Isalo National Park Vacations

Isalo National Park is one of Madagascar’s most striking landscapes, where towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and wide savannahs give way to hidden waterfalls and natural rock pools. Often described as Madagascar’s Wild West, it feels dramatic and cinematic – a complete contrast to the island’s rainforests and coastal plains.

The park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from short scenic walks to full-day treks through rugged terrain. Along the way, you’ll pass through wind-carved gorges, explore shady canyons lined with palm trees, and cool off in freshwater pools that feel like secret oases. The colours are extraordinary too – golden grasslands, rust-red cliffs, and blue skies stretching for miles.

Despite its arid look, Isalo is home to surprising pockets of wildlife. You might spot ring-tailed lemurs basking on sun-warmed rocks, sifakas leaping between trees, or birds circling high above the cliffs. The flora is equally fascinating, with rare succulents and endemic plants clinging to the rocks.

We love Isalo for its variety – dramatic scenery, wildlife encounters, and the chance to stretch your legs in wide open spaces. It’s often a highlight of an overland journey through the south and pairs beautifully with time in the rainforest or on the coast. Bold, beautiful, and endlessly photogenic, Isalo shows just how diverse Madagascar really is.