Avenue of the Baobabs Road
Madagascar, africa
20 km
25 m
easy
April to November (dry season)
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of approximately 25 towering Grandidier's baobab trees (Adansonia grandidieri) lining a dirt road between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar. These ancient trees, some estimated to be over 800 years old and standing up to 30 meters tall, create one of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in all of Africa. The road itself is a roughly 20-kilometer stretch of the Route Nationale 8.
Once part of a dense tropical forest, the baobabs are now the sole survivors of extensive deforestation for agriculture, standing as majestic sentinels in an otherwise flat, open landscape of rice paddies and sugarcane fields. The road is at its most magical during sunrise and sunset, when the low-angle light casts long shadows and turns the bulbous trunks golden. Despite its fame, the road remains unpaved and can be challenging during the wet season when it turns into a muddy quagmire. The site was designated a national natural monument in 2007.
Where is it?
Avenue of the Baobabs Road is located in Menabe, Madagascar (africa). Coordinates: -20.2509, 44.4189
Driving Tips
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and photographs. The road is only accessible in dry season by standard vehicle. Hire a local guide from Morondava. Combine with a visit to the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby Baobab Amoureux (Lovers' Baobabs) is two intertwined trees worth a short detour. Respect the sacred significance of certain trees to local communities.
Road Surface
Unpaved dirt
Road Details
- Country
- Madagascar
- Continent
- africa
- Region
- Menabe
- Length
- 20 km
- Max Elevation
- 25 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Unpaved dirt
- Best Season
- April to November (dry season)
- Coordinates
- -20.2509, 44.4189
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