Timeless giants of Madagascar’s west

AVENUE OF THE BAOBABS

 

The Avenue of the Baobabs, located near Morondava on Madagascar’s west coast, is one of the most iconic and photographed sites on the island. This dirt road is flanked by towering baobab trees, some over 800 years old, creating a surreal and almost mythical landscape. The trees, known locally as “renala,” meaning “mother of the forest,” rise like giants from the earth, their thick, gnarled trunks and sparse canopies creating an otherworldly silhouette. Visitors to the Avenue of the Baobabs are often struck by the serenity and timelessness of the scene, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the golden light accentuates the trees’ grandeur. The nearby village and the surrounding countryside offer additional opportunities to explore the unique cultural and natural heritage of the region. The Avenue of the Baobabs stands as a symbol of Madagascar’s environmental uniqueness and serves as a reminder of the need for conservation efforts to protect these ancient giants.

MADAGASCAR’S HIGHLIGHTS

Antananarivo

Nosy Be

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Isalo National Park

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Mahajanga

Ranomafana National Park

The Avenue of the Baobabs

Anja Reserve