Avenue des Baobabs and the Tsingy of Bemaraha
Western Madagascar most closely resembles the image of Africa that many travelers have: dry for most of the year, imposing baobab trees sticking out everywhere, bush and vast landscapes alternating. A friendly population and children who scream their lungs out when they see a white person. Western Madagascar is "wild at heart.
The iconic Avenue des Baobabs is located in the Menabe region, about 20 kilometers from the town of Morondava. The southern part of the Tsingy of Bemaraha is about 140 kilometers further north. The dirt road to Kirindy and Belo-sur-Tsiribihina is in reasonable condition, then the real adventure begins. Multiple river crossings require time, and the nature of the terrain is so rugged that you will need an entire day to cover this distance. Along the way you will pass small villages and you will undoubtedly encounter zebu carts, the most common means of transportation in this region. After the last local ferry across the Manambolo River, you will arrive at your hotel in the village of Bekopaka, on the edge of the Little Tsingy. A comfortable oasis in where you settle down for three nights. Explore the unique karst landscape both at the level of the high, pointed peaks, and at the bottom where the rocks meet the sand. On top, the sun shines brightly, but the deep corridors and caves see little or no sunlight. Where the world can't find you...
Off-the-road as part of the adventure
Traveling overland to this part of Madagascar means adventure travel. The roads are in poor condition, a 4WD vehicle is necessary. Are being on the road and off-the-road driving an integral part of a fascinating travel adventure for you? Then you will find what you are looking for here. A destination for intrepid travelers who, with the right attitude, will intensely enjoy every minute of this special journey!
Are long travel days and off-the-road driving not a suitable mode of travel for you, but is it your desire to see this part of Madagascar? Then read on anyway, there are more comfortable options.
Tips and tops from The Unspoiled West of Madagascar:
- Enjoy the day in Antsirabe in the cooler climate of the Highlands and take a nice walk or bike ride in the rural surroundings
- Day 4 is a very long travel day where you will soon leave the Highlands behind, to drive into another climate zone. You will have lunch in Miandrivazo, known as the warmest city in Madagascar. Continued on an asphalt road in very poor condition
- In the coastal town of Morondava, you can explore on your own, or if you wish, a private guide can accompany you
- At the end of Day 5, a wonderful experience awaits: sunset at the Avenue des Baobabs
- A drive of several hours will take you to Kirindy Forest Reserve, where you will see various lemurs
- Kirindy is considered the best place to see Madagascar's largest predator - the fosa - as well as being the habitat of the world's smallest primate: Berthe's mouse lemur. Try your luck for an encounter with these special animals on an evening walk with private guide
- During the rainy season, the stretch from Belo-sur-Tsiribihina to Bekopaka is impassable. The route is passable from approximately mid-April to late November
- Day 7 is a long day of travel through an extremely authentic environment. Along the way, the dirt road crosses several rivers. Get ready for adventurous crossings by local ferry. You will also pass this route on the way back, divided between Day 10 and 12
- Visit both Big Tsingy and Little Tsingy, a bizarre massif of eroded karst formations with sharp points and deep gorges
- Using a local boat, you will sail through the Manambolo River gorge to experience the impressive Tsingy from a different perspective. The boat feels tiny next to the immense walls of limestone
- On the way back you will stay at Tsangajoly Lodge, which is located in the coastal area with lagoons and mangroves. Visit the salt mining area and take a boat trip through the Ramsar wetland, home to an extraordinary number of bird species
- You can extend this trip with a multi-day boat trip on the Tsiribihina River
- If you are looking for a more comfortable way to travel to the Avenue des Baobabs and the Tsingy of Bemaraha, consider flying from the capital by domestic flight to Morondava. By 4WD, you will then visit the Avenue des Baobabs and Kirindy Special Reserve. You will then fly by private charter from Morondava to the Tsingy of Bemaraha
- For an extremely comfortable trip to these destinations and some other highlights, check out Fly-in Madagascar
