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This huge eroded massif extends over a large grass bed, dotted with 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 to 2000 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 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 ends by rocky cliffs.
The '''central part''' between the east and the west is dominated by a valley, a sequence of plains and low-lying plateau, surrounded by sclerophyllous plants and grass meadows.
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 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 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 tetonic stability.) In the west remains some forest along the river beds of Malio, Analalava and Analambia, 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 prairie grassland.<br><br>
== Guides and entrance fees ==
== Accommodation outside the park ==
In Ranohira and along the RN7 direction south are plenty of accommodation opportunities, ranging from basic rooms to luxurious bungalows. There is also the possibility to rent of a homestay by renting a room in the house of from a local.<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>
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