Avenue of the Baobabs

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Of the eight known species of baobab, all are endemic to Madagascar. Locals long ago cleared the dense surrounding forest, but these two-dozen towering baobabs survived, largely because of their importance in local traditions. Spirits are said to live at the base, and locals offer them prayers and wishes. Up to thirty metres tall and eight hundred years old, baobabs grow a cluster of branches at the top, resembling roots growing beneath the earth.These trunks are impressively thick. Despite its rustic condition, this remarkable Avenue is part of a national highway, so that locals wander between the baobabs as frequently as Angelinos might between the palms of Beverly Hills.

Length of Trip : 2 Hours

Cost : There are daily, one-hour flights from Antananarivo to Morondava available through Air Madagascar for about US$700. A taxi ride to the trees should cost about $US10. There is currently no fee to visit the trees although due to the increase in tourism some groups are campaigning for a small charge.

Best time to go : February to October

Wheelchair friendly : Yes

Family friendly : Yes

Where to eat :
Chez Alain: Rue De L' Independance, Morondava
Kimony Resort Hotel: Kimony, Morondava 619
L’Oasis

Official Site :
Madagascar Tourism

Where to Stay :
Hotel Trecicogne
Palissandre Cote Ouest Resort

Getting There :
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a 20-minute taxi ride from the city of Morondava, heading in the direction of Belo Tsiribihina. A taxi costs about $10 each way.

Note from Robin :
Sunset and sunrise are the best times to view the trees, when the sheen of the bark dazzles beneath the magnificent Malagasy sky. The reflections in the adjacent lake make for amazing photographs. The best colours for sunrise and sunset photos are usually 20-30 minutes before and after, so plan to get there early or leave when it's almost dark. Between February and March the trees flower, making them even more spectacular.