The Avenue of the Baobabs, or Alley of the Baobabs, is a prominent group of Grandidier's baobabs (Adansonia grandidieri) lining the dirt road between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of western Madagascar. Its striking landscape draws travelers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. It has been a center of local conservation efforts and was granted temporary protected status in July 2007 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forestry – a step toward making it Madagascar's first natural monument.
Avenue of the Baobabs is the most accessible place to see Baobab trees in Africa.
Avenue of the Baobabs is the name of a dirt road running through a group of baobab trees in the Menabe region of western Madagascar. It's the most accessible place to see the Baobab trees in Africa. It’s said to be the most beautiful road in Madagascar.
Where is Avenue of the Baobabs located?
The avenue is a dirt road located 45 minutes north of Morondava, between Marofototra and Andriamena, in the Menabe region on Madagascar's west coast. The ‘Avenue’ is an extra-ordinary stand of huge baobab trees, Adansonia grandidieri, It is one of the most popular and visited places in the country.
How long is the Avenue of Baobabs?
The experience of using this road is very impressive. It’s a row of about 20 - 25 impressive Baobab trees along some 260 m long stretch of the road. Its striking landscape draws travelers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. Don’t let the quality of the road fool you, this is still a national highway (Route Nationale N8) of the country. It has been a center of local conservation efforts and was granted temporary protected status in July 2007 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, the first step toward making it Madagascar's first natural monument.
What is the Avenue of the Baobabs known for?
The drive is definitely worth it. The dirt road between Marofototra and Andriamena is known for the group of these giant trees growing around this section. The road is one of the most popular and visited places in Madagascar. The avenue is also the most accessible place to see the Baobab trees in Africa. The bumpy and curvy road demands an experienced driver though. In the future, it is planned to develop ecotourism to preserve the area and these gorgeous Baobab trees. The tree is most affectionately referred to as the upside-down tree, but it is also known as the boab, boaboa and bottle tree. The Baobabs can be up to 800 years of age and reach heights of 98 feet (30 m). The diameter of the larger trees can reach up to 36 feet (11 m) and the circumference can be up to 160 feet (50 m) around. It is not indigenous to Madagascar and may be found in other parts of Africa. It is here where the larger Baobabs are said to be located and the ones that feature the larger circumferences around 160 feet. It is often visited in a combination with Kirindy Forest Reserve. The departure point is Morondava, which offers modest hotels and restaurants.
When is the best time to visit the Avenue of the Baobabs?
The road is totally unpaved. The best time to visit Baobab Avenue is at sunset and sunrise when the colours of the trunks change and the long shadows of the trees are most pronounced. Baobab Avenue can be reached from Morondava by foot, bike or taxi-brousse in the direction of Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. A tiny village and a school are located nearby. The location is also known as Allée de Baobab, Avenue du Baobab or Adansoinia grandidieri baobabs. It’s also known as the Alley of Baobabs, and it’s said to be the Most Beautiful Road in Madagascar. The avenue is considered to be one of the world’s most exciting roads. It’s a photographer’s paradise and especially beautiful at sunset. Unless you are part of a pre-arranged tour, the only way to reach the Avenue of the Baobabs from Morondava is by hiring a taxi.
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