Avenue of the Baobabs Tour
Avenue of the Baobabs Tour
Malgach
When you think about traveling to Madagascar, you probably imagine lemurs or cult cult Madagascar baobabs at sunset! I’m right? Therefore, a visit to the “Baobab Alley” is the main reason for the trip to Morondava in Western Madagascar. You have the opportunity to see unique trees that are found only here.
Baobab is a sacred tree for the inhabitants of Madagascar. The majestic and sacred tree is a real emblem of the flora of Madagascar. There are 8 species in the world. Six of them grow only in Madagascar. The baobab alley contains the largest number of samples of these legendary trees, so you will understand their impressive size and admire several of their species at once, and you will also see “baobabs in love” – these are naturally intertwined two trees into one.
According to one of the legends about baobabs: when the Arab sailors first visited the island a little more than 1000 years ago and saw these mysterious trees, they said that the devil tore them from the ground and stuck them down with their heads down, because the tree branches resemble roots. But the tree took root. Indeed, when the foliage from the baobab falls, the top of the tree resembles the roots.
Baobab is a mystical and legendary tree for the inhabitants of Madagascar. He is considered the ancestors of the forest and revered along with the Gods. With the development of agriculture, forests began to be cut down on the island, but the sacred baobabs do not touch because of respect for the majestic trees. As a result, an avenue of baobabs arose. Powerful baobab trunks rise along one of the dirt roads and with their uniqueness attract tourists from all over the world!
The use of baobabs.
Baobab fiber is used for fabric manufacture, fishing nets. The ash of a burnt baobab is used as a cure for a cold. Flower pollen is used to make glue. Fresh leaves are used for salad. And dried like spices. A baobab is made into a drink that is very similar to lemonade. This tree is also used in the manufacture of oils, soaps and even shampoos. Therefore, if the local population uses these unique trees in such huge quantities, then the baobabs can simply disappear from the face of the earth.
In general, baobabs are very interesting representatives of the flora. Its trunk is straight and powerful, usually without branches. The tree is like a huge reservoir for water, as it can contain up to 120 thousand liters of water, and then during the period of drought maintain its vital activity for 10 months. The baobabs in the alley reach a height of about 30 meters, and the age is approximately 800 years old. Since 2007, the alley has been under state protection.
Baobabs bloom in the late evening and at night, and in the morning the inflorescences fall. The fruits of this tree are edible, reminiscent of ginger in taste. They are very satisfying, rich in vitamins C and B. Baobabs are often called “monkey bread tree”, as this is a favorite treat of baboons.
In 1991, one of the baobabs was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The barrel diameter of this baobab was 54.5 meters, and the crown diameter was 38 meters. Malgachi – local residents, called this tree “renala”, in translation means “mother of the forest.” The tree is sacred. So, if you want to touch this baobab, then you have to go through a small fence and take off your shoes.
Visiting the baobab alley is definitely worth a look at the sunrise, even if you were at sunset! You will see different colors in the sky, and how the sun rises from a different angle.
The Baobab Alley is not just a group of unique and amazing centuries-old trees that grow along a dirt road, it is the most accessible place where you can see the Baobab trees in Africa. Since baobabs grow alone and therefore you can see these amazing trees in such numbers only here in the west of Madagascar. This road is the most beautiful and popular in Madagascar. Baobab Alley – one of the most visited places in the country!
