Morondava

Morondava

Morondava is a laid-back coastal town and a key stop before heading north to Tsingy, Kirindy, or south along the west coast. Stock up, enjoy the beach, and catch a sunset at the iconic Baobab Avenue.

1. Things to do
2. Restaurant tips
3. To: Manja
4. To: Belo sur Mer
5. To: Kirindy
6. To: Tsingy du Bemaraha (Bekopaka)
7. To: Miandrivazo

• Get cash & fuel up – Before heading to remote areas like Tsingy or Belo sur Mer, fill your tank and withdraw enough cash as ATMs will be scarce.
• Swim in the ocean – Cool off with a swim or stroll along the wide beach.
• Enjoy local food & music:

• • Rasta Jeans Bar (L’Oasis Hotel) – Chill drinks and reggae music most nights

  • Bleu Soleil Restaurant – Fresh seafood, right on the beach

  • Boulangerie Pâtisserie Lawmika – Fresh bread, strong coffee, and real cappuccino

• Visit Baobab Avenue – Heading to Tsingy or Kirindy? Then you’ll pass Baobab Avenue twice, so best to wait until then. Otherwise, it’s a 1.5-hour drive from town. Sunset or sunrise is the best time. 

• La Capannina – Italian-style meals

• Baobab Café – Good food and a lively vibe

Distance & time

Approx. 110 km | around 6 hours

Route

• Time to head south and engage your 4×4 — today is an off-road day.

Tip
Before leaving Morondava, make sure to:

• Fuel up your tank and jerrycan. Your next fuel stop is still a few days away.
• Withdraw enough cash to cover ferries, meals, lodge activities, and unexpected expenses.

Distance & time

Approx. 60 km | around 4 hours

Route

• Engage your 4×4 hubs — today is all off-road!
• You’ll travel with your local guide, who is essential for navigating the route.
• Though it looks like a simple plain, you’ll cross quicksand areas, so don’t risk guessing the path.

Tip
Before you leave Morondava, make sure to:

• Fuel up your tank and jerrycan. The next opportunity will be days away.
• Take out enough cash to cover ferries, meals, lodge activities, and unexpected costs.

Distance & time

Approx. 60 km | around 3 hours

Route

• Head north from Morondava.
• After about 1.5 hours, you’ll pass the iconic Baobab Avenue. A great spot to stop for a drink and photos.
• Continue to Kirindy Forest.

Tip

• Fuel up your tank in Morondava; there are no gas stations on the way.
• Plot your lodge in your GPS to avoid accidentally heading to Kirindy Mitea National Park (south).
• Aim to arrive before 16:00 so you can join a night walk in the Kirindy Forest (bookable via your lodge).

Distance & time

Approx. 200 km | around 10 hours

Route

• Fill up your fuel tank in Morondava; there are no gas stations until you return.
• Also, withdraw enough cash for the next few days. There won’t be any ATMs in Bekopaka.
• Depart early (by 6 AM) — it’s a long, slow day.
• You’ll cross two ferries on the way, each costing around €16 per car. The ferry crossings are a welcome break from the bumpy drive.

Lunch stop in Belo sur Tsiribihina

• Mad Zebu – A surprising culinary gem run by a former 3-star Michelin chef.
• Restaurant Karibo – Another good, more casual option.

Distance & time

Approx. 265 km | around 5 hours

Route

• Start on the RN35 for about 150 km.
• Then turn left onto the RN34 and continue to Miandrivazo.

Lunch options

• Take a lunchbox from your hotel in Morondava, or
• Stop at a local restaurant or gas station for a simple lunch.