Oct 1 – Flight to Morondava and the Avenue of the Baobabs

Photo of the city from our airport hotel.

Our morning flight was rescheduled for mid-afternoon so we had some time in the morning to finish up packing.  We were picked up around 11:00 by our new tour company that is handling the rest of our time in Madagascar.  They took us to a hotel near the airport for a leisurely lunch and then on to the airport. 

We had some issues checking in.  The paperwork the tour company gave us as tickets didn’t have the ticket number on it.  Fortunately, our transfer guide had stayed to make sure we made it through ok and she helped us get it all straightened out. 

The flight was only an hour so no big deal.  We were met at the airport by our guide, Lido, and driver.  We were originally supposed to spend the afternoon at our hotel but the afternoon was almost gone when we landed so instead, we headed off for the major reason we are hear in the far southern part of Madagascar, the Avenue of the Baobabs. 

The drive was on mostly dirt roads…more Madagascar massaging.  But at least it wasn’t too long.

We saw many baobabs along the route. 

Some locals driving down the dirt lane through the avenue.

A baobab nursery.

And a baobab seed pod.

The Avenue of the Baobabs is an area with a very large, concentrated area of Baobabs.  And the dirt road runs straight through a long line of them.  It is a very amazing area. 

Barbara and Bindu...seem to be traveling the same route as us.

After some walking and photographing we headed to a large open area where Lido had set up some chairs for us.  

There were a large number of people milling around the area.  We are all waiting for sunset behind the baobabs.   The sunset wasn’t spectacular or colorful but what we did have did a great job of revealing the baobabs in dramatic silhouette.  A super setting.

After sundown we headed out to our hotel/resort and checked in.  The resort is right on a beach overlooking the Madagascar channel. 

After we set down for dinner Mary noticed Barbara and Bindu, a couple of women we had met is Isalo and had seen later at the airport and the Avenue of the Baobabs.  So, we ended up having dinner together.  It’s always nice to meet others on our trips.