- Park address: Ranohira 313, Madagaskar
- Year of foundation: 1962
- Area of the park: 815 square meters. km
- Contact phone: +261 32 44 440 75
- Opening hours: 7: 00-17: 00
Isalo is a nature reserve with a unique landscape, an amazing combination of rare vegetation, tropical savannas, strange rocks, caves and crystal clear water bodies.
Location:
Isolo (Isalo) National Park is located in the south of the island of Madagascar , in the province of Toliara .
History of the Reserve
Isalo was established in 1962 in the same forest range. Its origin was contributed by the fact that for many years on these lands fires were made, which prevented the growth of young grass for feeding cattle. Therefore, it was decided to create in Isalo an environmental protection zone for the restoration of forests and all the flora and fauna characteristic of the area.
What is interesting Isolo National Park?
In the reserve you will not find a large variety of representatives of flora and fauna. This is due to the fact that windless and very hot weather prevails here. According to biologists, Isalo has 82 species of birds, 33 - reptiles, 15 - frogs and 14 species of mammals. Of course, all of them will not be seen, the greatest probability is to meet on the paths of the reserve of lemurs. Of plants you may be interested in a tree of nolin, which has a rough bark and a very thick trunk, for which it received the nickname "elephant leg".
The territory of the Isalo National Park has an amazing landscape. The height difference in the reserve ranges from 500 to 1200 m above sea level. Here you can see huge grassy savannahs with sandstone piles, rocks of the most diverse and bizarre forms, deep canyons, caves and even ancient tombstones, preserved from the time of the Bara tribe. This nationality has preserved its traditions of reburial of bodies in graves, all of their actions are treated as a solemn event, and with them several local beliefs are associated. In the canyon of the park, several burial grounds have been preserved.
Excursion in the park
There are several routes along Isalo National Park . The most popular among tourists are two short routes, which take only one day. The first one is called "Monkey Canyon and Natural Pool" and runs along the river bed with crystal clear water, where you can swim. The path is built in such a way that first you have a long and rather difficult climb up the mountain to a sunlit plateau with rare bushes. Then you will see an oasis, enjoy the sounds of running water, go down into the gorge, you will see a cascade of small waterfalls and a shallow lake. Also in this place is very likely to meet lemurs. Another route ("Natural Window") will open for you the most hidden paths and picturesque surroundings of rocks and caves.
Of the interesting places in the reserve Isalo we note:
- "Monkey Canyon";
- "The Rat Canyon";
- "La Feninet" - a pile of sandstone in the form of a window directed to the west, in the alignment of which you can admire the setting sun.
When is it best to visit Isalo?
The most favorable time for visiting Isalo National Park in Madagascar is from April to October. This season is characterized by active flowering of the local vegetation, so that the hills and cliffs are covered with a green carpet.
Entrance to the park, excursions and guide services are paid. The cost depends on the length and duration of the route.
How to get there?
Prior to the Isalo Nature Reserve, you can take a taxi or a rented car from Ranohira. Taxis in Madagascar are official (licensed with the Adema logo and counters) and private (there are usually no counters in them, and the cost depends on the length of the route and traffic density on the roads). The prices for taxi services are moderate, to agree on the cost of the trip better in advance, before boarding the car.
Rent a car in the country is poorly developed, so it is better to take care of car hire in advance (at the airport , through the Internet, at large travel agencies and cities).