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Miarinarivo is a small town in the Itasy region. This city is popular for its hiking trails leading to extraordinary sites. One of these paths takes you to the discovery of the Andriambola fortress that some consider a palace.
Your hiking day will start in Miarinarivo, 90km from Antananarivo. The ruins of the citadel of Andriambola are located 12km from your starting point. According to some sources, in the time of royalty, the site was the home of a very wealthy and influential couple in the Itasy region. This fortress, known as the Rova (palace) of Andriambola, is protected by two rows of ditches that will impress you by their sizes. These protections are 20m wide and 15m high.
You will see a part of the stone portal, one of the entrances to the Rova of Andriambola. But before crossing the stone bridge leading to the door of this house, treat yourself to a cooling moment at the foot of the waterfall of Andriambola just below. According to a legend, the occupants of this fortress, in a dispute, threw all their money from the top of this waterfall. Nowadays, some people go there to have a holy bath.
This article was featured in Prime Magazine August 2017
Useful Information
When to go
A tropical climate of altitude reigns over the Itasy region with two distinct seasons. The average temperature is 20°C. You will most enjoy the beauty of Miarinarivo between May and September during the dry season.
How to get there
The town of Miarinarivo is 1h30 from Antananarivo if you take the 'bush' taxi. From there, follow the trail towards Manazary for 12km but you cannot go further by car. The fortresses of Andriambola are a 30 minutes walk up to 1400m.
Where to stay
If you wish to spend the night in Miarinarivo after your visit, you can book a room at the Hotel des Volcans on the RN1. You can also continue to Ampefy and stay at Hotel Kavitaha, Hotel Eucalyptus or Hotel La Terrasse.
Where to eat
For a gourmet menu, go to Café-Pizzeria Fy. If you prefer to eat in Ampefy, book a table at the restaurant of your hotel. We suggest fish dishes from Lake Itasy or Romazava.
What to see
On the way to the waterfall of Andriambola, you can visit silkworm farms or Bombyx mulberry in the villages. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent panorama of the city of Miarinarivo and views of Itasy lake.