Marojejy is one of the most beautiful and wildest regions of Madagascar. It is a unique place in the world, with dense and lush rainforests, steep and high cliffs, and plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. If you feel like it, you can admire an ancient fossil of the famous Takthajania perrieri, a plant from the dinosaur period, discovered 120 million years ago.

As Henri Humbert said in 1938 about Marojejy Park, "It is a wonder of nature.” The famous French botanist was not mistaken: Marojejy, located 40 km from Andapa in northeastern Madagascar, is indeed one of the world's last primary rainforests. When the Regional Tourism Office's director mentions the site, the numbers go wild: 177 species of birds, 275 species of ferns, and 11 species of lemurs, including the famous silky sifaka. This white lemur has been constantly monitored since 2001 by Erik Patel, researcher at Duke's Lemur Center. Leaping from tree to tree, a sifaka spends a quarter of the day feeding on fruits and leaves, the rest of the time, it is at rest. However, this species is in danger of extinction. It is estimated that only a few hundred individuals remain in Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud. Deforestation and hunting are to blame.

Despite the incredible biodiversity, visitors are not flocking to Marojejy. Only 1,400 tourists in 2012 walked the trails of this 2,100-meter high mountain. The mountain pales in comparison to the giant Isalo and its 30,000 visitors. However, it is precisely in its isolation that the park draws a striking charm. Steep paths, tangled branches and roots, Marojejy is a playground for young and old hikers. According to Joxe Jaofeno, former director of the ONTM –Office National du Tourisme de Madagascar—Marojejy is unique in more ways than one; it is one of the last.

Marojejy Park has remained untouched, and we encounter a shrub with brilliant green leaves dating back to the prehistoric era, the Takhtajania perrieri. Moreover, the area is well managed. Local authorities and villagers work together to maintain an ecosystem in balance.  An association of women takes care of the cleaning of the site while the children of the 38 villages around are sensitized about its protection. More than a park, Marojejy is a global ecotourism development project. This is why the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

What can you do in Marojejy Park?

There are plenty of activities in Marojejy Park for sports enthusiasts. The park offers many camps to stay in. After walking through the meandering rainforest, you will be eager to relax. The most adventurous visitors can cross the park in a more sportive way during special activities such as treks or specialized hikes. Many service providers will offer you personalized trekking or hiking hours, where you can admire the rich and colorful nature that the Marojejy offers.

Sources : Office National du Tourisme de Madagascar (ONTM), Madagascar Treasure Island