The Avenue or Alley of the Baobabs is a prominent group of baobab trees in western Madagascar. Along the Avenue are about a dozen trees some 30 m in height, of the Adansonia grandidieri species, which is endemic to Madagascar. Baobab trees can be up to 800 years old and are known locally as renala (Malagasy for "mother of the forest"). They are a legacy of the dense tropical forests that once thrived on Madagascar. The trees did not originally tower in isolation over the scrub landscape but stood in a dense forest. Over the years, as the country's population grew, the forests were cleared for agriculture, leaving only the baobab trees, which the locals preserved as much in respect as for their value as a food source and building material. The Avenue or Alley of the Baobabs is a prominent group of baobab trees lining the dirt road between Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region in western Madagascar. Its striking landscape draws travelers from around the world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. It has been a center of local conservation efforts, and was granted temporary protected status in July 2007 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, the first step toward making it Madagascar's first national monument Along the Avenue are about a dozen trees about 30 meters in height, of the species Adansonia grandidieri, endemic to Madagascar. Baobab trees, up to 800 years old, known locally as renala (Malagasy for "mother of the forest"), are a legacy of the dense tropical forests that once thrived on Madagascar. The trees did not originally tower in isolation over the sere landscape of scrub but stood in dense forest. Over the years, as the country's population grew, the forests were cleared for agriculture, leaving only the baobab trees, which the locals preserved as much in respect as for their value as a food source and building material. The area is not a national park, and the trees are threatened by further deforestation, effluent from encroaching rice paddies and sugarcane plantations, and brush and forest fires.[3] Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the area has no visitor center or gate fees, and local residents receive little income from tourism. Conservation International in partnership with Fanamby, a Malagasy NGO, has launched an ecotourism project aimed at conservation of the area and economic improvement for the local communit
The baobabs of Madagascar have to be seen to be believed. Of eight baobab species in the world, six are endemic to Madagascar; one other is found in Africa and another in Australia. This indicates that Madagascar is the country in which baobab trees first originated, and the other two species migrated across the ocean and followed a different evolution chain in Africa and Australia. The best place to see one of these species, the Adansonia granddieri, is the Avenue des Baobabs. This is a large region with the majestic tree in abundance, and a sacred baobab with offerings around it showing the significance of the trees. There are also two that have become intertwined, and are known as Les Baobabs Amoureux. If you arrive at sunrise or sunset, the view is striking, and good photos are a guarantee. The nearest town to the Avenue of the Baobabs is Morondava. The area was the centre of the Sakalava kingdom, and the tombs here are spectacular and beautiful. It is now the centre of a rice-growing and ostrich-farming area, and is popular as a seaside resort with a laidback and friendly atmosphere. There are lots of good places to eat and the sea provides entertainment by way of swimming, snorkelling and diving. Other places to visit include the zebu marchet, which is held in the first village outside of Morondova, Analeiva. There are also some spectacular tombs, but the people are quite secretive about their locations due to vandalism of the drawings and carvings on them. To the north of the town there are dry deciduous forests which have a biological importance found barely anywhere else. This forest type is one of the most endangered in the world, and the flora and fauna includes many endemic species. Particularly numerous are reptiles such as tortoises, snakes and lizards. Eight species of lemur are found including white sifaka and the rare pale fork-marked lemur. The world’s smallest primate, the Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, is also found in the forest. This weighs just 30 g. Another natural area in Madagascar, Kirindy has abundant wildlife such as the giant jumping rat and the narrow-striped mongoose. The largest Malagasy carnivore, the fosa, is also found here and it is getting fairly easy to see.
Madagascar has always been on top of my list of countries to see. Since a child i have been fascinated by this mysterious island with it's dense forests, bizarre landscapes and mysterious animals. In 2004 we finally made the trip. It turned out to be as fascinating as i hoped for, very diverse with amazingly friendly and happy people. There is no major tourism yet so you will feel all alone. It's a safe and pleasant country to travel around and i can recommend it to everyone. We have been so impressed that we already booked our tickets for a next trip later this year. This particular photo was shot during a long drive to the west coast, after our 3-day canoe trip through one of Madagascar's most rural areas. Avenue de Baobab is one of Madagascar's highlights and probably the most photographed spot. If only we had enough time to wait for sunset!
