The Avenue of the Baobabs – Morondava

The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of the most stunning sites on the Big Island. A true national treasure, this location near Morondava is a must-visit when traveling to the central-west region of Madagascar.

Discovering the site

Prepare to be amazed as these towering trees, some exceeding 30 meters in height, line the track leading to the banks of the Tsiribihina River for over 20 kilometers. Some of these iconic trees are more than eight centuries old, deepening our respect and fascination for them.

Situated between Belo sur Tsiribihina (Belon’i Tsiribihina) and Morondava, the Avenue of the Baobabs is unparalleled in beauty. At sunset, the colors behind these giant trees create a breathtaking spectacle.
One sacred baobab stands out among those bordering the track. Locals visit it to make offerings and honor their ancestors. According to legends, the gods, displeased with the baobabs’ excessive pride, decided to plant them upside down, leaving their roots in the air.
You will also see "lover baobabs," which locals believe bring good fortune to couples. The most prominent species in the area is Adansonia grandidieri, an endemic tree unique to Madagascar.

The baobab is one of the few tree species that has resisted deforestation and bushfires, which have decimated the surrounding dry forests. Since baobabs are not used for construction, they are not felled. 

Moreover, the Avenue of the Baobabs enjoys special protection under the initiative of Conservation International. Nestled in the heart of the savannah and rice fields, this natural sanctuary deserves all the efforts to preserve it.

How to get to the Avenue of the Baobabs?

Want to experience this unique sight? Here are four options to reach the Avenue of the Baobabs:

By air :

• Take a flight from the capital to Morondava, which lasts about an hour. Once in Morondava, drive about 20 kilometers along the track leading to Belo sur Tsiribihina.

Entirely by road :

• From Antananarivo, travel 680 kilometers by car to reach Morondava, the capital of the Menabe region. The route passes through Antsirabe, Miandrivazo, Malaimbandy, and finally Morondava. From there, follow the track to the Avenue of the Baobabs.

By road and the Tsiribihina river

• From Miandrivazo, embark on a descent of the Tsiribihina River by barge or canoe. This scenic journey offers a chance to discover the river’s vibrant human and natural environment. Once in Belo sur Tsiribihina, head north toward the Tsingy of Bemaraha, and on the return trip, pass through the Avenue of the Baobabs before arriving in Morondava.

By road and the Manambolo river

For a more adventurous route, start from Antananarivo and head west to the Itasy region and Bongolava. From the town of Tsiroanomandidy, reach the banks of the Manambolo River. Travel by canoe for three days through the Manambolo gorges to the Tsingy of Bemaraha. After exploring the Tsingy, take the road to Morondava and visit the Avenue of the Baobabs.