Marojejy Camps & Trail Rehabilitation Update

Following substantial damage caused by Cyclone Ewano in 2017, Madagascar National Parks (MNP) has been hard at work rebuilding and repairing the tourist infrastructure in Marojejy.

Along the trail into the park, several sturdy new footbridges have been constructed across creeks and ravines.

Several people are walking across a footbridge which spans a rocky creek.

At Camp Mantella, a new covered dining area, a new ablution block (toilets and showers) and six new sleeping cabins have been completed. Two of these cabins have ensuite bathrooms and solar power. As Camp Mantella is the first camp along the trail, it gets more use and the additional sleeping capacity will be welcome.

Three wooden cabins with green metal roofs face one another in a forest clearing.

Camp Mantella

Two small buildings with pitched roofs are in a jungly forest.

New toilet and shower building at Camp Mantella

An old, green-tarped cabin sits behind a large, rectangular construction area of freshly-dug dirt. A simple wooden frame rims the trenches in the dirt.

Foundation area for new sleeping cabin at Camp Mantella

A great deal of work has also been completed further up the trail at Camp Marojejia, which is built on a steep hillside with stunning views across the valley to the rock face of Ambatotsondrona. A series of covered dining and viewing platforms has been reconstructed, along with several new sleeping cabins and a new ablution block.

Cement steps lead up a steep slope to several large, covered platforms perched on stilts and cantilevered out over the green, forested hillslope.

New viewing and dining areas at Camp Marojejia

An immense, looming rock cliff and dense, green forest can be seen framed between two metal roofs covering platforms with wooden railings.

View of Ambatotsondrona from new shelter at Camp Marojejia

Photo shows a balcony and open doorway on the side of a small wooden cabin. A table and chairs are visible through the doorway inside the cabin.

New sleeping cabin at Camp Marojejia

Unlike the previous structures which were constructed primarily of canvas, the new facilities have durable wooden walls and metal roofs, offering greater protection from wind and rain.

For now, Camp Simpona, located high in the tropical cloud forest, remains in rough shape; its remote location in harsh weather conditions make maintenance especially challenging. However, we hope it can be rehabilitated like the other two camps in the near future. Not only is it a crucial resting point for those trekkers making the arduous trip to the summit, but it is also one of the most magical points in the park. [Note: at this time, the cabins are not habitable, and trekkers must pitch their own tents at the site.]

A man sits on the edge of a deteriorated wooden platform covered with an old green tarp.

Camp Simpona kitchen and shelter

Photo shows the side of a small, dilapidated, wood-framed cabin with faded green canvas walls.

Damaged sleeping cabin at Camp Simpona

Broken boards covered with moss lie on the ground in a jungly forest.

Deteriorated walkway at Camp Simpona

We extend our sincere thanks to Madagascar National Parks for their efforts in maintaining the camps and the trail, and also to the Marojejy Guide Association and the Lemur Conservation Foundation for their continuing support.

The Friends of Marojejy National Park, Madagascar