Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a visit to the Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar?
After seeing one too many photos online, that’s exactly what we did! This 260-metre stretch of dusty road (or avenue) is lined with towering Grandidier’s baobabs, some over 30 metres tall and, reportedly, up to 2,800 years old. And yes, it really does look like that in person.
Known locally as renala (mother of the forest), these trees are native to Madagascar and are famously hard to photograph badly. But it’s not just a photo op — getting there takes effort, and sunrise at the site feels properly otherworldly.
This guide covers everything we learned: how to get there, when to go, what it costs, and whether it’s actually worth it.
What is the Avenue of the Baobabs?
Baobabs go by a few names: the Tree of Life, upside-down tree, monkey bread tree. But the ones lining this stretch of road in western Madagascar are something else.
They’re Adansonia grandidieri, the tallest and grandest of the baobab family. Native to Madagascar and found nowhere else. These giants can grow over 30 metres tall, with trunks wide enough to hide a small car. Some are believed to be more than a thousand years old.
There are nine species of baobab worldwide. Six of them grow in Madagascar. These particular ones store water in their trunks, survive dry seasons with ease, and produce a vitamin-rich fruit locals call monkey bread, the kind of thing you’d see on a wellness blog if it grew in Europe.
This short stretch of dirt road is just 260 metres long. It’s also the most photographed place in the country. And with good reason.
Where is the Avenue of the Baobabs?
The Avenue of the Baobabs is just outside Morondava, a dusty coastal town on Madagascar’s west coast. It’s the main base for visiting the avenue, and also a jumping-off point for places like Kirindy Forest and Tsingy de Bemaraha.
There’s a decent range of hotels in town, and while it’s more tourist-friendly than Antananarivo, it still feels low-key. From Morondava, it’s about a 45-minute drive north along RN8 to reach the trees.
How to Get to the Avenue of the Baobabs
Most people visit the Avenue of the Baobabs from Morondava, a small town on Madagascar’s west coast. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive north along RN8. It’s a dusty, unpaved track that’s somehow classed as a national highway.
You can arrange a driver through your hotel or a local tour company. Most use 4x4s. One particularly optimistic tuk-tuk driver once offered to take us in his. We passed.
The route starts on paved streets through Morondava before turning onto RN8, where things get bumpier. You’ll pass rice fields, small villages, and the odd zebu cart. It’s remote but not hard to reach if you’re already in town.
There’s no entrance fee at the avenue itself, just a small parking charge (around 2,000 Ar). Your driver will usually wait while you wander.
Getting to Morondava from Antananarivo
We got there by taxi-brousse. It’s a shared minivan that stops wherever it feels like. Ours took around 13 hours from Antananarivo to Morondava, with a few breaks for food and roadside toilet stops. Some are better than others. It wasn’t comfortable, but it was cheap and it got us there in one piece.
If you’ve got the budget, flying is far easier. Tsaradia runs semi-regular flights from Antananarivo to Morondava, though schedules change often. Worth booking ahead.
Best Time to Visit the Avenue of the Baobab
The Avenue looks different depending on when you go. And we’re not just talking time of day. Most people visit in the dry season (April to October), when the skies are clear, the roads are passable, and the trees have little to no foliage. That’s what we saw in late April. We’d hoped for a few leafy baobabs but were already too late
The rainy season runs from November to March. The trees are greener, sure, but the roads can flood and some parks, like Tsingy, close completely. Unless you’re travelling with your own 4×4 and a lot of patience, it’s worth avoiding.
Sunrise or Sunset?
If you can, do both. We did. They’re very different.
Sunset is the popular one. The light turns dramatic, the sky goes deep orange and purple, and the trees glow. It’s also the busiest time, especially in peak season (July and August). But there’s enough space to spread out and walk the full stretch. You’ll still find your own spot, even if you’re occasionally dodging the odd car.
Sunrise is quieter. We arrived before dawn with snacks and a torch, not entirely sure we were in the right place until the light started to shift. Blues and soft oranges replace the bold sunset colours, and there are fewer tourists around. Just a few early risers and locals starting their day.
We also stopped by mid-morning on the way to Tsingy and had the place completely to ourselves. That was unexpected. And almost better than both.
If you had to pick just one, we’d say sunset. But if you’re already in Morondava, it’s easy enough to do both.
What to Expect When You Visit
This isn’t a gated site or a tourist park. It’s a stretch of dirt road, open to the elements and still used by locals. You might be walking between towering baobabs one minute, then stepping aside for a truck or a zebu cart the next.
There are toilet facilities near the small car park, and a few roadside stalls opposite. They sell everything from carved wooden souvenirs (not made from baobab, thankfully) to bottled drinks and baobab fruit. We found haggling a bit hit or miss, but still came away with a decent deal.
We’d read stories about kids jumping into photos or offering to pose with pet chameleons in exchange for money. That didn’t happen to us, possibly because we went before peak season. But it’s worth being aware of. A polite no usually works.
Avenue of the Baobabs Entry Fee and Practical Info
There’s no official entrance fee to visit the Avenue of the Baobabs. It’s a public road. But there is a small parking charge — around 2,000 Ariary (less than £1). You’ll pay this to a local caretaker or community rep when you arrive.
Here’s what else to know:
- Toilets: Basic but functional, near the car park.
- Shops/stalls: A handful across the road selling snacks, drinks, and baobab-themed souvenirs. Prices vary, and haggling is expected.
- Cash only: Bring small notes if you can. No cards, no ATMs.
- Opening hours: There aren’t any. It’s a road. You can visit any time of day.
- Safety: The area felt safe when we visited. Just stay aware of passing traffic and don’t flash valuables.
If you’re with a driver, they’ll wait while you explore. Most tours plan around sunrise or sunset, with a bit of free time to walk, shop, and take photos before heading back.
While there’s no official ticket, the small parking fee supports the local community. Buying snacks or souvenirs from the stalls helps too — just be fair when haggling.
Drones aren’t banned, but use common sense. Fly early if you want clear skies and fewer people. And ask before filming locals.
Nearby Places Worth Visiting
We passed through the Avenue of the Baobabs on our way to Tsingy de Bemaraha, which makes a handy route if you’re heading that way. But even if you’re staying in Morondava, there are a few places nearby worth stopping for.
Baobabs Amoureux (The Lovers’ Baobabs)
About 7 kilometres north of the main avenue, you’ll find two intertwined baobabs that look like they’re wrapped around each other. Locals call them the Baobabs Amoureux. There’s a short side path to reach them and not much signage, but your driver will know the spot. Quick visit, worth a photo.
Kirindy Forest Reserve
This is where we had our first lemur encounter — not in a park, but just quietly jumping through the trees. Kirindy is about 90 minutes from Morondava and makes for a great stop before or after the baobabs. It’s home to lemurs, giant jumping rats, and the elusive fossa if you’re lucky.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park
Further north and much harder to reach, Tsingy is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Madagascar. Think jagged limestone pinnacles, rope bridges, caves, and proper adventure. It’s only accessible in the dry season and involves a long, bumpy ride — but worth it if you’re heading that way.
Tips for Visiting
- Go early or late – Sunrise and sunset are the best times for light, heat and crowds. Midday is harsh and flat.
- Bring cash – There’s no ATM at the site and the stalls don’t take cards. Small notes help with haggling.
- Pack for dust and sun – Sunglasses, sunscreen, water, maybe a scarf for the dust. The area is dry and exposed.
- Expect basic facilities – There are toilets near the car park, but don’t expect much more.
- Be respectful with photos – Ask before taking pictures of locals. A friendly wave usually does the trick.
- Consider a local guide – Some drivers double as guides, others don’t. A good one will point out wildlife, chameleons, and give a bit of context.
- Don’t skip the nearby stops – Baobabs Amoureux, Kirindy, even Tsingy if you’re up for the mission. It’s all part of the same story.
Conservation at the Avenue of the Baobabs
The Avenue of the Baobabs is one of Madagascar’s most iconic sights. And yet, there’s no visitor centre, no formal entry fee, and very little of the tourism money reaches the local community. Combine that with deforestation, agriculture, bushfires and climate change, and the future of these trees isn’t guaranteed.
Madagascar has lost around 90% of its forests since humans arrived 2,000 years ago. Many species that once helped disperse baobab seeds are now extinct. What was once a dense forest is now a thin strip of surviving Grandidier’s baobabs, gradually isolated by farmland.
Three of Madagascar’s baobab species, including Adansonia grandidieri, are now listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts do exist, mostly led by NGOs, but funding and visibility are limited.
Plant a Baobab
During our sunrise visit, we stumbled across a small baobab nursery hidden just off the road. No signs, no crowds — just a few rows of labelled saplings behind a low fence. Our driver mentioned we could plant one for 10,000 Ariary (about £2), so we did.
It’s a small gesture, but a meaningful one. We chose a sapling, watched it go into the ground, and marked the spot in our minds — something to return to one day.
If you visit, ask your driver about the nursery. It’s not advertised, which feels like a missed opportunity. With better signage, more people might do the same.
FAQs: Avenue of the Baobabs
A few quick answers to the questions people tend to ask before visiting — the useful stuff that doesn’t always make it into the guide.
Is the Avenue of the Baobabs worth visiting?
Yes. It’s an iconic and surreal sight, especially at sunrise or sunset. It lives up to expectations and feels uniquely Madagascar. Early mornings are best if you want space and quiet.
What’s the closest airport to the Avenue of the Baobabs?
Morondava Airport. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the Avenue, with semi-regular flights from Antananarivo via Tsaradia.
When is the best time to visit?
Visit during the dry season, from April to October. Roads are passable, skies are clear, and it’s the ideal time for both the Avenue and day trips to Kirindy or Tsingy.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. It’s a public road, so no formal ticket. There is a small parking fee (about 2,000 Ariary) and everything is cash only.
How long should I spend there?
Plan to stay for 1–2 hours. That gives you time to enjoy sunrise or sunset, wander the full stretch, browse stalls, and soak it in.
Wrapping Up: Avenue of the Baobabs
We ended up seeing the Avenue of the Baobabs four times during our trip, and each visit felt different. The trees live up to their status. Towering, ancient, oddly quiet. Planting our own little baobab was a highlight, even if the setup could do with some work.
There’s still time to protect places like this. But it’ll take more than photo ops. Conservation, local support, and thoughtful travel all play a part. If you’re lucky enough to visit, treat it like somewhere that matters, because it does.
