Madagascar

The Baobab Alley is one of the most beautiful sites on the Big Island. A true national heritage, this place, not far from Morondava, is a must-see during a trip in central-west Madagascar.

Discovery of the site

You will be surprised to see these trees over 30 meters high bordering the track leading to the banks of the Tsiribihina River over a length of 20 km.

Some of these cult trees have an age that takes us back more than eight centuries, thus accentuating our respect and fascination.

Located between Belo sur Tsiribihina (Belon’i Tsiribihina) and Morondava, the Baobab Alley enjoys unparalleled beauty.

At sunset, the colors behind these giant trees offer an amazing sight.

A sacred baobab tree stands out among those along the track. The locals come there to place offerings and honor their ancestors.

According to legends, the gods did not appreciate the excessive pride of the baobabs. They decided to plant them upside down, putting the roots in the air.

You will also see lover baobabs, which according to the local beliefs can bring good luck to couples. On the spot, the most striking species is Adansonia grandidieri. Of course, this tree is endemic to Madagascar.

Read our article on Madagascar’s baobabs: The baobab, a mythical Malagasy tree

The baobab is one of the few species of trees that have resisted deforestation and especially bush fires that have decimated the surrounding dry forests. Moreover, not being used for construction, the baobab is not cut.

In addition, the Baobab Alley benefits from special protection at the initiative of Conservation International. Located in the heart of the savannah and rice fields, this natural sanctuary deserves protection.

How to get to the Baobab Alley?

Do you want to enjoy this unique show? At least four possibilities are available to reach the Baobab Alley:

-By air :

• We take a flight from the capital to the city of Morondava. The trip lasts about an hour.

• Once we arrive in Morondava, we continue by car, taking the track for about twenty kilometers towards Belo sur Tsiribihina.

-Entirely by road :

• From Antananarivo, we have to drive 680 km to reach Morondava, the capital of Menabe.

• We pass through Antisirabe, Miandrivazo, Malaimbandy and finally Morondava.

• From there, we take the track to the Baobab Alley.

-By road and the Tsiribihina River

• From Miandrivazo, we can go down the Tsiribihina River by barge or canoe.

This beautiful navigation allows you to discover the life of the river, its human and natural environment. Once in Belo sur Tsiribihina, we can head north towards the Tsingy de Bemaraha and on the way back, we will cross the Baobab Alley before reaching Morondava.

-By road and the Manambolo River

There is also a more adventurous way that we particularly like.

• From Antananarivo, we go west to reach the Itasy Region, then Bongolava.

• From the city of Tsiroanomandidy, we reach the banks of the Manambolo River.

After 3 days of canoe ride, we reach the gorges of Manambolo and the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
After having crossed the Tsingy, we take the road to Morondava and the Baobabs Alley.