Where to see baobab trees in Madagascar?

When people think of Madagascar, the iconic baobab trees often come to mind. And rightly so — the baobab is the national tree of Madagascar! The seeds of the trees are a local snack; the tangy pulp from their hard-shelled fruit is made into a refreshing drink, and the bark is used for making rope and roofing.

So, where can you find these iconic baobab trees? Rest assured, baobabs are instantly recognisable. With their huge, bottle-shaped trunks and stubby branches, they look like they’re growing upside down. Of the nine baobab species in the world, six are found only in Madagascar. 

Ready to see them for yourself? Keep reading to discover the best places to spot baobabs on your road trip through Madagascar.

Avenue des Baobabs | An iconic road trip

As the name suggests, the Avenue des Baobabs is the place to see Madagascar’s most famous trees up close.

The road is framed by dozens of ancient baobab trees, creating a setting so beautiful and unique that it may become the country’s first official natural monument. Some of these trees are over 800 years old and have trunks wider than a bus!

Legend has it that when Arab sailors arrived here over a thousand years ago, they thought the trees had been planted upside down — their bare branches looked like roots reaching for the sky.

Long ago, these baobabs were part of a lush tropical forest, but most of it has disappeared due to deforestation, leaving the baobab trees standing proudly on their own. Thankfully, private organisations have taken notice of the area and are promoting efforts to protect the avenue. This way, the trees might survive for another 800 years to come. 

How to get to Avenue des Baobabs?

Avenue des Baobabs is a simple dirt road on Madagascar’s west coast, about a 45-minute drive from the seaside town of Morondava. You only need to pay a small parking fee, there’s no separate entrance ticket.

You can easily visit the Avenue when driving our Grand Circuit or Baobab Route. Some travellers wonder if it’s possible to combine it with a trip on the RN7, but it’s really too far out of the way. From Antsirabe, it’s a 12-hour drive each way — so definitely not worth the detour!

When is the best time to visit the Avenue de Baobabs?

The Avenue des Baobabs is spectacular at any time, but sunrise and sunset are pure magic. The soft light brings out the trees’ red glow, and the sky turns into a painter’s palette of pink, purple, and gold.

Sunrise is usually quieter than sunset, so you’ll have the place almost to yourself. Watching the fog lift as the first light hits the massive trunks — it’s one of those moments you’ll never forget.

Other places to see baobab trees in Madagascar

Can’t make it to the Avenue des Baobabs? No worries! Many travellers think it’s the only place to see these iconic trees, but baobabs are actually part of Madagascar’s natural landscape — you’ll spot them all over the country.

Other areas in Madagascar known for their baobabs are: 

• The Spiny Forest in Ifaty (close to Tulear on the RN7)
• Sprinkled along the West Coast
• Ankarafantsika National Park (in Northern Madagascar)

Create your own baobab road trip

A roadtrip in Madagascar wouldn’t be complete without seeing its famous baobab trees. Our self-drive itineraries make it easy to plan your ultimate adventure, combining iconic sights with hidden gems off the beaten track.

Once you've chosen your route and rented your car, swing by our practical info section. There, you’ll find everything you need to know about self-driving in Madagascar — from tips and road conditions to FAQs and travel advice.

Still have questions? Feel free to contact us! The Roadtrip Africa team is happy to help you prepare for your Madagascar road trip of a lifetime.