In the Northeast of Madagascar, 66 km West of Sambava, Marojejy National Park, formerly reserved for scientific researchers, has been accessible to tourists since 1998. With an area of 55,500 ha, it is bounded by the Marojejy mountain range. Offering a great wealth of flora in a grand and intact landscape, it is the ideal place for lovers of mountains, hike and wilderness.
A breathtaking landscape
Situated in the middle of a mountainous crescent, Marojejy offers one of the steepest and most rugged terrain with altitudes varying between 72 and 2,132 m. To access it, the northern part offers moderate slopes unlike those to the south. The soil composed of granites and gneiss, a study found that many parts of the park dated from the Precambrian between 160 and 550 million years ago.
To create such biodiversity that was once reserved for scientific research, the park is meandered by two large rivers: the Androranga and the Lokoho. A wide variety of microclimates and habitats have made Marojejy Park arguably the richest ecosystems with endemicity and an exceptional variety of flora and fauna. This can be explained in particular by its very variable climate in terms of temperature and precipitation. Note that the best time to visit the park is between November and April when temperatures can reach 25 ° C, especially in February. August is the coolest month with a temperature around 19 ° C.
Marojejy, a nature sanctuary
Recognized worldwide for the exceptional biodiversity it offers, Marojejy National Park is the place of privileged observation of scientists and biologists but also for lovers of ecotourism. Indeed, the site presents 4 types of forests: a dense evergreen humid forest, a humid mountain forest, a dense high mountain forest and a mountain thicket. To date, 305 species of ferns, 50 species of palm trees, 2,000 species of flowering plants without counting rare wood species such as rosewood.
In terms of wildlife, Marojejy has 11 species of lemurs including the Simpona (Silky Sifaka) which is now endangered. One can also observe 118 species of birds, of which 75 are endemic and mainly forest birds such as the Madagascan Serpent Eagle. Also living in this huge park, more than 148 species of reptiles and amphibians, 17 of which are endemic to the region.
How to get there
To get to the park from Antananarivo, you have the choice between taking the road (3 days trip) or flying to Sambava with a 1.5 hour drive to reach the park entrance at Manantenina .
Ideal destination for lovers of sport trekking and rafting for the more adventurous, do not forget to bring a raincoat and warm clothes! 3 camps await you: Mantella camp (450 m above sea level), Marojejia camp (775 m above sea level) and Simpona camp (1250 m above sea level).