- Address: BP 19, Andapa 205, Madagascar
- Phone: +261 20 88 070 27
- Official website: www.marojejy.com
- Email: info@marojejy.com
- Area: 55500 ha
- Year of foundation: 1952
- Year of foundation: 1998
One of the most unique and beautiful places on Madagascar is the Maroojejy National Park. Its territory is covered by tropical forests with steep high cliffs, rich flora and untouched wildlife.
Description of sight
The reserve zone is located in the north-eastern part of the island, in the province of Antsiranana between the cities of Sambava and Andapa. The array of Marudzi is considered one of the main attractions and is the most majestic and impressive in the country.
The reserve was founded in 1952, and in 1998 it was granted the status of the National Park and made accessible to visitors. Today its territory is 55500 hectares, and the altitude varies from 800 to 2132 meters above sea level. For stunning landscapes and such a unique biodiversity Marudzieji in 2007 was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the humid tropical forests of Acinanana.
The National Park is one of the few places on earth where you can walk on your own through a dense jungle. The route trail is short and passes through the vineyards to the high mountain tundra. Here you can see rare animals and plants that you will not see anywhere else on the planet.
Flora of the reserve
The vegetation of the National Park varies depending on the height and microclimate. Here grows more than 2000 species of trees, bushes, etc. In total there are: 275 species of fern, 35 - endemics and 118 various palms in Marudzeji. There are 4 different zones:
- Plain - is at an altitude below 800 m and occupies 38% of the area. It is well protected from winds and is characterized by heavy rains. Here there are epiphytes, bamboo, wild ginger, all kinds of palm trees, etc.
- Mountain rainforest - located at an altitude between 800 and 1400 m, covers an area of 35%. Here often there are low temperatures, and the soil is not too fertile. In this zone there are tree ferns, larval, myrtle, euphorbia and pandanaceous plants.
- Mountain forests - are at an altitude between 1400-1800 m above sea level and occupy 12% of the park's territory. Sclerophytes grow here: laurel, larynx, aralia and klusian plants.
- High-altitude region - located at an altitude above 1800 m. Basically in this zone there are low plants: Podokarpovye, Maren, Heather and Composite.
There are also rare species in Marudzieji, for example, a pink tree.
Fauna of the National Park
There are 15 species of bats in the protected zone, 149 amphibians (wood narrow-mouths, mantel), 77 reptiles (boa, chameleon) and 11 lemurs (silky sifak, aye-aye, ring-tailed, etc.). There are more than 100 different bird species in the Marudzi National Park, for example, snake-eaters, goshawks, flaming weavers, crested drongos and other birds.
Features of the reserve
In this area, poaching is very common, with which both Malagasy and international organizations are fighting. Deforestation, mining and farming of local residents are constantly destroying the protected area.
When going to visit the national park, take care of comfortable clothes and shoes, take repellents, water and hats with you. Tour can be done only on 3 developed routes, which depend on the height and complexity: Mantell to 450 m, Marudzie to 775 m and Simpon to 1,250 m above sea level.
The park is open all year round. Those who wish can stay here for the night in special wooden houses, in which there is a kitchen, a toilet and a shower. Tickets, porterage and guide services are best booked in advance at the offices of the nearest cities.
How to get there?
Excursions are organized from the settlements of Sambava and Andapa to the National Park. Independently here you can get on the road 3B. The distance is 91 and 25 km respectively.