Discover the spectacular landscapes of southwestern Madagascar on this 5-Day Isalo National Park & Lemurs Adventure. Starting in Toliara, you travel along National Road 7 through baobab-dotted savannah and the sapphire town of Ilakaka before reaching Ranohira, the gateway to the park. You then spend two full days hiking among sandstone canyons, hidden waterfalls and natural pools, with chances to meet ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas, and to watch sunsets from the famous Window of Isalo. On the way back, a stop at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park adds rare birds and more lemurs before the tour ends in Toliara.
Highlights:
- Ilakaka sapphire market
- Sunset at the Window of Isalo
- Namaza Circuit and Canyon des Rats
- Canyon des Singes and the Cascade des Nymphes
- Wildlife walk in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park
- Swimming in the Natural Pool and the Blue and Black Pools
Quick facts:
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Start / End: Toliara
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best season: April to November
| DURATION |
5 Days |
| DEPARTURE TIME |
Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. |
| INCLUDED |
| Tax,Parking,Guide services |
Midrange Hotels with breakfast |
| Park entrance and local guide. |
Car rent with gas way and back) |
| Driver fees & accommodations. |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
| Visa, International/National flight
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| Personal expenses(souvenirs) |
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Day 1: Arrival in Toliara & Transfer to Isalo
Arrive in Toliara (Tulear) and meet your guide at the airport, then begin the scenic drive east along National Road 7 (about 4 to 5 hours). The landscape changes gradually from coastal scrub to dry savannah dotted with baobabs and Antandroy villages. On the way, stop at Ilakaka, the sapphire boomtown where thousands of miners work the surrounding hills, and visit the gem market to see how stones are sorted and sold. Arrive in Ranohira, the gateway to the park, in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge. Walk up to the Window of Isalo (Fenêtre d’Isalo), a natural rock arch that frames one of the most famous sunsets in Madagascar. Dinner and overnight in Ranohira.
Day 2: Canyon of the Monkeys & Natural Pool
After breakfast, enter Isalo National Park for your first full day of exploring, following the Canyon des Singes circuit. Hike through a lush canyon where ring-tailed lemurs, Verreaux’s sifakas and brown lemurs are often seen. The trail leads along the river to the Cascade des Nymphes, a small waterfall with a refreshing pool, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim. In the afternoon, continue on to the Natural Pool (Piscine Naturelle), a turquoise basin surrounded by palm trees and sandstone cliffs. Return to Ranohira for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Namaza Circuit & Canyon of the Rats
Today you explore the more remote areas of the park. Walk the Namaza Circuit through open sandstone plateaus, deep canyons and rock formations carved by wind and water, with panoramic viewpoints along the way. Visit the Canyon des Rats, a narrow gorge with green vegetation and a cool stream, then continue to the Black Pool (Piscine Noire) and the Blue Pool (Piscine Bleue), set among rocky walls and shaded by palms. Look out for rock-dwelling birds, chameleons and rare plants, including Isalo’s endemic aloes and pachypodiums. Rest in the lodge in the evening.
Day 4: Sunrise at Isalo, Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park
Start with an early walk to watch the sunrise colour the sandstone massif in shades of gold and red. After breakfast, leave Ranohira and drive toward Toliara, stopping at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park, a transition forest between the dry west and the spiny south. A guided walk gives you chances to see Verreaux’s sifakas, brown lemurs, the Appert’s tetraka (a rare endemic bird), and several species of chameleons and geckos. In the afternoon, continue to Toliara, check in at your hotel and relax by the Mozambique Channel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Toliara & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a short visit to Toliara, including the market and the seafront, where you can see local fishermen on their pirogues and handicraft stalls selling shell and wood souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.
