It has its sources at the Maromokotra peak and flows through the Tsaratanana Reserve to the Indian Ocean.

[2] The Madagascar dry deciduous forests occupy much of the river basin, although mangroves are evident at parts of the coastal fringe.

[3] The valley of the Sambirano is the main cocoa producing area of Madagascar.

There is an unpaved piste from Ambanja to Marovato, via Benavony, Ambodimanga Ramena, Bemaneviky Ouest, Maevatanana that is hardly practicable.

[4] Most of the exported cocoa is therefore transported with boats on the Sambirano river to Ambanja and the National road 6