Isalo's spectacular natural beauty and bizarre, ethereal landscapes of eroded ‘runiforme’ sandstone formations transport visitors into another world. Dating to the Jurassic period, deep canyons with riparian forests, palm-lined oases, fire-resistant tapia forests, and open grasslands merge to form this incredible terrain, which attracts hikers from all over the world to admire in awe.

Ethereal, almost mystical sandstone ridges known as ‘runiformes’ dominate the landscape of the park, which seem to rise out of the endlessly flat plains like phoenixes from the ashes. Vast canyons, deep gorges and razor-sharp pinnacles make up this magical and mystifying domain, which is home to an array of lemur species, including the ‘dancing’ sifakas, as well as a variety of birds and reptiles.

There are a number of popular hiking circuits throughout the park that attract adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. The ‘piscine naturelle’, aptly named for it’s beautiful waterfall that tumbles into a deep green pool is a true oasis in the heart of the otherwise harsh canyons. Head to the ‘Canyon des Singes’ ('Canyon of Monkeys') for a breath-taking hike through the forest where you will be accompanied by ring-tailed lemurs leaping through the trees.