Makira Natural Park is the largest protected forested area in Madagascar, with more lemur species than any other area in Madagascar. Here you will find the critically endangered pure-white silky sifaka.
The largest protected forest
Makira Natural Park
Makira Natural Park protects an isolated inland plateau that features steep rolling hills and high elevation ridges up to 1250 meters, all blanketed with an impressive rainforest. All of the elevation changes cause numerous microclimates with varying temperatures and humidity, which support an estimated 50% of Madagascar’s flowering plants and 20 lemur species, more than any other area in Madagascar.
Endangered Species
Makira is one of only two places in Madagascar where you can have a chance to see the critically endangered silky sifaka. There are less than 250 of these beautiful primates estimated to be alive in the wild today.
In this area, you will also have an excellent chance to see the endangered helmet vanga and bernier vanga.
Access
Makira Natural Park is managed by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) in collaboration with the local communities, and is by and large inaccessible to tourists. There is one remote ecolodge with a few basic bungalows which are accessible after a strenuous 2-hour hike. For the adventurous travellers, a guide, cook and porters can be hired to explore this remote area.