Isalo National Park is a very beautiful, yet surreal area situated in south western Madagascar.  Wide golden plains surround its central feature: the Isalo Massif. This is a 6km thick sedimentary rock deposit formed primarily of coarse-grained sandstone. Isalo's intriguing landscapes include craggy pinnacles of terracotta rock and deep canyons which date back to the Jurassic period. Riparian forests and fire-resistant woodlands of tapia help to create varied habitats out of its open grasslands.

Originally designated as a national park in 1962 to 'preserve the ancestral beauty of the site', the park covers an area of 81,540 hectares in one the most arid regions of the country. Isalo's strong influence of both archaeological relics and funeral sanctuaries blend to create an almost-magical atmosphere of contrasts. Sculpted over aeons by wind and rain, the sandstone formations at Isalo are dotted with natural pools, with the highlight being La Piscine Naturelle or the 'cascades. This is considered to be one of the best waterfalls in Madagascar, with a large natural swimming pool at its base.

Isalo provides perhaps the best hiking and trekking in Madagascar, with natural water features providing much appreciated refreshment and scenic beauty.

Wildlife & Flora

Isalo has over 80 species of birds including the endemic Benson's rock thrush (Monticola sharpei bensoni); 48 species of reptiles and amphibians; and 14 species of mammals. There are 3 types of lemur here, including perhaps the country's most enigmatic species, the Ring-tailed Lemur, known locally as maki. We can also find Red-fronted Lemurs and the beautiful Verreaux Sifaka.

The park is renowned for its floral richness and is dotted with rare and endemic species such as a unique variety of aloe (Aloe isaloensis); and the ferociously-spined elephant's foot plant (Pachypodium rosulatum), which blooms between September and October. There are some unusual lichens here too, including one which given its Latin name, Isalonactis madagascariensis, is clearly only found at Isalo. All in all, there are 13 species of plant endemic to Isalo.

Climate

Isalo lies within the western dry forest bioclimatic zone, living up to the very dry aspect of this definition between May and November. Like most of Madagascar, January to March is the wettest period, with April and December being transitional weather months.

Temperatures are lowest during the drier months, ranging between about 20^oC (68^oF) and 32^oC (90^oF). January is hottest ranging from around 26oC (79^oF) at night to 37^oC (99^oF) in the middle of the day.