Morondava tours

If you're heading to Morondava, a sleepy seaside town on Madagascar's west coast, you're probably coming to commune with the country's famed flora and fauna. The region draws visitors with its forest reserves and flourishing wildlife, but there's plenty more on offer for those willing to get off the beaten track. In a place where your travel options are 4x4 or dugout canoe, this is no do-it-yourself destination, so book a private Morondava tour with a local guide to ensure you get the most out of your time here. The town itself is worth a wander, a tangle of sandy streets and clusters of clapboard houses. Walk along the Menabe river, then let your guide drive you to the Avenue of the Baobabs, a stunning stand of 800-year-old trees. Don't miss the Kirindy forest reserve, where you can lounge with lemurs. Those with more time and an adventurous spirit should hop aboard a pirogue with their guide and head up the Tsiribihina river to see waterfalls and remote Malagasy villages.