Makira Natural Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Located in north‑east Madagascar, Makira Natural Park spans approximately 372,470 hectares of low and mid‑altitude rainforest and was formally designated in 2012 as a Category II protected area. This expansive forest block plays a crucial role in the island’s eastern rainforest system and links with neighbouring reserves to form one of Madagascar’s last major intact forest zones.

What makes Makira special is both its scale and the depth of its biodiversity. It harbours some of the largest remaining rainforest tracts on Madagascar, and supports an exceptional range of species found nowhere else on Earth.

Biodiversity highlights

Makira is recognised for its rich assemblage of species. The park is home to around 17 lemur species, including some of Madagascar’s most threatened primates:

• Silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus)
• Indri (Indri indri)
• Black‑and‑white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata subcincta)

In addition, the park contains more than 100 bird species (with a high level of endemism), and hundreds of plant species—some estimates suggest the park holds up to 50 % of Madagascar’s floral biodiversity.

Habitats & landscape

The terrain ranges from lowland rainforest to medium‑elevation ridges, with microclimates created by changes in elevation and rainfall. The intact forest offers critical ecosystem services:

• Stores carbon
• Regulates water
• Acts as a natural barrier against erosion and sedimentation

Studies show that deforestation within Makira is significantly lower than in surrounding community‑managed forests.

Ecosystem services

Beyond biodiversity, Makira supports local livelihoods and ecosystem functioning. It protects watersheds that supply irrigation and drinking water, contributes to climate regulation, and underpins sustainable agriculture in adjacent zones.

Threats and conservation initiatives

Makira faces multiple pressures:

• Slash‑and‑burn agriculture
• Illegal logging
• Mining activities
• Unsustainable hunting

To tackle these, the park is part of a landmark REDD+ project, which channels carbon‑credit revenue into conservation and community development.

Local communities and livelihoods

Approximately 90,000 people live in and around the protected zone, many from the Betsimisaraka and Tsimihety ethnic groups. These communities:

• Grow subsistence crops such as rice and cassava
• Produce cash crops including vanilla and cloves
• Participate in forest stewardship through local associations
• Engage in alternative livelihoods like agro‑forestry, sustainable crop production, and eco‑tourism

Visitor perspective & travel considerations

Visiting Makira is challenging due to its remoteness and limited infrastructure. Key points for travellers:

• At least one remote ecolodge accessible only via a challenging hike
• Recommended for adventurous travellers rather than casual tourists
• Experienced local guides are necessary
• Transport may require boat travel or trekking, with minimal amenities available