Foto: Avenue du Baobab (bron: -)
Madagascar - A striking landscape of more than 1000-year-old baobab trees lines the unpaved road of the Avenue of the Baobabs, causing many travelers on the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina to stop and be amazed. The trees, about a dozen of them, are locally known as renala or “mother of the forest” in Malagasy because they rise up to 98 feet tall and span more than 36 meters wide. These trees have been declared a “Remarkable Wonder of Africa” and are a candidate for the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World.” Besides being an important tourist attraction lobbying to become the first national monument, the Avenue has become the apple of the eye of international nature conservationists. A much-discussed monument in Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs is the remains of what was once a thick forest, cleared for agriculture and construction. Since the area is not a national park, the trees and their surroundings are at risk of further deforestation due to jungle fires and the establishment of new sugarcane plantations and rice fields. In response, international environmental groups have launched ecotourism projects where travelers can participate in both preserving the Avenue and promoting eco-friendly practices in the local community.
Andasibe Nature Park
Madagascar - I wake up to a loud noise. It’s still dark outside. It takes me a moment to realize it's the call of the indri-indri. Their cry echoes loudly through the forest. I have the impression they’re sitting right above my hut. I check my watch—it's 4:30 ...
Isalo National Park
Madagascar - At seven o’clock, I leave the grounds of Hotel de Isalo. In the village, Toussant gets in. He has brought two helpers, Mark and Names. They ride along to the park entrance. The last three kilometers are on an unpaved road. Faly carefully drives the ...
Les Trois Baies
Madagascar - I walk to the main street of Diego Suarez for breakfast. On the terrace of the Grand Hotel—by far the most luxurious hotel in the city—I order a breakfast menu. Back at the hotel, the 4x4 vehicles are already waiting. Bruno welcomes me again. He will ...
The colorful streets of Antananarivo
Madagascar - I walk out of the hotel and climb the long staircase to the Place de l'Indépendance. It’s busy under the trees on the square. From here, I can see the lower-lying center of Antananarivo. I see the bustling Analakely Market—a maze of parasols. I try ...
Tsingy Rouge Rock Formations
Madagascar - First, I visit the Tsingy Rouge rock formations. These remarkable rock formations lie about thirty kilometers outside Diego. The road there, the RN6, is even worse than the roads in the south. There are many potholes in the asphalt, and Ga-bi, my driver, ...