Stately giants and lumpy round bellies
There are eight species of baobabs in the world, and no fewer than seven of them are found in Madagascar. Six species are found exclusively in Madagascar. Perhaps the best known is Adansonia grandidieri, found around the famous Avenue des Baobabs, among other places. Candle straight, sturdy giants, sometimes more than 25 meters tall, they seem to watch over their surroundings. Other species are smaller and thicker, robust round bellies with smooth skin or with lumps and bumps. The thick trunk acts as a spongy pitcher, storing water during the rainy season. During the dry season, the tree can survive on this. Young baobabs first grow in height, then the slow process of expanding begins. The oldest baobabs - with a respectable age of many hundreds of years - can reach a circumference of more than 15 meters.
Most baobabs are found on the western side of the country and in the far south, in the drier and warmer regions. Here you can experience how imposing a baobab can be. Standing next to one of these bulging giants, remember that it was there in the last century, and in the century before that, maybe even in the 15th or 16th century. If baobabs could tell...
Avenue des Baobabs
Sunset in iconic Avenue des Baobabs, it is truly magical. To experience it, a long journey to Morondava awaits you, far from the most common routes. A more comfortable option is to fly to Morondava, by domestic flight or private charter. You can read more about this unique destination in our blog Tsingy and baobabs.
Reniala Special Reserve
The extraordinarily panoramic Classic Highlights Route begins or ends at Tulear, not far from Ifaty. The well-preserved spiny forest of Reniala Special Reserve is home to several strikingly shaped baobabs. Think "The Beloved" and "The Teapot. Walk among the strange vegetation of prickly trunks and pachypodiums and learn about surprising uses of leaves, bark and wood here.
