Twenty kilometres from Morondava, in the western region of Madagascar Africa there is the Alley of Baobabs. A natural beauty that is one of the most visited locations in Madagascar by travellers from around the world.
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a 260 m long road with a group of baobab trees 30 meters high and about 800 years old. Originally the trees were surrounded by dense forest. But, over the years as the country’s population grew, the area became agricultural, leaving only the baobab trees.
Locally know as “renala” (mother of the forest), baobab trees are often called the “upside-down trees” because their branches look like roots sticking up in the air. They are symbol of strength, wisdom, health, long life and beauty. Moreover, they are an essential part of African culture. Regarding the shape of the baobab, there are many legends. For example, one of them is that Gods decided to turn the trees upside down. Nowadays baobabs are part of the Malagasy people daily life. In fact, they use them to make roofs, ropes and juice or cooking oil.
Travellers can reach the Alley of the Baobabs by foot, bike, car or with a taxi from Morondava. Moreover, the best time to visit the area is during sunset or sunrise. In fact, the colours of the baobabs’ trunks change, creating beautiful shadows effects.
Info: http://www.madagascar-tourisme.com/index.php
http://www.vanilla-islands.org/?lang=en
Photo Credit: ©ONTM, Karim Nari, OFFICE NATIONAL du TOURISME de MADAGASCAR
