainy season. |
Flora
In the Isalo National Park grow more than 400 plant species. 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".
The best flora most visible to tourists
| Family | Scientific name | English name | Endemicity | Where to find | When to find |
| Apocynaceae | Pachypodium rosulatum | Elephant's Foot Plant | Endemic to Madagascar | Natural swimming pool circuit. | All year round. |
| Ichnolepsis tuberosa | Natural swimming pool circuit. | All year round. | |||
| Asclepiadaceae | Menabea venenata | Endemic to Madagascar. | Natural swimming pool circuit. | All year round. | |
| Aloaceae | Aloes isaloensis | Endemic to Madagascar. | Natural swimming pool circuit. | All year round. | |
| Crassulaceae | Kalanchoe | ||||
| Apocynaceae | Catharanthus roseus | Madagascar Periwinkle | |||
| Sarcolaenaceae | Sarcolaena sp | Endemic to Madagascar. | All year round. | ||
| Asteropeiaceae | Asteropeia micraster | Endemic to Madagascar. | |||
| Dipterocarpaceae | Monotes madagascariensis | All year round. | |||
| Arecaceae | Dypsis onilahensis | Endemic to Madagascar. | |||
| Cyathea isaloensis | All year round. |
Landscape
This huge eroded massif extends over a large grass bed, dotted with 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, prairie grass and naturally eroded sandstone hills.
The east consists of a large plateau with an altitude of 1000 to 2000 metres. It is largely covered by sclerophyllous plants and prairie grass. 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 monocline plateau with an average altitude of 1000 metres. It is almost entirely covered by sclerophyllous plants and large plains of prairie grass. In several places the plateau is cut by canyons, similar to those in the east. Like the east plateau, also the west plateau 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 1200 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, descanting 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 tetonic stability.) In the west remains some forest along the river beds of Malio, Analalava and Analambia, 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 prairie grass.
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 possible accommodation costs. Please bare 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 general culture, ecology, geology, local culture and technical guidance. A noticeboard informs about the specialty of each guide.
More information about the park is available in 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, there is no entrance fee.
The admission fee for visiting the park depends on how many days will be spent in the park. Foreign tourists pay 25,000 Ariary for 1 day, 37,000 Ariary for 2 days, 40,000 Ariary for 3 days and 50,000 Ariary for 4 to 10 days (prices 2010). Guides are obligatory. The fee for a guide depends on the chosen tour (circuit) and can reach from 16,000 Ariary for the Natural Swimming Pool circuit to the 20,000 for the Maki Canyon. Porters cost 10,000 Ariary a day.
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).
What to see?
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 narby Analatapia campsite has a toilet, shower and barbecue facilities.
Guide: 20,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 16,000 Ariary
Cascade de Nymphe, Piscine Noire et Bleue - Cascade of the Nymphs, Black and Blue Swimming Pool Circuit
Easy circuit, 4km by car, thereafter 288km 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 arduous.
What to see?
This tour takes you through the canyon to the Black or Blue swimming pool. You will climb waterfalls inhabited by many rare birds, butterflies and lizards. From the top one has a panoramic view over the green canyon. Throughout this trek there is the possibility to spot lemurs. The highlight is a bath in the dark waters of the Cascade of the Nymphs.
Guide for the Cascade of the Nymphs: 20,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 16,000 Ariary
Guide for the Black and Blue Swimming Pool: 20,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 16,000 Ariary
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).
What to see?
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.
Guide for the Canyon of the Makis: 24,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 20,000 Ariary
Guide for the Canyon of the Makis and Rats: 30,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 24,000 Ariary
Crête - The Crest Circuit
Medium circuit, 3km by car thereafter 4km on foot (2.5 hours).
What to see?
Discover the natural geological forms, for which Isalo is famous for: "Reine de l’Isalo" - The Queen of Isalo, "Botte" - The Boot, "Loup" - The Wolf, "Tsingy de l’Isalo" - sharp limestone karst pinnacles.
The Malaso Circuit
Medium circuit, 42km by car (4 hours) thereafter 2km trek. The Malaso circuit draws its name from the zebu thieves which use the natural labyrinth of the Isalo for their activities.
What to see?
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 rockformation The Wolf. From the peak at a hight of 975m above sea level you 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 type of a window through which the sunset can be seen.
The Antsifotra Circuit
Medium circuit, 29km by car (5 hours) thereafter 5km on foot.
What to see?
This circuit will take you to a riparian forest where lemurs live and ends at the foot of an amazing waterfall.
Guide: 20,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 16,000 Ariary
The Anjofo circuit
Medium circuit, 29km by car (5 hours) thereafter 5km on foot.
What to see?
This trek along rain-loving vegetation gives you the opportunity to see orchids, birds and lemurs. The hike ends at a wonderful waterfall.
Guide: 20,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 16,000 Ariary
Lac Vert de l’Isalo - The Green Lake Circuit
Medium circuit, 20km by car (4 hours) thereafter 1km on foot.
What to see?
You will cross the Tapia forest, an riparian forest with palms and lemurs to reach the Green Lake (Lac Verte) which is a sacred place.
Guide: 20,000 Ariary (1-4 people), car: 16,000 Ariary
Grand Tour - The Big Circuit
Hard circuit, 4 days on average. 120km on foot or 40km by car and 80km on foot.
What to see?
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.
Guide for Natural Swimming Pool Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 32,000 Ariary (1-4 people)
Guide for Canyon of the Makis Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 36,000 Ariary (1-4 people)
Guide for Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit and Black and Blue Swimming Pool Circuit: 24,000 Ariary (1-4 people)
Guide for Canyon of the Makis Circuit, Natural Swimming Pool Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 52,000 Ariary (1-4 people)
Tourist attractions in the region
- Grotte d’Ihosy - An underground cave located about 9 kilometres from Ranohira, easy to reach by foot or car.
Cultural events in the region
- Bilo - a ritual of exorcism to cure the patient by removing the spirit that inhabits its host. During the 7-day long ceremony an ox is slaughtered. The involved persons are the patient, the healer, the Mahavatsy and the Tiam-bilo.