Isalo Park

Specificity of the Park

The Isalo Terrestrial National Park is a unique ecological representation within the Madagascar National Parks network: a ruiniform massif of continental sandstone dating from the Jurassic period with its typical geomorphology and endemic rock-covered vegetation (Aloe, Euphorbia, Pachypodium, Kalanchoe, etc.) and the specific fauna of this exceptional habitat (rock-dwelling reptiles, the vast majority of which are endemic).

The landscapes of Isalo National Park

Eroded massif on a vast bed of grass dotted with tapia forest with landforms affected by erosion.

The flora of the Isalo Reserve

400 plant species, including some endemic to Madagascar, such as Pachypodium rosulatum, the medicinal plant Catharantus ovalis endemic to the Ihorombe region and the entire Zomandao plain, the Isalo palm.

The fauna of the Isalo Reserve

77 bird species, including one endemic to Madagascar, the Benson's Blackbird Pseudocosyphus bensoni. 39 reptiles, including 2 endemic ones, and 14 primate species

Park Location

Isalo National Park is located 269 km from Fianarantsoa and 80 km from Ihosy, in the commune of Ranohira. GPS: 22º22’ – 22º40’ South latitude and 45º11’ – 45º23’ East longitude

How to get there

Antananarivo – Ambondromamy (410 km) on the RN4, turn right onto the RN6 to Antanamitarana (777 km). Antanamitarana – Montagne d'Ambre National Park 30 km. The Montagne d'Ambre National Park is located 37 km from Antsiranana. Antsiranana – Joffreville: 34 km and Joffreville – Park: 3 km, secondary road.

Geography

Area: 81,540 ha. The average length of the Park is 59 km from north to south and the average width is 22 km from east to west. The Park's perimeter is 164 km.

Region: Ihorombe

Ideal time to visit

All year round Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (all hours)