Avenue of the Baobabs

It follows the RN7 and runs through a string of stunning National Parks. The landscape is gorgeous – high plateaus, sandstone massifs, canyons, granite peaks, lush valleys, savannah and rice paddies. Bustling market towns feature some outstanding colonial architecture. Besides lemurs the cyclists should watch out for herds of zebu, the island’s cattle. Rest days will allow riders to take a refreshing dip in the ‘Piscine Naturelle’ in Parc National de l’Isalo or go for a night walk in the Parc National de Ranomafana and look for chameleons. Along the way the cyclists will have a chance to wander the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka, shop for arts and crafts in Ambositra, wander through the offerings in the Sabotsy Market or visit the 3 Horses Brewery in Antsirabe.

In Antsirabe, the cyclists will turn west and descend from the hills to the small town of Miandrivazo, considered to be the hottest place in the country. Riders will trade in their bicycles for a boat – a 2 day journey along the Tsiribihina River - cold drinks and delicious food on board during the day and camping on the river bank at night. Sheer red cliffs, crocodiles, marshes and mangroves will delight their eyes before the vessel pulls into the sleepy town of Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. Back on their bikes, the next two day’s journey will take them through the gorgeous “Alles des Baobabs” and thence on to a rest day in the seaside town of Morondava where one can experience the bounty of seafood from the Mozambique Channel. Refreshed riders now head back to the main road. On the final stretch to the capital Tana and the end of this section, riders should watch closely for tombs, painted with abstract designs, the structure indicating which island clan it belongs to.

Highlights

• Parc National de l’Isalo
• Tsiribihina River cruise
• Baobab Alley
• Lemurs in Ranomafana National Park