- Avenue of the Baobabs (Allée des Baobabs): The sight that put Morondava on the map. Dozens of Grandidier’s baobabs, some 30 meters tall and many centuries old, line a dirt road outside town. Go for the last hour before sunset, when the trunks turn orange and ox carts cross the road. Entry is a small fee or tip for the local guardians, and 1.5 to 2 hours is plenty.
- Nosy Kely Beach: The town’s seafront and its social center, with a rocky point, brown sand, beach bars and grilled fish stalls. Late afternoon is best, when the heat eases and pirogues are pulled up. Free to walk, and a beer or meal runs a few US dollars. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
- Betania Fishing Village: Cross the Morondava River by pirogue to this Vezo stilt-and-thatch village, ringed by mangroves. Go in the morning when boats are being
- Avenue of the Baobabs (Allée des Baobabs): The sight that put Morondava on the map. Dozens of Grandidier’s baobabs, some 30 meters tall and many centuries old, line a dirt road outside town. Go for the last hour before sunset, when the trunks turn orange and ox carts cross the road. Entry is a small fee or tip for the local guardians, and 1.5 to 2 hours is plenty.
- Nosy Kely Beach: The town’s seafront and its social center, with a rocky point, brown sand, beach bars and grilled fish stalls. Late afternoon is best, when the heat eases and pirogues are pulled up. Free to walk, and a beer or meal runs a few US dollars. Allow 1 to 2 hours.
- Betania Fishing Village: Cross the Morondava River by pirogue to this Vezo stilt-and-thatch village, ringed by mangroves. Go in the morning when boats are being loaded. A negotiated round trip with a boatman is typically Ar 10,000 to 20,000 (about US$2 to 4). Plan 2 to 3 hours and ask before photographing people.
- Morondava Central Market: Sacks of rice, dried shrimp, zebu cuts, bright lamba cloth, cashews and bananas. It is busiest from early to mid morning and the best place to buy picnic food for the road. Free, and 45 minutes to an hour covers it.
- Dawn Fish Landing at the Port: Around sunrise, Vezo fishermen haul in the night’s catch of sharks, snapper and crab, and buyers haggle on the sand. It is raw, smelly and wonderful. Free to watch, and 45 minutes is enough, so arrive by 6:00 AM.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.