Discover Morondava and its Avenue of Baobabs
The city of Morondava is known for its famous Baobab Alley. Most tourists passing through this city inevitably offer themselves as a souvenir for magnificent photo shoots on this alley. It must be said that these majestic trees in the south of the island provide a perfect backdrop for an idyllic journey to this exotic island that is Madagascar. If you want to complete your trip with unforgettable memories, a visit to the city of Morondava is a must, the same goes for demanding photo trips.
Avenue of the Baobabs, the most photographed site in Madagascar
The Baobab Alley is a true boulevard. The Avenue of the Baobabs is a natural wonder located in Morondava, Madagascar. This iconic site, protected as a “natural monument” since July 2007, offers breathtaking views and is a must-see for tourists visiting the area. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the orange hues reflecting off the baobab trees create a magical atmosphere.
The city of Morondava, known for its lush landscapes and rivers, is a popular destination for travelers seeking majestic views and unique experiences. The Avenue of the Baobabs, also known as the “Allee des Baobabs,” is a perfect spot to capture stunning photos and create lasting memories.
For more information about the Adansonia Grandidieri Baobabs and the famous Avenue of the Baobabs, visit https://www.urlaub-auf-madagaskar.com/die-baobabs-auf-madagaskar/. The Avenue of the Baobabs is located 20 kilometers north of Morondava. These upside-down giant tree giants, lined up along the road to Bekopaka, offer an amazing spectacle. The Baobab trees are one of the main natural curiosities of western Madagascar. An impressive specimen, known as the “sacred Baobab tree,” stands on the side of the RN 35, just outside Morondava. It is a place of worship where ancestors are honored by placing shells, bottles, and red and black cloths in the cracks of its trunk. On the road leading to Mangily, you will be enchanted by the “lovestruck baobab tree”…
Further down the same road, a bit away from the Baobab Alley, you will find the Andranomena Nature Reserve and Marofandilia.
What you need to know about the city
The city of Morondava is located in the province of Tulear or Toliara for locals. It is situated in the southwest of the Big Island. To get there, you need to take the RN7 road to Antsirabe and cover a distance of about 680 km from Antananarivo.
Various ethnic groups live in this region in harmony, but the Sakalava are the dominant group. It is a coastal city, known for its unique culture and stunning landscapes. Located on the Mozambique Channel, the climate in Morondava is very warm and dry throughout the year.
In addition, from a gastronomic point of view, you will have the pleasure of experiencing a culinary journey full of flavors. It is a destination that allows you to experience many adventures, make discoveries, and relax.
This city in the southwest is also crossed by two rivers, the Mangoky and the Manambolo, on which you can embark on discovery tours.
Activities in Morondava and its surroundings:
The Tsingy of Bemaraha
From Morondava, you must embark on a journey to the Tsingy of Bemaraha. covering a distance of about 200 km towards the village of Bekopaka. To enjoy a journey full of discoveries, the roads are accessible by motorcycle from May to November. 
In addition to the diversity of flora in the region, the fauna will also introduce you to the richness of the southwestern reserve. Many endemic species, which are the pride of the whole country, will be accessible to you there.
The nature reserve Tsingy de Bemaraha includes karst landscapes and limestone plateaus, cut into impressive “tsingy” peaks and a “forest” of limestone needles. The spectacular Manambolo River gorge, gentle hills, and high peaks. The untouched forests, lakes, and mangrove swamps are home to rare and endangered lemurs and birds.
In addition, the Great Tsingy, shaped by nature over millions of years, offers a spectacular view.
A tour to visit the Great Tsingy
The Great Tsingy is located in Andamozavaky. From the village of Bekopaka, it is a 3-hour hike to the base of the shimmering rock formations. It is an ideal place for mountain climbing and climbing enthusiasts. Visiting the site will take some time as there is more.
The Isalo National Park covers an area of 72,300 hectares.
This is probably the most rewarding half-day excursion within the park, as it takes you deep into the limestone forest and across several suspension bridges with impressive karst formations beneath your feet. The trail is not technically difficult and even children can handle it, but if you have a fear of heights, you should avoid it!
The view from the suspension bridge down below is something that those with a fear of heights should avoid.
A two-day camping hike within the park is also possible (Anjohimanintsy Trail). This circuit is a combination of
several shorter treks up and down through the Tsingy formations, visiting an underground cave and discovering the various plants and animals that share the different ecosystems.
The Little Tsingy
The Little Tsingy: This 4-5 hour tour takes you through a labyrinth of limestone and two viewpoints overlooking the impressive peaks. There are good chances of spotting the Decken’s Sifaka and the red-fronted brown lemurs.
The Manambolo Gorge: It is a canoe trip along the gorge, combined with an easier path through caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and the famous family tomb of the Vazimba tribe.
Sakalava Tombs
When you arrive in Morondava, you will find yourself in a. Fall in love with the beauty of the region and its cultural richness. The people in this part of Madagascar are very conservative. Rituals and traditions have survived time and are part of the heritage of successive generations. To immerse yourself in this traditional atmosphere, you can visit the famous Sakalava tombs. These are among the most popular tourist attractions in the city. You will also discover the tomb art of the Sakalava people. Frescoes, drawings, statues adorn the ancient tombs and tell the story of the deceased during their lifetime. In some places, you will be able to distinguish various offerings that are made to seek the blessings of the spirits. If you. If you are interested in discovering the few remaining remnants of the Sakalava’s past, you must be accompanied by a guide. These tombs are considered sacred sites, so you will need permission from local authorities before you can enter them. However, it is an extraordinary experience that you must have to make your stay in Morondava a success.
A culinary journey to the heart of Morondava
As a coastal town in the south of the country, Morondava also offers its visitors an unparalleled culinary journey. Seafood, which is the main culinary specialty of the region, is sourced from fishing. Indulge in the flavors of the sea during your visit to Morondava for a truly unforgettable experience.
Indulge in exotic, flavorful dishes offered by locals during your escapade. Lobster, shrimp, crab, and local fish “à la Malagasy” are grilled, fried, skewered, or flambéed with Dzamandzar rum, a specialty of the Big Island known for its delicate taste that leaves a juicy aroma in your mouth. Try tasty dishes with Combava sauce, made from a citrus fruit abundant in the Morondava region, adding a refreshing touch to your meals. Dishes like Madagascar shrimp with cashew nut sauce or the famous Madagascar lobster will transport your taste buds to the heart of exoticism.
Experience the beauty of Morondava with a trip to Tsiangajoly.
Bird watching in Tsiangajoly
The Lodge de la Saline is just a two-hour drive from Morondava, a 4-star hotel complex located in the heart of a 2,500-hectare private reserve. This facility combines luxury and environmental respect. The ultimate discovery!
The Lodge de la Saline is located between the Allée des Baobabs and the Tsingy de Bemaraha and is part of the domain of the Compagnie Salinière du Delta. The land on which this hotel is built is also a private reserve. In the heart of the mangrove forest of the West, recently classified as a RAMSAR site.
Specifically, the hotel offers 8 cottages (1 to 3 Pax), 7 bungalows (1 to 2 Pax), 1 villa (1 to 7 Pax), a group accommodation (1 to 14 Pax), and a campsite (1 to 30 Pax). Each room is equipped with high-quality bedding, air conditioning, Wifi, TV, safe, and shower. The villas are equipped with a kitchen, while the campsite is equipped with comfortable tents.
The restaurant serves gourmet meals based on fresh seafood and “100% organic” products from the lodge’s farm. The hotel also features. A bar and a terrace to admire the sunset.
In addition to tourist services, environmental protection is at the heart of the lodge’s activities. Every year, reforestation projects are carried out in the region. Furthermore, the hotel offers its customers sustainable and responsible activities such as whale safaris, fishing tours, immersing in the daily life of fishermen, meeting lemurs living in the wild at the lodge, relocating lemurs to their natural habitat, excursions in the mangroves, trekking, bird watching, canoeing, visits to the salt mines… The reserve and the pristine mangrove forests offer one of the best places for Ornithological Travel.
Kirindy Private Reserve or Forest Reserve
This Reservat, located 60 km northeast of Morondava, covers approximately 12,500 hectares and is a protected area popular among scientists and travelers for its amazing wildlife. Kirindy is one of the few places in Madagascar where you are likely to see the Fossa (Cryptoprocta felix), the country’s largest predator, a puma- or dog-like creature with oversized ears and a strangely elongated body. Additionally, there are eight species of lemurs, the giant jumping rat, and numerous bird species.
Kirindy Mitea
Kirindy Mitea is a place of extreme seasonal changes. Just like in the Kirindy Private Reserve, there is a hot rainy season (December to February) where temperatures can reach up to 40°C. During this short rainy season, the forest turns green and all reptiles and amphibians become active. After this burst of life, there are nine months of warm temperatures and little rain, during which many animals go into hibernation.
Currently, there are a couple of hiking trails through the park. One circular trail takes you through the majestic sand dunes to the lakes Sirave and Ambondro. Here, you can admire the different types of forests and the huge baobab trees. Watch waterfowl and reptiles, and of course, swim at one of the beautiful beaches. Another trail leads through the dry, dense forest in search of lemurs, birds, and baobab trees. It is also possible to explore the mangroves by canoe and observe waterfowl and some bats.
