Located 700 km southwest of Antananarivo, the port city of Morondava offers a fascinating tourist destination for those interested in learning more about the culture and biodiversity of Madagascar.Although considered a town stuck in the bush, Morondava has a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere in its downtown area. Travelers can stroll around and take their time to explore the local markets with their many handicrafts. Morondava’s surrounding neighborhoods, in the heart of the mangrove, also offer picturesque walks and breathtaking views of the red-tinged sea characteristic of the Menabe Kingdom. With its quiet streets, bustling markets and natural beauty, Morondava is a must-see for those looking to explore Madagascar. Note that Morondava is one of the most visited cities of the big island.
Why Morondava has become a popular destination ? :
Morondava is an increasingly popular tourist destination for travelers from around the world. Why is it so? There are many reasons. First of all, the city is located in a region abounding in natural treasures. Nature lovers will be delighted to discover the forests of Andranomena, Analabe, Manamby and Kirindy. The latter is the most famous of the region and is located about fifty kilometers north of Morondava. The botanical, forestry and ecotourism trails invite to long walks to admire the local fauna and flora. It is even possible to spend a night in the reserve of Kirindy to discover the circuit at night.
The city of Morondava is also a theater of many cultural and religious events. You will be able to attend ceremonies such as the “asa lolo” which takes place during the dry season, the period of “circumcision” from June to September which is celebrated with great festivities, the cults of “tromba“, a cult close to voodoo, or the Malagasy wrestling called “moraingy”. These unique events offer an authentic cultural immersion to discover the richness of the local culture.
There are many other fascinating tourist attractions in the Morondava region. The Sakalava culture is very special and is reflected in the royal burial monuments. Decorated with frescoes and erotic sculptures, these tombs tell the story of the dead and represent procreation and life. Some of these tombs are only accessible by canoe, adding a touch of adventure to your visit.
Eventually, one of the most famous attractions of the region is the “baobab avenue“. This alley of large baobabs is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes of Madagascar. It starts about 15 km from the exit of Morondava, on the road to Antananarivo. Travelers particularly appreciate the spectacle offered by the pink and blue reflections that are reflected on the horizon at sunset.
what to see in the surroundings of Morondava?
Other than Morondava, its surroundings also abound in natural wonders that amaze visitors.
Belo-sur-mer, a small fishing village located 80 km south of Morondava, is an ideal place for those looking for tranquility in an enchanting setting. The transparent waters lining the long beach of Belo-sur-mer make it a real tropical aquarium where diving enthusiasts can explore the sea bed. Water sports enthusiasts can also practice kitesurfing on the surface of the sea.
The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, located 200 km from Morondava, is one of the major attractions of the region. Classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, this park is a real jewel of nature with its canyons with sharp edges called Tsingy. These spectacular rock formations were created nearly 200 million years ago when a large limestone plate was uplifted and are home to endemic fauna and flora. Visitors can explore the Manambolo River gorge, forests, lakes, and mangroves of the park while observing the 13 species of lemurs, 54 species of reptiles, and 15 species of bats that live there.
How to go to Morondava ?
To get to Morondava, you have several options. The first one is to take the road by car. It takes between 12 to 15 hours by car from Antananarivo, including an 8 hour drive from Antsirabe on the RN34 and RN35. However, this option can be tiring and inconvenient, especially for travelers wishing to enjoy their vacation from the beginning. Another option is to take local flights. The duration of the trip by plane is much shorter and lasts about 1h15 for a direct flight from Antananarivo with the company Tsaradia. This option is faster, more comfortable and allows you to make the most of your stay in the Morondava area.
