Madagascar's Isalo Ranch
Isalo Ranch
Isalo Ranch sits just outside the national park, and has spectacular views towards the cliffs of the massif. Almost everywhere you stand in the lodge you can see across the grassy plains to the rocks towering above.
The main building and the rooms have all been designed to take advantage of this. Set amongst sandy gardens and a few trees, the 20 rondavel-style bungalows all have a small terrace to admire the view from. Inside, the rooms are fairly small, with tiled floor, brightly patterned curtains and bedspreads and an en suite bathroom with a shower and loo.
While you might not want to spend too many of your waking hours in the room, outside is a different matter. The pool has breathtaking views of Isalo, and we could happily while away hours here with a good book and a camera.
Behind the pool is the lodge's bar and restaurant, serving simple, but delicious food. Like the rest of the buildings on the ranch, it is painted a deep orange colour, with blue windows and doors, and a high thatched roof.
