Baobab Avenue
Along a dirt road some fifteen kilometres north of Morondava, a cluster of baobab trees to the right and left of the road form an avenue of proud giants also called the Baobab Avenue. This road has become a landmark of the region and a symbol of Madagascar and is one of the most photographed locations in the country.
The baobab tree is the national tree of Madagascar. Due to its unusual shape, the baobab is sometimes said to be a tree with roots pointing to the sky. According to ancient Arabic mythology, it was the devil who pulled the tree out of the earth and re-planted it upside down.
The fruits of the baobab are highly nutritious, with more vitamin C than oranges. The fruit pulp can be eaten directly or mixed with various meals and drinks.
 Sakalava woman at Boabab Avenue |
The best times to visit the Baobab Avenue are at sunset and sunrise when the colours of the trunks change and the long shadows of the trees are the 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.