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.

• 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. Simply follow the RN8 until you’ve arrived. Watching the sunset is most beautiful if you ask us, but also most popular. Prefer to avoid the crowds? Then it’s better to head there during sunrise or day 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.