Avenue of the Baobabs

Photo

by Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia

/ CC BY-SA 2.0

The Avenue of the Baobabs is a striking natural landmark located in the Menabe region of western Madagascar. This dirt road is flanked by towering baobab trees, some of which are estimated to be over 800 years old. These ancient trees, known locally as "Renala" meaning "mother of the forest," can reach heights of up to 30 meters and are a significant cultural and ecological symbol in Madagascar. The avenue is particularly enchanting at sunrise and sunset, when the light casts long shadows and highlights the unique, bottle-shaped trunks of the baobabs.