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 through an authentic landscape. Several river crossings require time, and the nature of the terrain is so rugged that you will need a whole day to cover the distance from Kirindy to the Tsingy of Bemaraha. 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 where you will 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. Er zijn enkele zeer lange reisdagen door een authentieke en ongerepte regio. 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
- Enjoy the magical sunset at the Avenue des Baobabs
- Kirindy Forest Reserve 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
- De onverharde route van Kirindy naar Bekopaka is begaanbaar van ongeveer half april tot eind november
- Visit both Big Tsingy and Little Tsingy of Bemaraha, 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
- For an extremely comfortable trip to these destinations and some other highlights, check out Fly-in Madagascar
