Experience the best of Morondava

Morondava lies on the Mozambique Channel on the dry west coast of Madagascar, a laid-back town of sandy streets, fishing boats and a long beach. The Vezo, fishing people of this coast, sail out in wooden outrigger canoes, and the market sells the catch. Its best-known sight is just inland.

The Avenue of the Baobabs, a dirt road lined with huge Grandidier's baobabs, lies a short drive inland from town on the way to Belon'i Tsiribihina, and the trees glow red and gold at sunset. Kirindy Forest, a dry deciduous forest reserve, shelters the fossa, Madagascar's largest predator, along with lemurs and giant jumping rats. Further north, the stone forest of Tsingy de Bemaraha, a World Heritage site, lies beyond the Tsiribihina river.

Seafood is the local table's pride, with grilled fish, prawns and crab served beside rice and coconut. Zebu meat and ravitoto, pounded cassava leaves stewed with pork, appear in family meals. Clear skies are the rule in the dry winter months, while the summer rains cut the tracks to the north.