Isalo National Park
Isalo was classified a National Park (in conjunction with UNESCO) in 1962. This solid mass of sandstone is incised with vertical walled gorges, generating deep canyons, such as the 'canyon of the monkeys' and the 'canyon of the rats ' to form a series of weird shapes, admist which rare endemic plants have taken root, including the Pachypodium rosulatum or elephant’s foot as well as lemurs, small reptiles and various insects are also found here. The big boulders make it tough going but around every corner is an undiscovered mini cave and scenery that is truly unique. For many centuries the Bara tribe have used the caves as burial sites.
Best time to visit - brief rains occur betwen January and March. Daytime temperatures from June to August are pleasant but nights can be very cold: from November to March days may be too hot.