Parc National de Marojejy

A rugged mountain rainforest park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its pristine, untouched wilderness and incredible biodiversity, including the...

Parc National de Marojejy at a Glance

Location
Northeast Rainforests & Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar, Indian Ocean Islands
Coordinates
-14.461455, 49.701794
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
April to November (dry season) for wildlife and trekking. September to November for lemur births.

Getting to Parc National de Marojejy

Nearest airport: Aéroport d'Arrachart (DIE), 239 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parc National de Marojejy

The warmest temperatures in Parc National de Marojejy occur in February, averaging 20.3°C (up to 24.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in October with average rainfall of 105.2mm. Average humidity: 86.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.3°C (rainfall: 478.3mm)
  • February: 20.3°C (rainfall: 343.0mm)
  • March: 20.0°C (rainfall: 591.7mm)
  • April: 19.3°C (rainfall: 250.2mm)
  • May: 17.8°C (rainfall: 140.3mm)
  • June: 15.8°C (rainfall: 139.3mm)
  • July: 14.8°C (rainfall: 171.9mm)
  • August: 15.1°C (rainfall: 134.7mm)
  • September: 15.5°C (rainfall: 139.8mm)
  • October: 17.5°C (rainfall: 105.2mm)
  • November: 18.9°C (rainfall: 126.5mm)
  • December: 19.6°C (rainfall: 248.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Parc National de Marojejy

The best months to visit Parc National de Marojejy are October, November, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 20.26°C, rainfall 478.3mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 91%
  • February: Poor, temperature 20.32°C, rainfall 343mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 89.6%
  • March: Poor, temperature 20.04°C, rainfall 591.7mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 91.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 19.28°C, rainfall 250.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 92.2%
  • May: Poor, temperature 17.76°C, rainfall 140.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • June: Poor, temperature 15.83°C, rainfall 139.3mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 90.3%
  • July: Poor, temperature 14.82°C, rainfall 171.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 90.6%
  • August: Poor, temperature 15.05°C, rainfall 134.7mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 89%
  • September: Poor, temperature 15.52°C, rainfall 139.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 88.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.49°C, rainfall 105.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 86.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 18.88°C, rainfall 126.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 85.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 19.65°C, rainfall 248.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 88.3%

Wildlife in Parc National de Marojejy

Home to 5 recorded species including 2 birds of prey, 1 reptiles, 1 waterbirds, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parc National de Marojejy

Based on average temperature of 17.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 89%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 18°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parc National de Marojejy

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northeast Rainforests & Masoala Peninsula

Visitor Tips - Parc National de Marojejy

Marojejy is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek true, untamed wilderness, it delivers an unparalleled immersion into Madagascar's unique biodiversity. We love the challenge of the multi-day trek to the Marojejy Summit, rewarded by breathtaking cloud-forest views and the chance to spot the iconic Silky Sifaka in its natural, pristine home.

Gate Times

The park generally opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. We strongly recommend pre-booking your permits and guide through a reputable tour operator well in advance, as access is strictly controlled and a certified guide is mandatory. This isn't a park you just show up to; meticulous planning is key to securing your entry and ensuring a smooth experience.

Tipping

Tipping is an important part of the local economy and a gesture of appreciation for the hard work of your team. For your main guide, we suggest 15-20 USD per day. Porters, who are absolutely essential for carrying your gear on multi-day treks, should receive 10-15 USD per day. We always recommend tipping in local currency, Ariary, if possible, or clean, small denomination USD notes.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Madagascar

Travel advisory for Madagascar

Parc National de Marojejy FAQs

When is the optimal time of year to visit Parc National de Marojejy for trekking and wildlife viewing?

The dry season, from April to November, is generally the best time to visit Marojejy. During these months, trails are less muddy and slippery, making the challenging treks more manageable, and wildlife, including the critically endangered silky sifaka, is often more active and easier to spot.

Besides the critically endangered silky sifaka, what other unique wildlife can I expect to encounter in Marojejy's diverse altitudinal zones?

Marojejy's varying altitudes host an incredible array of endemic species; beyond the silky sifaka, you might spot other lemur species like the red-bellied lemur and aye-aye, numerous chameleons, and over 100 bird species, including the helmet vanga. The park's pristine rainforest also harbors unique amphibians and reptiles found nowhere else on Earth.

How challenging are the treks in Parc National de Marojejy, and what level of physical fitness is required?

Treks in Marojejy are genuinely challenging, involving steep ascents and descents over rugged, often muddy terrain, especially to reach higher camps like Camp 3 (Marojejia). Visitors should possess a good level of physical fitness, be prepared for multi-day hikes, and bring sturdy hiking boots suitable for slippery conditions.

What are the typical logistics and costs involved in accessing and exploring the remote Parc National de Marojejy?

Access to Marojejy usually involves flying into Sambava or Antalaha, then a 4x4 transfer to Manantenina, the park's entrance village. Visitors must hire a mandatory local guide and porter(s) for treks, with daily park fees, guide fees, and basic camp accommodation costs adding up, making it a moderately expensive but incredibly rewarding experience.

What specific safety precautions, beyond malaria prevention, should I take when trekking through Marojejy's rugged rainforest?

Beyond robust malaria prophylaxis, it's crucial to stay hydrated, wear appropriate gear to protect against leeches and thorny vegetation, and always follow your guide's instructions on trails. Given the remote nature and challenging terrain, travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is highly recommended.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Madagascar by Lonely Planet - The definitive guide to the world's most unique wildlife destination. Covers lemur-spotting, rainforest reserves, baobab avenues, and practical travel logistics.
  • Bradt Guide: Madagascar by Hilary Bradt & Daniel Austin - The original and best Madagascar guide, from the publisher who pioneered travel to the island. Covers every national park, lemur species, and practical logistics for this complex destination.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.