L'Orchidée de l'Isalo

Southern Madagascar


In the centre of town, just before the RN7 doglegs south if you're coming from the north, Le Orchidée d'Isalo has simple but tidy rooms with tiled floors, mosquito nets and hot water. Its top-of-the-range newer rooms, built in 2014, are the best in Ranohira itself. Management is friendly.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Madagascar attractions

1. Parc National Isalo

2.79 MILES

Isalo is one of Madagascar's most beautiful parks. It contains sculpted buttes, vertical rock walls and, best of all, deep canyon floors shot through with…

2. Canyon des Makis

5.35 MILES

Canyon des Makis is an important hiking area north of town, with some lemurs in residence. It's a 17km drive from Ranohira and an easy 2km hike, taking…

3. Maison de l’Isalo

5.35 MILES

The buttons don't work at this once-interactive little museum, but it's still a good introduction to the history, culture and geology of the park. If you…

4. Canyon des Rats

5.83 MILES

Around 17km north of town, Canyon des Rats is a traditional burial area with some lemurs in residence. Often combined on a hiking expedition with Canyon…

5. La Reine de l'Isalo

7.01 MILES

If you like finding figures in stone, La Reine de l’Isalo sits about 3km south of the museum, on the left side of the road. It's cool once you spot it,…

6. La Fenêtre de l'Isalo

8.92 MILES

La Fenêtre de l’Isalo is a popular natural rock window that frames the setting sun, although we actually prefer it for the surrounding views of sweeping…