The Avenue of the Baobabs is a stretch of road near Morondava in western Madagascar, where tall trunks and wide crowns stand against an open sky. Also called Baobab Alley, it lies on the road towards Belo sur Tsiribihina. You can recognise the view from photographs, but being there lets you notice the bark, the space between the trees and the road beneath them.
Sunrise and sunset bring low light that can pick out the texture of the trunks or turn the crowns into silhouettes. They are popular times for photography, though the light depends on the day. Leave time to look around as well as take pictures, and remember that this is a road people use.
Meet Grandidier’s baobabs
The trees that give the Avenue its distinctive shape are Grandidier’s baobabs, Adansonia grandidieri. The species grows naturally only in Madagascar. Its smooth bark has grey and reddish tones, while branches spread into a broad crown high above the ground.
Known in Malagasy as renala, or “mother of the forest”, the tree belongs to Madagascar’s dry forest landscapes. Its fruit is eaten, and its seeds can be used to produce cooking oil. These details offer another way to appreciate a tree so often seen simply as a silhouette. For a wider introduction, read about Madagascar’s baobabs.
A landscape shaped by people
The Avenue is not an untouched forest. Much of the woodland that once surrounded the baobabs has been cleared, leaving mature trees standing in a more open landscape. Agricultural expansion remains a pressure on Grandidier’s baobabs.
That history is worth keeping in mind during a visit. Give the trees space, leave the area as you found it and ask before photographing people. A local guide can help you understand the setting beyond the familiar view. The photograph is part of the visit, but the landscape deserves attention too.
Beyond the Avenue: the Lovers’ Baobabs
Elsewhere nearby, the Baobab Amoureux, often called the Lovers’ Baobabs, has intertwined trunks. It offers a different view from the upright trees along the Avenue. If you would like to include this stop, ask whether it fits your route rather than assuming every baobab visit includes it.
Visit the Avenue with WAU Madagascar
On our Madagascar Highlights journey, the Avenue comes near the end of the western route, after Kirindy and before Morondava. It follows time on the Tsiribihina River and in the limestone landscapes around Bekopaka. We are a local tour operator in Madagascar and work with local guides in the places we visit.
Highlights starts in Antananarivo and finishes in Morondava. Plan your arrival and onward travel around those endpoints, and check the start and finish of any other tour you choose. Ask us about your route before arranging flights or adding extra days.
Questions about visiting the Avenue
Where is the Avenue of the Baobabs?
It is near Morondava in western Madagascar, on the road towards Belo sur Tsiribihina.
Is sunset the only time to visit?
No. Sunrise also brings low light for photographs. Choose a visit time that fits your itinerary; neither time guarantees particular colours or conditions.
Does Madagascar Highlights visit the Avenue?
Yes. The current itinerary visits after Kirindy, before continuing to Morondava. Check the tour page for the full route and discuss any additional baobab stop with us.
Planning shortcuts
Check seasonal planning information and discuss timing for your western route.
Explore Madagascar’s regions and choose a route that fits your interests.
Check your tour’s start and finish before arranging flights.
Review travel information and verify the current requirements before departure.
Use our travel information to prepare for your itinerary and activities.
