What it is
A sandstone massif cut into canyons, ridges and grassland in the semi-arid south, on the RN7 near Ranohira, about ten hours by road from Fianarantsoa. Day walks lead to the Piscine Naturelle and the Blue and Black Pools, through canyon floors with ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux's sifakas around the campsites. Sandstone tombs of the Bara people are set in the cliffs.
Why go
It is the landscape break in a trip that is otherwise rainforest and road. The walking is open and scenic rather than dense and dark, and swimming in the canyon pools at the end of a hot day is the point.
When to go
April to October. It gets hot and exposed from October onwards, often above 35°C with little shade, so walks start at dawn. Nights in the dry season are cold. Wildlife here is a supporting act; you come for the terrain.
Most people stay 2 nights.