- Location: northwest of the island of Madagascar
- Length: 525 km
- The source: the confluence of the rivers Zabu and Amparikhibe
- Estuary: The Mozambique Channel
- Height above sea level: more than 860 m
The Betsibuka River in Madagascar is among the amazing water bodies of the world and is remarkable primarily for the original coloration of its waters.
Location and geography of the river
Betsibuka is the largest river in Madagascar and flows in the north-west of the island. It originates in the center of the country, in the north of the province of Antananarivo , at the confluence of the Amparikhibe and Zabu rivers. Further Betsibuka flows to the north, connecting in the vicinity of the settlement Maevatanana with the Ikupa river. On the next 40 km of the river along the channel there are several small lakes. Then at the city of Maruvuy, the Betsibuka River flows into the waters of the Bumbetuka Bay, where it forms a delta. From here and 130 km up the river is navigable. At the exit from the bay is one of the largest port cities of Madagascar - Mahadzanga .
What is interesting about the river Betsibuka?
All the year round the streams of the river Betsibuka have a red-brown shade reminiscent of rust. This circumstance is explained by the fact that after cutting down mangroves along the banks of the river with the movement of streams of water the soil began to wash out, the process of its erosion and transformation into silt of a characteristic color began. Since the soils in these parts have reddish shades, the water has also acquired a corresponding color.
Due to the described ecological catastrophe in order to avoid the landing of stranded ocean vessels, the port facilities of the city of Mahadzanga in 1947 were transferred to the outer shore of Betsibuki.
In view of the fact that the river is a quarter of its length navigable, Betsibuka is widely used for economic and commercial purposes. In addition, in the lower reaches of this river there are huge rice fields.
The most comfortable way to see the blood-red waters of the river Betsibuki is to go on a trip as part of an excursion group. Many exotic tours of Madagascar offer as one of the routes a trip to the banks of the river and an inspection of some rapids. Also, you can rent a car and go, for example, to the confluence of Betsibuki with Ikupa or to the port of Makhadzang .