Where to See Baobab Trees in Madagascar (Top 5 Places)

There are many unique things that are found in Madagascar. One of those things is the Baobab Trees.

These ancient trees are tall and wide. They look like something out of a fairytale story. In Madagascar, Baobab trees are known as the Reniala, which translates to Mother of the Forest.

In this article, you will learn about the places to see Baobab Trees in Madagascar.

Table of Contents

The Top 5 Places to See Baobab Trees in Madagascar

1. Avenue of the Baobabs

The most famous place to see baobab trees in Madagascar is the Avenue of the Baobabs. It is a dirt road located between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in western Madagascar.

The avenue is lined with baobab trees on both sides, making it a good view for tourists. Many of the giant baobab trees found in this location are over 800 years old.

If you’re visiting the area with a car, you will need to pay a small car parking fee, but no additional entrance fee is needed.

The best time to visit for a better view and photography is at sunrise or sunset.

2. Kirindy Forest

The Kirindy Forest is another place to see baobab trees in their natural habitat. It is a private nature reserve that is located in western Madagascar, about 50 kilometres north of Morondava.

You can take a guided tour to learn about the unique animals and plants of Kirindy.

The best time to visit Kirindy Forest is during the dry season, from March to December.

3. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is within the boundaries of Antsalova District. The park is famous for its plateaus, which are a wonder to behold.

The limestone plateaus are not the only natural wonders in the park. It is also home to several endemic species of plants and animals, like baobab trees.

The baobabs in Tsingy de Bemaraha are scattered throughout the park. You will find them in the most unexpected places in the park.

4. Ifaty

Ifaty comprises two small fishing villages called Mangily and Madio Rano. This area is home to some of the biggest ancient baobab trees in the southwest of Madagascar.

Most of the Baobab trees found in Ifaty are over 1200 years old. Since baobabs grow close to the coastline in Ifaty, you can relax on the sandy shores while taking pictures of these ancient giants.

Ifaty is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November.

5. Ankarafantsika National Park

Ankarafantsika National Park is located in northwestern Madagascar. This region is rich with different natural plants and animals.

You will find baobab trees scattered throughout the park. It is better to take a guided hike through the park to see the baobabs up close.

The best time to visit Ankarafantsika National Park is during the dry season, from April to November.

What is special about the baobab tree?

In Madagascar, baobab trees are a source of food, medicine, and building materials. These ancient trees have been significant to the ancient Malagasy people for many years.

All parts of the tree are used for different things on the island. The fruit of the baobab tree is referred to as the “monkey bread fruit,” and it is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients.

The baobab leaves have been used in traditional medicine in Madagascar. They are said to have healing properties for a variety of ailments.

The bark of the tree is used to make rope and other items. So the baobab trees are special to the people of Madagascar.

Aside from having practical use, some cultures in Madagascar believe that baobab trees are inhabited by spirits. This is why they leave offerings at the base of the tree to appease these spirits.

Final Words

In this article, we have revealed the top 5 places to see baobab trees in Madagascar. The best part about visiting these places is that you get to see other wildlife and endemic plants like lemurs.

In summary, where to see baobab trees in Madagascar are the Avenue of the Baobabs, Kirindy Forest, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Ifaty, and Ankarafantsika National Park.

FAQs

How old are the baobab trees in Madagascar?

Madagascar has some of the oldest baobab trees, estimated to be 1,600 years old.

Which country has the most baobab trees?

Madagascar has the most baobab trees. The Baobab Trees are scattered throughout Madagascar but are mostly common in the western region.

Can humans eat baobab fruit?

Yes, humans can eat baobab fruit. The fruit is common throughout Madagascar.

Can I visit the Avenue of the Baobabs on my own?

Yes, you can visit the Avenue of the Baobabs on your own. The Avenue is accessible by car from Morondava.

Louis Ojibe

Hi, I’m Louis Ojibe, and I grew up around wildlife in Africa. I have always been fascinated by animals and nature across the world.
As a child, my parents used to take me to see wild animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, tortoises, and many others at our local zoo.