Happy TravellerWelcome to Morondava, a city located in Menabe Region, Madagascar. Known for its stunning Avenue of Baobabs, Morondava is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With a population of 53,510, the city is home to the predominant tribe of Sakalava, as well as a few Betsileo, Tsimihety, Merina, Makoa, and Europeans. Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip to Morondava.
Transportation:
Air Madagascar offers regular scheduled flights to Morondava Airport, making it easily accessible for tourists. The main road to town has been recently renovated, and a trip from Antananarivo to Morondava by taxi-brousse takes approximately 12 hours. Pirogues are also a popular mode of transport used to ferry people and goods along the coast, especially to Morombe. The city is connected to RN 34 to Ivato, Ambositra, and Antsirabe, as well as RN 8 to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina.
Ecology:
The city is famous for the spectacular Avenue of Baobabs nearby, an 800-year-old legacy of the dense tropical forests that once thrived here. Over the years, as the country’s population grew, the forests were steadily cut down, leaving only the baobab trees, which the locals preserved for religious reasons. Today, deforestation still continues as large areas of this region, including some of the few remaining baobabs, are cleared to make way for sugar cane plantations. The Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located 150 km north of Morondava. The road from Morondava is poor, but Tsingy de Bemaraha is reachable by 4×4 in approximately 10 hours. In the South, there is the Andranomena Reserve, and Kirindy Forest, a nature reserve about 60 km from Morondava, where many of the local species of lemurs as well as other plants and animals can be spotted during a day or night trip.
Education:
French international schools: École de l’Alliance
Religion:
Roman Catholic Diocese (Cathedral of Mary Queen of the World). Fiangonana Jesosy Mamonjy Morondava FJKM – Fiangonani Jesoa Kristy eto Madagasikara (Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar)
Climate:
Morondava has a tropical savanna climate with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature is around 27°C, making it a great destination to visit year-round.
In conclusion, Morondava is a city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the Avenue of Baobabs, trekking through the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, Morondava is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Book your trip today and experience the magic of Morondava for yourself!
