46,239
edits
Changes
no edit summary
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_574.jpg|600px]]
The peak of [[Marojejy National Park]] lies within one of Madagascar's protected nature reserves and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. At a height of 2,132 m metres, it falls somewhere just short of the ten highest peaks counting the many summits within the country's several mountain ranges. NonethelesNonetheless, Marojejy is the third highest altitude national park in the country, followed by [[Maromokotra]] at 2,876 m in Tsratanana National Park, which is the country‘s highest peak, and Pic Boby (2,658 m) in Andringitra National Park, the country’s second highest peak.
{| class="imageTable"
|}
Along the national route (RN3b) between [[Sambava]] and [[Andapa]], shortly before the village of [[Manantenina]], the Marojejy park Park office welcome welcomes visitors and showcase showcases the diverse flora and fauna with photos and detailed information boards. Tours, guides and porters can be booked here.
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_351.jpg|600px]]
The trek towards the park begins in Manantenina 175 metres above sea level.The viewpoint shortly before the park office will give visitors a preview of their days ahead.
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_034.jpg|600px]]
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_395.jpg|600px]] <!-- or Marojejy_National_Park_076.jpg -->
On the first day, visitors may decide to continue directly to the second camp, Marojejia, or stay overnight at Camp Mantella. The distance between the two camps is a bit over two kilometres along an easy trail that takes about an hour to complete depending on the number of stops to observe the wildlife. Camp Marojejia, named after the palm spieces species in the area, is at an elevation of 744 metres.
{| class="imageTable"
|}
Visitors sometimes underestimate the stretch between the second and third camp camps by its short distance and turn back halfway due to the complicated trail. With every step of the trail being different, it's a varied walking exercise for which we should all have evolved but have mostly forgotten.
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_496.jpg|600px]]
Visitors will come to appreciate the service of the porters who seemingly effortlessly carry guests ' excess luggage up and down the trials. Having grown up in villages in the area, the porters are used to the terrain. They also carry food and other provisions to the camps, maintain trails, clear the pathway from fallen tree trunks etc.
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_644.jpg|600px]]
A stay for one or more nights at the last camp before setting off on the final stretch may be necessary as access to the summit depends on the weather. During much rainfall, the steep trail become becomes slippery and impassable. Under good weather conditions, the approximately two-kilometre distance to the summit will take about two and a half hours. The total ascent is 812 metres and the elevation at the summit is 2,132 metres.
<div style="max-width:600px;">
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_568.jpg|600px]]
Even on an all-sunny day and for reasons a meteorologist may best explain, the peak is more often than not topped in a cloud which happens somewhat less often in the early morning hours. Set off for the summit as early as 4.30am30 am /5am 5 am to hopefully enjoy clear views and experience the sunrise from above the clouds.
[[File:Marojejy_National_Park_885.jpg|600px]]
* https://www.safaribookings.com/operators/madagascar
Alternatively, make local arrangements via the Marojejy Guides Association. Its members are certified by Madagascar National Parks. Dealing directly with the local guides can offer the best value for both visitors and the guides. Most of the guides, all of the porters, cooks, forest guards and workers maintaining the trail are from the local communities.
Employment opportunities given to guides help preserve the park's environment in that the local communities come to depend more on tourism than farming alone since they can profit only if the forest is maintained by respecting the park's boundaries and avoid avoiding overusing its natural resources, such as clearing land in and around the forested area for farming purposes. Visiting the park fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between nature and the local communities.
== Additional information ==