Squashed between the Bongolava Mountains in the east and the Bemahara plateau to the west, the territory of "the people of the long valleys", the Sakalava, has hardly a breath of wind...
The origin of its name is amusing. King Radama 1st said to King Ramihatro "Miandry vazo aho", which means, "I am waiting for my wife" after a battle, when he had asked for his daughter's hand.
Miandrivazo mostly lives off the culture of tobacco, peanuts, and beans, and raising pigs and cows. There's even a crocodile farm next to the market! It's mostly interesting because it is the departure point for trips of several days by pirogue or barge down the Tsiribihina on a voyage of discovery.
Usually you depart from Miandrivazo. From there, all the treasures of untamed nature are open to us. Mango trees and giant kapoks, tobacco plantations, and baobab forests... Not to mention the daily life of the inhabitants whom you'll see washing clothes or dishes on the banks.
All along the route, you can admire the lush jungle alternating with vast plains. Safely watch the chameleons, tortoises, and lemurs that live in the area. If you make any stops ashore, don't miss seeing a beautiful waterfall in Anosin'ampela. The Bemaraha gorges and their wonderful granite cliffs are a highlight of this river expedition.