Isalo (Ranohira)
Isalo (Ranohira)
Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s highlights. Think wide canyons, palm-lined oases and natural pools to cool off in. It’s hot and dry year-round, so bring water, sun protection and your swimwear!
Covered on this page:
Things to do
- Hike in Isalo National Park – Visit the park office in Ranohira the day before to book your guide and plan your route. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the park entrance, and if you want, your guide can join you on the way (you can discuss this beforehand).
- Swim in natural pools – Many trails lead to cold, clear pools, which are perfect for a quick swim. Don’t forget to wear your swimwear under your hiking clothes if you’re here in summer!
- Watch the sunset at Isalo Window – This rock formation is a popular spot at the end of the day. It gets busy in peak season, but the view is worth it. Stay a bit longer to enjoy the stars.
- Lunch in the park – You can pre-order lunch at the ticket centre. It’s delicious, and you might share the table with a few curious lemurs.
- Cool off at your lodge – Most lodges in Isalo have a pool. Perfect for a relaxing dip after your hike or long drive.
- Try the Via Ferrata at Jardin du Roy – Feeling adventurous? This 1.5-hour climbing route gives you a new view of the area. Book in advance at your lodge or at Jardin du Roy.
To: Tulear (/ Ifaty or Saint Augustin)
Distance & time
Approx. 240 km | around 6 hours
Route
- Follow the RN7 south all the way until the ocean appears.
- Along the way, you’ll pass Zombitse National Park — a good place to stop for a 1–2 hour hike.
- You might spot the white sifaka and many bird species.
- This is also where you’ll likely see your first baobabs.
Continuing to your lodge
- Ifaty: Stay on the RN7 until it ends, then take the RN9 north. Ifaty is about 30 minutes from Tulear.
- Saint Augustin: About 5 km before Tulear Airport, turn left onto a coastal road. Follow this road for 1.5 hours to reach the quiet village of Saint Augustin.
To: Ambalavao / Tsaranoro
Distance & time
To Ambalavao: 230 km | approx. 4 hours
To Tsaranoro: 215 km | approx. 5 hours
Route
- Start on the familiar RN7 north.
- The road climbs in altitude as you leave the dry heat behind.
- After about 2.5 hours, stop in Ihosy to fuel up and grab a coffee or Coke.
- From there, you’ll find no major towns until Ambalavao.
If heading to Tsaranoro
- Just after Vidia village, turn right — your navigation will guide you.
- Follow the off-road path for 1.5 hours to reach your lodge.
- A local community maintains the road (imagine it being worse than it already is…) and asks for a fee of 20,000 MGA per person.