Madagascar's wild Marojejy National Park
the rugged north and its lezten primary forests
Marojejy (or Marojevy) National Park is a 60,150 hectare rugged and wild mountain area in the North Madagascar. It is located between 75 to 2,200 m altitude in one of the most beautiful and impressive virgin areas of the country. The magic of this beauty comes from its absolute originality: to 90% the area is covered with primary forests. It is characterized by lush hills of endless green rainforests, where shrubs, ferns, mosses and lichens hang from the branches and stretch up towards the sunlight. The inaccessibility of the area has created a natural laboratory that houses a unique flora and fauna. For a long time only scientists had access to the park, which was founded in 1952. For several years, however, it has been open to the public. In June 2007, in recognition of its unprecedented biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, it was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared. Nevertheless, the park is acutely endangered, as the resident members of the Tsmihety tribe still practice their traditional slash and burn (tavy). During the political crisis in 2009, trees were reportedly cut down within the national park, the timber of which is traded as precious wood.
Marojejy National Park - A paradise for people and animals
The list of plants and animals native to Marojejy is truly impressive. Most of the species found here are endemic. At least 275 species of ferns and more than 50 species of palms have been catalogued so far in the different altitudes and forest types. In Low height up to 800m grows more lush rainforest dominated by palm trees. At an altitude between 800 and 1500m thrives a Mountain forestwhich provides the optimal conditions for about 300 species of epiphytes, as well as bamboo, various mosses and lichens. The higher altitudes are covered up to 1800m by a Hardwood forest greenery, which is dominated almost exclusively by lichens and mosses. In Marojejy National Park are a total of 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, including over 60 frog species like the green climbing mantella, Leaf-tailed geckos, Brookesia chameleons and many others Reptiles native. 45 mammal species live in these pristine forests, including 11 species of lemurs. The most common forest dweller is the endangered Silk Sifakawhich is found only here and in the Anjanaharibe Sud Reserve. Silky sifakas are the most endangered primates in the world. Only about a thousand of them are left. Just like the indris, they are bound to very special living conditions and can therefore only settle in very few areas. Life in captivity is out of the question for these demanding prosimians. Experts have so far assumed that around 120 bird species are native to the Marojejy National Park. However, since the area is hardly developed in large parts, new species are constantly being discovered. Virtually every scientific expedition on the slippery slopes and through the roaring streams is rewarded with the discovery of new species, especially as far as invertebrates are concerned.
Your journey to the untouched paradise of Marojejy
When planning your trip to Marojejy, please note that this is one of the most Most humid regions in Madagascar. The whole year over patter here, just as also in the Masoala National Park heavy rains descend and from December to April the rains are so heavy that it becomes almost impossible to reach Marojejy. The temperature difference between the warm and cool seasons is small, but depends on the altitudes. The hottest month is February with an average temperature of 25°C at lower altitudes. In July, the coolest month the temperature drops to an average of 19°C. The main entrance of the park is located at Andapawhich is located on a good asphalt road from Sambava to Antalaha. Here all the preparations of the trip can be made. After arranging the guides, porters and provisions, you will be met with a Jeep to Mandena brought. This is the place where you can get closest to the foot of the massif by car. After further 4,5km walk to the entrance of the park. After walking 4km inside the park, you will reach the first camp on the left side. The second camp is much higher and takes another hike of 1-2 hours. On the last 900 m of the route must be 450 meters of altitude be mastered, which is very exhausting in the prevailing weather conditions. When the almost permanently present clouds clear, a breathtaking view of the towering Marojejy peaks and the surrounding forests is revealed, which you will surely remember for a long time. All the aching feet, blisters, leeches and sweat and rain soaked clothes will be long forgotten by then.
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Villa Sibylle Antananarivo (Madagascar)
