The Makira conservation site lies within the provinces of Toamasina, Antsiranana, and Mahajanga. With an approximate surface area of 385,000 hectares and an 850-kilometer perimeter, Makira covers a vast swath of Madagascar’s remaining contiguous rain forest. The protected area spreads north from the town of Mananara-Nord to the basin of Andapa, and west from Maroantsetra to Antsakabary. 85% of the Makira forest is in the area of Maroantsetra, which is in the province of Tamatave. Approximately 150,000 people live around the forest, which is home to numerous species of lemur, reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals, and several thousand species of plants. 

The easiest way to access the forest of the Makira conservation site is on foot. There are currently no official hiking trails to the area, but several tourist circuits are in development. A public pirogue makes regular trips to the villages near the forest.