Located respectively 12 km and 17 km south of Ranohira, on the road to Tulear, these two natural sculptures can be found along the RN7. Although a bit too far to walk to, access is free. In Malagasy imagination, these rock formations represent, as you may have guessed, a queen and a window. We strongly recommend visiting the Window of Isalo at sunset: the spectacle is breathtaking, and some service providers and hotels sometimes offer an aperitif on site.
The Queen of Isalo is an anthropomorphic rock that resembles the silhouette of a crowned woman, hence the name. This unique shape is especially meaningful to the Bara ethnic group, a nomadic people of herders from the region. It is even featured on the 1,000 ariary Malagasy banknote. Located about 12 km from Ranohira, it is easily visible from the road and is highly appreciated for photography, especially in the late afternoon. Its shape, sculpted by the erosion of granite slabs, impresses with its striking resemblance to a human figure.
The Window of Isalo, on the other hand, is a pierced rock arch that opens onto the desert valley of the massif. About 17 km south of Ranohira, it attracts many visitors who come to witness the sunset shining through the opening. This magical moment highlights the golden tones of the landscape and offers exceptional panoramas. Access to the Window is generally done in the late afternoon after a hike in the national park, for example from the Canyon of the Makis or the Natural Pool.
Here is a comparison table of the two sites :
| Characteristic | The Queen of Isalo | The Window of Isalo |
| Type | Anthropomorphic rock (crowned woman) | Natural rock arch (window) |
| Location | 12 km south of Ranohira, RN7 | 17 km south of Ranohira, near the park |
| Symbol | Bara culture, 1,000 Ar banknote | Iconic sunset spot |
| Access | Easy, visible from the road | Trail, best visited in a group |
| Best time | All day, especially at sunset | Sunset |
| Photogenic appeal | Very photogenic | Spectacular panorama at dusk |
Visit tips:
- Visit both sites in the late afternoon to enjoy the golden light.
- Respect these symbolic places : do not climb the rocks or leave any markings.
- For the Window of Isalo, avoid going alone due to theft risks. Go with a small group.
- Don’t forget to bring your aperitifs to enjoy the moment to the fullest.
- Take the opportunity to explore Isalo National Park, with its canyons, natural pools, and the cultural richness of the Bara people.
