Ancient Forest
Amazing Ancient Forests Around the World:
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar By Matt Bell and Jessie Beck
Photo by Monika Hrdinova/Shutterstoc
G
etting back to nature can be like going back in time—especially in the world’s most ancient wooded areas, some of which are home to the oldest life forms on Earth. Often in far-flung corners of the globe, travelers can easily plan an entire trip of one or two weeks around visiting these natural wonders. With many of us looking more toward destinations filled with nature as we venture back out into the world of travel, now is as good a time as any to daydream about hiking through these incredible landscapes. So get your hiking boots ready, and consider a visit to one of these ancient forests around the world.
Madagascar Hundreds of years ago, the ancient trees that line the Avenue of the Baobabs were part of a tropical forest dense with Adansonia grandidieri, a strikingly beautiful tree endemic to Madagascar. After years of deforestation, only around 20 of
the species—commonly known as baobabs— still stand tall along the famous dirt road. In their peculiar shape and unique “upside-down” stature, these majestic trees are particularly imposing at dawn and dusk. How to visit The Avenue of the Baobabs is just a quick taxi ride from Morondava, a low-slung, easy-paced city on the west coast of Madagascar. The easiest way to get here is with a quick flight from the capital, Antananarivo (Tana, for short). For a more adventurous journey, hop on a twoweek tour with Espace Mada and make your way there overland, canoeing down the Tsiribihina River, making a detour to the otherworldly rock formations of Tsingy de Bemaraha, and riding in 4x4s over the rough roads of rural Madagascar. www.afar.com/magazine/ancient-forests-aroundthe-world
31 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | Nov 2021
