Avenue of the Baobabs: the complete visitor's guide
A row of giant baobabs lining a dirt road near Morondava is one of Madagascar's most iconic sights. Here is how to make the most of a visit.
When to go and what to expect
The Avenue is a short drive north of Morondava on the west coast. The baobabs here are Grandidier's baobabs, some over 800 years old and nearly 30 metres tall. Sunrise and sunset are magical, when the trunks glow and long shadows stretch across the track. The dry season, May to November, gives the clearest skies and easiest access.
Photography tips
Arrive early for sunrise to beat the crowds and the heat. For sunset, position yourself so the low sun lights the trunks from the side. A wide lens captures the avenue, but a longer lens compresses the trees beautifully. Local ox-carts and villagers passing through add scale and life to your shots.
Combine it with more of the west
Most travellers pair the Avenue with Tsingy de Bemaraha to the north and Kirindy Forest, where night walks reveal the fossa and tiny nocturnal lemurs. The nearby Baobab Amoureux, two trees twisted together, is a lovely short stop. See how it fits a route in our two-week itinerary.
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