The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of baobab trees lining the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region in western Madagascar.
The experience of using this road is very impressive. It’s a row of about 20 – 25 imposing Baobab trees along some 260 m long stretch of the road and in the nearby pastures between Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina. 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 Forests, the first step toward making it Madagascar’s first natural monument.
The drive is definitely worth it. The dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina 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. The Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar is also known as the Alley of Baobabs. 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. The surface of the road is gravel and sand. 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. It’s a row of about 20 – 25 imposing Baobab trees along some 260 m long stretch of the road and in the nearby pastures between Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina.
Some road sections may require a high clearance 4WD vehicle, driven by a driver experienced in 4WD drive techniques and being familiar with backcountry conditions. Located 45 minutes north of Morondava on Madagascar‘s west coast, the Avenue of the Baobabs, is a widely popular attraction. The ‘Avenue’ is an extra-ordinary stand of huge baobab trees, Adansonia grandidieri, and includes trees that are over 800 years old and reach a height of 30+ meters. Ave of the Baobabs is photographer’s paradise and especially beautiful at sunset.
source: dangerous roads
World Road Trips 2015 