Madagascar Baobab Route
Madagascar
Through Madagascar's central highlands and western lowlands to the Avenue of the Baobabs, 800-year-old bottle-shaped giants lining a red laterite track near Morondava. Past highland rice terraces, zebu cart markets, sacred forests, and the canal du Pangalanes to one of the most otherworldly landscapes on earth.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Antananarivo
Madagascar's capital on twelve hills. The Rova's hilltop commands the city; steep Haute-Ville lanes of Merina and French architecture frame the journey's start.
- Antsirabe
Cool highland spa town at 1,500m, a French colonial retreat of wide boulevards. Pousse-pousse rickshaws and a lively gemstone market are essential stops.
- Ambositra
Highland capital of the Zafimaniry woodcarvers, whose geometric marquetry is a UNESCO Intangible Heritage. Roadside workshops line the main street through town.
- Miandrivazo
Gateway to the Tsiribihina River and launch point for pirogue drifts through waterbird channels to the coast. The road west deteriorates here; 4WD becomes essential.
- Morondava
Laid-back Mozambique Channel fishing town of outrigger canoes and fresh lobster. Baobabs appear on the outskirts; the beach at sunset is one of Madagascar's iconic images.
- Avenue of the Baobabs
Twenty-five Adansonia grandidieri baobabs, 800 years old and 30m tall, line a red laterite track. At dawn their trunks glow gold against the open sky.
Where to Eat
- Chez MaggieSeafood
Offers fresh seafood dishes with ocean views, known for its grilled fish and prawns.
- Le CorailFrench
Serves French-inspired cuisine with a Malagasy twist, featuring local ingredients.
- Mad ZebuGourmet
Renowned for its gourmet dishes blending Malagasy flavors with international techniques.
- La CapanninaItalian
Authentic Italian pizzeria offering wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
- Hotel des Thermes RestaurantInternational
Features a diverse menu with international and Malagasy dishes in a historic setting.
Things to Do
- Ranomafana National ParkNational Park
Explore lush rainforests home to rare lemurs and diverse wildlife.
- Antsirabe Thermal BathsWellness
Relax in natural hot springs known for their therapeutic properties.
- Zafimaniry VillageCultural Site
Visit traditional villages renowned for intricate wood carvings and unique architecture.
- Kirindy Forest ReserveNature Reserve
Discover unique flora and fauna, including the elusive fossa and giant jumping rat.
- Baobab AmoureuxLandmark
See the 'Lover Baobabs,' two intertwined trees symbolizing eternal love.
Travel advisory
The route includes long laterite and dirt sections that become severely degraded and impassable during the November to April wet season. A robust 4WD vehicle is essential outside the dry season, and even then tracks can be deeply rutted. Plan for slow progress and book accommodation well ahead as options are limited near Morondava.