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'''The Isalo National Park is part of the Ranohira municipality in the Ihorombe region. The park is located 279 kilometres south of Fianarantsoa and 80 kilometres south of [[Ihosy]]. The park is the most visited protected area in Madagascar and a popular highlight when discovering the Great South.'''

{| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_001.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_047.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_046.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_010.jpg|196px]]|} Isalo National Park was founded in 1962 and is administrated by [[Madagascar National Parks]] since 1997. The park is situated along the [[RN7]], a tarred road connecting the capital of [[Antananarivo]] with [[Tulear]]. The road is in very good condition and accessible all year round. The route from Antananarivo to [[Ranohira]], also known as the "door to Isalo", takes about 15 hours by car (701km). From Tulear to Ranohira is a 4-hour drive (250km). It is also possible to travel by [[taxi-brousse]], which leave daily from Fasan’ny Karana station in Antananarivo, Antsimo station in [[Fianarantsoa]] and Sanfily station in Tulear.

<td>[[Madagascan Madagascar kestrel]]</td>

<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar turtle -dove]]</td>

<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar kingfisher]] or Madagascar kingfisher</td>

<td>[[Cuckoo -roller]] or Courol</td>

<td>[[Common Hoopoe]]</td>

<td>[[Madagascar Wagtailwagtail]]</td>

<td>[[Madagascar cuckooshrikecuckoo-shrike]]</td>

<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar bulbul]] or Madagascar bulbul</td>

<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Neomixix striagullaNeomixis striatigula''</td>

<td>[[Malagasy Long-billed green sunbird]]</td>

<td>[[Red Madagascar red fody]]</td>

<td>[[Madagascar muniamannikin]] or Madagascar mannikin</td>

<td>[[Madagascar grebgrebe]]e</td>

<td>[[Madagascan Madagascar pond -heron]]</td>

<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Accipiter Henstiihenstii''</td>

<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Accipiter Francesiifrancesiae''</td><td>[[Frances's goshawksparrowhawk]] or France's sparrowhawkMadagascar goshawk</td>

<tr bgcolor="#eadece" valign="top"><td>''Falco Peregrinusperegrinus''</td>

<td>[[ThreeAfrican three-banded plover]] or Three-banded sandplover</td>

<td>[[Barn Common barn-owl]]</td>

<td>[[Malagasy Madagascar brush -warbler]] or Madagascar brush warbler</td>

* 14 species of lemurs can be found in the park, of which are 8 introduced and 7 endemic to Madagascar. The following lemurs are nocturnal (active at night): Coquerel's giant mouse lemur (''Mirza coquereli''), Red-tailed sportive lemur (''Lepilemur ruficaudatus''), Western fat-tailed dwarf lemur (''Cheirogaleus medius'') and the Grey mouse lemur (''Microcebus murinus''). The Verreaux's sifaka ("Propithecus verreauxi"), Ring-tailed lemur ("Lemur catta") and Brown lemur ("Eulemur fulvus") are diurnal (day active).

<td>[[Commerson's leaf-nosed bat]]</td>

<td>[[Rufous trident bat]]</td>

<td>[[Manavi long-fingered bat]]</td>

<td>[[Glen's long-fingered bat]]</td>

<td>Blue Frog with blue legs, yellow back, black and white dotted chest.</td>

In the Isalo National Park grow more than 400 plant speciesgrow. The following plants are endemic to Madagascar:

* ''Bismarckia nobilis'' - a typical palm of the region, with the particularity to resist fire. Its branches are used by the villagers for plaiting. The Malagasy name for the palm is "Satrana".<br><br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_019.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_071.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_042.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_015.jpg|196px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_013.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_011.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_043.jpg|196px]]|}<br>

This huge eroded massif extends over a large grass bed, dotted with patches of forest. Isalo offers a fantastic, colourful landscape, shaped by erosion, and incredible panoramas.

The '''south''' consists of a large, sandy plateau, 800 metres above sea level. The plateau is characterised by savanna, shrubs, prairie grass grassland and naturally eroded sandstone hills.

The '''east''' consists of a large plateau with an altitude of 1000 1,000 to 2000 2,000 metres. It is largely covered by sclerophyllous plants and prairie grassgrassland. The plateau is cut by numerous varyingly deep canyons with more or less permanent streams. The east of this plateau is dominated by rocky cliffs, characteristic for Isalo.

The '''west''' is a vast [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monocline monocline] plateau with an average altitude of 1000 1,000 metres. It is almost entirely covered by sclerophyllous plants and large plains of prairie grassgrassland. In several places the plateau is cut by canyons, similar to those in the east. Like the east plateau, also the west plateau also ends by rocky cliffs.

The '''north''' consists of a large rock barrier in the eastern part with typical rocky escarpment at its end, varying in altitude between 800 and 1200 1,200 metres. The centre is formed by a vast monocline plateau, about 600 to 700 metres above sea level, which greatly reduces the lowering to the Amboloando river. The eastern part is a low plateau of 600 to 700 metres above sea level, descanting descenting to the Malio river.  The '''area surrounding the park''' in the west, east and south consists of peneplain with an average altitude of 800 metres. (A peneplain represents the final stage of fluvial erosion in times of extended tectonic stability.) In the west, some forest along the river beds of Malio, Analalava and Analambia remains, forming the park boundary at this side. In the east, there is also a remnant forest along the river bed of the Menamaty, but smaller in size compared to the west. The rest is dominated by a large tree and shrub savanna which occupies a large area with grass land.<br>

The '''area surrounding the park''' in the west, east and south consists of peneplain with an average altitude of 800 metres{| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_022. (A peneplain represents the final stage of fluvial erosion in times of extended tetonic stabilityjpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_002.) In the west remains some forest along the river beds of Malio, Analalava and Analambia, forming the park boundary at this sidejpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_078. In the east, there is also a remnant forest along the river bed of the Menamaty, but smaller in size compared to the west. The rest is dominated by a large tree and shrub savanna which occupies a large area with prairie grassjpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_073.jpg|196px]]|}<br>

The park office is located in Ranohira, 3 kilometres east of the park. There you can inform yourself about the various tours, guides and their rates as well as possible accommodation costs. Please bare bear in mind that the office does not open before 7am, so it is advised to obtain an entrance permit already a day in advance in order to have a full day in the park. There are 70 guides working in the park. All speak French, as well as some English, Italian and German. All guides are educated in ecology, geology, local culture and technical guidance. A noticeboard informs visitors about the specialty of each guide.

There are 70 guides working in More information about the park. All speak Frenchis available at the ''Maison de l'Isalo'', as well as some Englishan interpretation centre located in [[Zahavola]], Italian and Germanabout 9 kilometres south of Ranohira along the RN7 direction Tulear. All guides are educated in general cultureThe centre holds a permanent exhibition about the geology, ecology, geologyfauna, flora and the influence by the local culture people. The museum is open daily from 6.30am to 6pm and technical guidance. A noticeboard informs about the specialty of each guidethere is no entrance fee.

More information about The admission fee for visiting the park for foreign tourists is available in the ''Maison de l'Isalo''65,000 Ariary per day, an interpretation centre located in [[Zahavola]]children pay 25, about 9 kilometres south of Ranohira along the RN7 direction Tulear000 Ariary per day (prices 2015). Guides are obligatory. The centre holds fee for a permanent exhibition about guide depends on the geology, fauna, flora and the influence by the local people. The museum is open daily from 6chosen tour (circuit).30am to 6pmPorters cost 20, there is no entrance fee000 Ariary a day.

The admission fee for visiting the park depends on how many days will be spent income derived from entrance fees is used to finance several microprojects in the park. Foreign tourists pay 25area,000 Ariary for 1 daysuch as building of schools, 37wells,000 Ariary for 2 daysbasic hospital, 40,000 Ariary for market place and reforesting.<br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3 days and 50,000 Ariary for 4 to 10 days (prices 2010)" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_037. Guides are obligatoryjpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_060. The fee for a guide depends on the chosen tour (circuit) and can reach from 16,000 Ariary for the Natural Swimming Pool circuit to the 20,000 for the Maki Canyonjpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_062. Porters cost 10,000 Ariary a dayjpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_069.jpg|196px]]|}<br>

Medium circuit, 3 km by car from Ranohira to Mangily and thereafter 3 km trek (3 hours).<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This is the most popular circuit in the park offering panoramic views. The trek leads you to a palm-fringed pool, constantly fed by a warm waterfall. You walk through diverse ecosystems passing eroded cliffs with strange shapes, the plain of Tapia trees, the big savannas and several tombs of the Bara and [[Sakalava]] people. Beside various plants, one can observe the Ring-tailed lemur in the Mangily forest. The nearby Analatapia campsite has a toilet, shower and barbecue facilities.<br>Guide: 25,000 Ariary, car 20,000 Ariary, porter: 20,000 Ariary (prices 2015)<br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_036.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_034.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_033.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_031.jpg|196px]]|}<br> === Cascade de Nymphes, Piscine Noire et Bleue - Cascade of trekking the Nymphs, Black and Blue Swimming Pool Circuit === Easy circuit, 4km by car, thereafter 2,8km trek (3 .5 hours). Easy trek to the campsite, however, the ascent from the river up the waterfall or to the Black Swimming Pool can be more strenuous.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This tour takes you through the canyon to the Black or Blue Swimming Pool. You will climb along waterfalls inhabited by many rare birds, butterflies and lizards. From the top, one has a panoramic view over the green canyon. Throughout this trek you will have the possibility to spot lemurs. The highlight is a bath in the dark waters of the Cascade of the Nymphs.<br>Guide for the Cascade of the Nymphs: 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>Guide for the Black and Blue Swimming Pool: 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>Porter: 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br><br> === Canyon des Makis et Rats - Canyon of the Makis and Rats Circuit === Medium circuit, first 17km by car, thereafter 1.7km trek (2.5 hours).<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This circuit combines the wild nature and cultural discoveries. The trek offers panoramic views onto rice fields, incised rocks, gorges, the Canyon of the Makis and Rats as well as the huge Ihorombe plateau. The hike will take you to a former royal village, where you will see the surrounding palace wall, the royal bath, the royal tombs as well as traditional Bara tombs. While hiking up the huge gorges you can discover the unique flora of the forest and observe numerous colonies of lemurs, birds, butterflies and lizards. At the end of the trek you can go for a swim in the canyon.<br>Guide for the Canyon of the Makis and Rats (by car): 25,000 Ariary, porter: 30,000 Ariary (prices 2015)<br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_025.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_026.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_018.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_027.jpg|196px]]|}<br> === Crête - The Crest Circuit === Medium circuit, 3km by car and thereafter 4km on foot (2.5 hours).<br>'''What to see?'''<br>Discover the natural geological forms, for which Isalo is famous: "Reine de l’Isalo" - The Queen of Isalo, "Botte" - The Boot, "Loup" - The Wolf, "Tsingy de l’Isalo" - sharp limestone karst pinnacles.<br>Guide by car: 20,000 Ariary, guide by foot: 25,000 Ariary, porter: 20,000 Ariary (prices 2015)<br><br> === The Malaso Circuit ===Medium circuit, 42km by car (4 hours), thereafter a 2km trek. The Malaso circuit draws its name from the zebu thieves which use the natural labyrinth of the Isalo for their activities.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>The car will take you to a site where ''Pachypodium'', ''Aloe'' and ''Kalanchoe'' grow. Thereafter you will trek for one hour with the opportunity to discover the vegetation of the Isalo National Park. You will see the southern wall, the Tsihitafototra canyon, lemurs, the Isalo Ranch and The Boot. Thereafter the trek will continue through a geological site, where you will see the Tsingy of Isalo in the savanna, the Ampasimaiky cliffs and The Wolf rock formation. From the peak at a height of 975m above sea level you will have an unlimited view over the entire park, the best place to admire the vast extent of Isalo. 30km further you will be near [[Lac Andranovorinkaolo]], a lake paradise for wild ducks. Thereafter, cross the Satrana savanna to get to the Window of Isalo - a natural rock formation in shape of a window through which the sunset can be seen.<br>Car 4x4: 20,000 Ariary (price 2015)<br><br> === The Antsifotra Circuit ===Medium circuit, 29km by car (5 hours) and thereafter 5km on foot.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This circuit will take you to a riparian forest where lemurs live. The trek and ends at the foot of an amazing waterfall.<br><br> === The Anjofo circuit ===Medium circuit, 29km by car (5 hours) and thereafter 5km on foot.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>This trek along rain-loving vegetation gives you the opportunity to see orchids, birds and lemurs. The hike ends at a wonderful waterfall.<br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_061.jpg|600px]]|}<br> === Lac Vert de l’Isalo - The Green Lake Circuit ===Medium circuit, 20km by car (4 hours) and thereafter 1km on foot.<br>'''What to see?'''<br>You will cross the Tapia forest, an riparian forest with palms and lemurs, to reach the Green Lake (Lac Verte) which is a sacred location.<br><br> === Grand Tour - The Big Circuit ===Hard circuit, 4 days on average. 120km on foot or 40km by car and 80km on foot.<br>

This is tour compiles all sites, fauna and flora of the park: Archaeological sites (Grotte des Portugais), unforgettable panoramas, the dry forest and the rain forest, birds and lemurs (day as well as night active) and the natural swimming pool.<br>Guide for Natural Swimming Pool Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 45,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>Guide for Canyon of the Makis Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 45,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>Guide for Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit and Black and Blue Swimming Pool Circuit: 35,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br>Guide for Canyon of the Makis Circuit, Natural Swimming Pool Circuit and Cascade of the Nymphs Circuit: 65,000 Ariary, porter 20,000 Ariary (2015)<br><br> == Tourist attractions in the most popular circuit region ==* Grotte d’Ihosy - an underground cave located about 9 kilometres from Ranohira, easy to reach by foot or car.<br><br> == Habits and customs in the park offering panoramic viewsregion ==* ''Bilo'' - a ritual of exorcism to cure the patient by removing the spirit that inhabits its host. During a 7-day long ceremony an ox is slaughtered. The trek leads you involved persons are the patient, the healer, the Mahavatsy and the Tiam-bilo.*''Turning of the dead'' - a 7-day funeral ritual, at which relatives and villagers have the opportunity to speak to the deceased.* ''Hazomanga'' - a palmsacrificial ceremony to pray to ''Zanahary'' for the living and the dead. Hazomanga is the name of the altar where the sacrifice takes place as well as of the person who officiates the sacrifice.* ''Sikily'' - circumcision Three elements are present in all sacrificial rites:<br>* ''Prayer'' - to call ''Zanahary'' and the ancestors to explain the reasons for the opportunity and demand.* ''Joro'' -fringed poolthe sacrifice, constantly fed by usually a warm waterfallcow, or in case of pregnancy rice and honey. You walk through diverse ecosystems passing eroded cliffs * ''Tsipirano'' - the blessing, spraying water or water mixed with strange shapes, blood at the plain Joro. The omnipresence of Tapia trees, zebu in traditional ceremonies is a natural element in the big savannas and several tombs culture of the Bara people. In the past, before getting married, a young Bara had to steal a zebu to prove his strength and bravery. The Malaso Circuit was named after the famous cattle thieves, who until today still use the natural labyrinths of the Isalo for their activities. ''Malaso'' literally means "cattle thief". {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[SakalavaFile:Isalo_National_Park_075.jpg|600px]] |}<br> == Fady - What not to do in the park ==[[Fady|Fady's]] are not strictly taboos, they are more beliefs which signal when something is "dangerous" related to action, food, locations etc. In the Isalo National Park the following are fady:* Goat meat* GuineafowlThe entire Isalo National Park is a sacred place.<br><br> == Accommodation in the park =='''Analatapia Camp'''* 68 tent sites, tents for 2 people, 5,000 Ariary per person/night. Beside various plants<br>'''Namaza Camp'''* 34 tent sites, one can observe tents for 2 people, 5,000 Ariary per person/night.<br>'''Gîte de l’Isalo'''* 5,000 Ariary per person/night.<br><br> {| class="imageTable"|-|colspan="3" | [[File:Isalo_National_Park_064.jpg|600px]]|-|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_030.jpg|196px]]|align="center"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_029.jpg|196px]]|align="right"|[[File:Isalo_National_Park_028.jpg|196px]]|}<br> == Accommodation outside the Lemur Catta in park ==In Ranohira and along the Mangily forestRN7 direction south are plenty of accommodation alternatives, ranging from basic rooms to luxurious bungalows. The narby Analatapia campsite has There is also the possibility of a homestay by renting a room from a toiletlocal villager.<br><br> '''[[Berny Hotel]]''' (18 rooms)<br>Ranohira<br>Tel: +261 (0)32 0525769 (mobile)<br><br> '''[[Momo Trek]]''' (rooms, shower bungalows and barbecue facilitiescamp site)<br>Ranohira<br>Tel: + 261 (0)32 4418790 (mobile) or + 261 (0)33 9005007 (mobile)<br><br> '''Hotel Orchidee or [[Orchidée d'Isalo]]''' (30 rooms)<br>Ranohira<br>Tel: + 261 (0)32 4467689 (mobile)<br>[http://www.orchidee-isalo.com www.orchidee-isalo.com]<br><br> '''[[Isalo Ranch]]''' (20 bungalows)<br>Tel: +261 (0)20 2330928<br>Email: [mailto:info@isalo-ranch.com info@isalo-ranch.com]<br>[http://www.isalo-ranch.com www.isalo-ranch.com]<br><br> '''[[Satrana Lodge]]''' (40 bungalows)<br>Tel: +261 (0)20 2221974 or +261 (0)34 1426087 (mobile) or +261 (0)34 1405949 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:satranalodge@cortezexpeditions.mg satranalodge@cortezexpeditions.mg]<br>[http://www.hotel-isalo-lodge.com www.hotel-isalo-lodge.com]<br><br> '''[[Joyau de l'Isalo]]''' (20 bungalows)<br>Tel: +261 (0)20 2253644 or +261 (0)33 1268092 (mobile)<br>Email: [mailto:joyaudisalo@yahoo. fr joyaudisalo@yahoo.fr]<br><br> '''[[Isalo Rock Lodge]]''' (60 rooms)<br>Tel: +261 (0)20 2232860<br>Email: [mailto:resirl@hms1.mg resirl@hms1.mg]<br>[http://www.isalorocklodge.com www.isalorocklodge.com]<br><br>

<googlemap version="0* View all [[Isalo National Park photos]]* [http://www.9" lat="parcs-22madagascar.44911" lon="45.472412" type="map" zoom="8" controls="large">com Madagascar National Parks] -22.400872Plentiful information about the National Parks in Madagascar in English, French, 45.307617Isalo National Park</googlemap>German and Italian