The Falls of Andriamamovoka

  
As a site unknown to locals, leave alone international tourists, Andriamamovoka has everything to please lovers of plain nature. There is a village, located less than two hours from Antananarivo, in the former province of Toamasina, Alaotra-Mangoro region, Moramanga district, Sabotsy Anjiro community.
 
Supported by the Regional Tourism Office Alaotra Mangoro, which makes great efforts to promote the sights of this region, Andriamamovoka is a destination still to discover. Its name comes from Andriana (King) and Vovoka (dust) because the track that leads to this refuge of kings Bezanozano is dusty.
 
Drive along the national road through landscapes characterized by the alternation of small villages and rice fields. Once you reach Andriamamovoka village, enjoy the fresh hazy air and valley’s green pastures. The Andriamamovoka falls are 120 meters high. These water-cascades are definitely worth a day-trip, even more so as at its foot the fall has shaped out a natural
swimming pool of 15 meters width, offering the possibility to bathe.
 
 
 
 
In the South of the village, in Ambatotsarahasina, one can visit the Doany, a sacred place of worship dating back to time of Malagasy royalty. The practice of Joro is preserved by this stone.
 
Crossings of small bridges shaped by tree trunks and narrow paths are part of this adventurous excursion in country atmosphere. Regarding the botanic, in this area grow ferns and palms including rhipsalis (the only cactus endemic to Madagascar).
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine July 2018

Useful Information

When to go

The Alaotra Mangoro region is known for considerable summer rainfalls between the time of November to April followed by small fine rains during the so-called "dry" season. The best time to visit this fall is between July and November.

How to get there

This site is located 75km from Antananarivo, take the National Road No. 2 to Toamasina, from where, 8 km off the main road, the town of Anjiro is located. Expect a hike of about thirty minutes.

Where to stay

Anjiro is known for its cassava production, you can enjoy: magahazo tetika (boiled cassava) or Batabata (in large pieces). Members of an association can prepare food for visitors, but a picnic is also possible; If not, continue for about 30 kilometers to reach the district capital and try the gastronomic menus of the "Au Coq d'Or" restaurant or the offers of the "La Sirène Dorée" restaurant.

Where to eat

A trip to Andasibe is possible, 28km from Moramanga. Book your rooms at Mantadia Lodge; the hotel is 100 m above sea level and enjoys a panoramic view from a private terrace. If you stay in town, go for Hazavana Hotel or Bezanozano Hotel.

What to see

Beyond the Andriamamovoka waterfall, you can also visit the Andranomena Tombs, the Anjiro Railway Loop and Rafaravavy Lake.