Mayotte

Eco-friendly travel guide to Mayotte advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Mayotte, Africa.

Coral reef at low tide at M'Bouzi island

Air quality: 3.0 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 2.5 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.5 / 5

National parks: 4.0 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4.2 / 5

Locals' English level: 2.5 / 5

Safety: 4.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$25 - $900

Budget per day: US$50 - $400

Responsible Travel

Are you a tourist who wants to visit Mayotte but as a responsible traveler? If yes, as a traveling devotee, there are specific accountabilities that you have in addition to other moral obligations.

Watch your carbon footprint: While visiting the country, you need to identify and control your activities accordingly so that you don’t cause any damage to the local communities or the environment.

Use public transport: Try to opt for public transport like electronic vehicles, like available buses, metro, bikes, etc. these vehicles are eco-friendly and pocket friendly or choose walking with you close ones or prefer walking alone which will give a close enclosure of everything around you.

Stay in Green hotels: Instead of opting for lavish or luxurious 5-star hotels and guesthouses, prefer the ones that are environmentally sustainable hotels like organic soaps, renewable energy, recyclable products, etc. as a result you can keep the carbon footprint minimal during your travel.

Support small businesses: Also, you would prefer buying and using products of small businesses and local artist’s services rather than multi-national brands. If you want proper exposure to the local culture, values, tradition, crafts, and societies, and the local companies will help you fulfill the needful

Do not throw waste: As an eco-friendly traveler, you need to promote sustainable living as much as possible in the city to motivate not only fellow tourists but local people. When you visit any tourists attractions especially city parks, make sure you do not throw any food wrapper and do not just stop at that but if you see any trash, pick it up and throw it in the dustbin. It might look like a very small thing to do but has a huge impact on people watching especially the children present in the park since they learn and mimic the behaviour of other people around them

Air Quality and Pollution

Following the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals. However, sensitive groups may experience minor to moderate symptoms from long-term exposure. The most recent data indicates according to the world health organization’s guidelines recommend that the annual concentration of PM2.5 should not exceed 10 μg/m³ and 20 μg/m³ for PM10. Since Mayotte is suitable for travel all year round but the best time to visit Mayotte is from June to October, the temperature is pleasantly warm and the sun shines frequently and the rain is quite rare during these months, from June to September, the temperature never exceeds 32°C (90°F) while for November to march, it can sometimes reach 34/35°C (93/95°F).

Respect the Culture

Mayotte’s population is multi-ethnic traditions are well-preserved in settlements. The majority of the population of Mayotte is Muslim like 95% and the rest belong to Christians and other religions. The Muslims of Mayotte have Muslim obedience and of the Sunni rite, the practice of Islam is considered to be moderate. Local Law inspired by Muslim law and African and Malagasy customs applies only to those Mahorais who have retained their personal status, as permitted by Article 75 of the constitution.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Mayotte is an overseas region and single territorial collectively of France officially named the Department of Mayotte. It consists of the main island, Grande-Terre or Maore, a smaller island, Petite-Terre or Parmanzi, and several islets around these two, Mayotte is part of the Comoros archipelago, located in the northern Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southeast Africa, between northwestern Madagascar and northeastern Mozambique. Here are the top 10 places I am about to tell you that why you should visit Mayotte.

210 Marches d’Acoua: Take in the island landscape at 210 Marches d'Acoua. The long hike takes you up and down the hills on top of the Acoua Bay and past lush vegetation onshore. Ranging from a small village at the foot of the hill, the walk up to the hill provides the most effective sight of the natural wooded beauty; once you reach the highest, expect wide views of the nearby islands and deep blue water. Look out on the means down, because the stairs may be slippery and dangerous. The beautiful curriculum in Acaoua like morning hike, departing from the main road, climbing on foot, then ascending the 210 stairs, while you are walking through the stair you can’t resists yourself nothing but admiring the view but I can’t blame you for that the view is worth the wait.

Plage de Moya: At Plages de Moya, there’s a secluded beach surrounded by wild nature, you might find often yourself alone with the turtles. The heart-shaped beach is graced by a turquoise sea and soft sand and is located on a bay surrounded by high and steep cliffs. If you are planning to swim in the water, or if you want to walk to the right beside the rocks to find a small cove. Take the route that runs around a small green lake to get to the beach. If you're driving, note that even 4WD vehicles can face difficulties due to road conditions. There are some beautiful trees where you can find some shelters from the sun and take a rest.

MUMA musée de Mayotte (Musée De France): The former Dzaoudzi Barracks (near the barge) was rehabilitated into the museum "MuMA" (Museum of Mayotte) of African Modern Art, which opened its doors in September 2015 on the occasion of European Heritage Days. If you are interested in learning about a country's history or visiting a museum, I recommend this one, which wants you to explore the island's riches through exhibits on iconic subjects, as well as the natural and cultural environment as tangible and intangible heritage. Since December 20, 2018, the MuMA has been known as the "Museum of France," joining a large family of African Modern Art museums whose permanent collections are made up of goods, whose preservation and display are of public interest, and which are organized for the public's awareness, education, and enjoyment.

Plage de Sakouli: Plage de Sakouli or the beach of Sakouli is situated in the South-east of Mayotte in the municipality of Bandrélé (district of Loveo), opposite the Îlot Bandrélé.It is one of Mayotte's most beautiful beaches, and one of the nearest to Mamoudzou, the capital. It is mainly made up of dark brown sand and is surrounded by baobab trees and lush vegetation. Makis and big fruit bats also can be found on this beach. It has a restaurant and a nautical center that, among other things, and rent kayaks for access to Îlot Bandrélé. The scenery of this beach is unbelievably beautiful, and you would feel that this beach is meant for relaxing, it’s a great place to spend time with family or friends.

Jardin Botanique de Coconi: Jardin Botanique de Coconi or the De Coconi Botanical Garden, it is managed by an agricultural estate from the colonial age, it has a large plant collection. Stroll through the grounds, passing by the vibrant flowerbeds and multiple assorted trees, which combine to create a bouquet of natural scents. Relax on one of the many benches present there and gaze at the orchids, bamboos, and other plants, it would be better if you bring binoculars with you for watching the birds around you, and stop by the onsite juice bar for a variety of smoothies, juices, and jams.

Plage de N’Gouja: Plage de N’Gouja is a beach which is situated southwest of Mayotte in the town of Kanikeli. It is one of Mayotte's most beautiful and well-known beaches. It is made up of blond sand and is surrounded by baobabs and lush plants, with the largest of these baobab trees being the largest in the world. This beach is especially known for its large population of sea turtles, most likely to be green turtles. Various practices are forbidden here, including fishing, degradation, and disruption. Marks are set up to progress at low tide without damaging the seagrass, and the turtles are subjected to approach precautions, after all the turtles and the beaches are one the best things in Mayotte.

Tahiti Plage: Tahiti Plage or Tahiti Beach is situated in the Center-west of Grande-Terre, less than two kilometers south of a nearby town, Sada. It is one of the most popular beaches in Mayotte, which lengths almost 800 meters. The underwater features of Tahiti Plage (Tahiti Beach) are similar to those of the much more popular N'Gouja beach, but it is much quieter. Its reef drop-off is densely populated and well-preserved, and green sea turtle sightings are frequent. On the beach flat, there are some fascinating fish species to see especially the colorful six-bar wrasse, pairs of melon butterflyfish, but when you get closer to the reef drop-off, the spectacle takes on a new dimension. Hundreds of green Chromis and sulfur damselfish swim around the coral, a giant clam opens its shell and extends its fluorescent mantle tissue, and a black-side clam opens its shell and extends its fluorescent mantle tissue, Black-sided hawkfish perched on coral prominences, waiting for their next prey, giant clam opening its shell and spreading its fluorescent mantle tissue.

Retenue collinaire de Combani: Mayotte's Retenue Collinaire de Combani, at an elevation of 138 metres, is a reservoir. Mlima Digo is close to Retenue Collinaire de Combani, which is located southeast of M'Ferrolliet, Mayotte.

Mont Choungui: Mont Choungui is a distinctively conical volcanic mountain in the Comoro archipelago of the western Indian Ocean, located in the southern part of the French island of Mayotte. It is the island's second-highest point, at 593 meters (1,946 feet), after Mont Bénara, and can be seen from afar. Choungui occupies the island's southern peninsula. Sazilé, the south-easternmost headland, is 4 kilometers long and has a steep ridge rising to 233 meters. The Moroni Bé River’s peak and much of its catchment area covered in trees, while Sazilé is covered in dry shrubland and thickets containing baobabs.BirdLife International has recognized the 1600-hectare site as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it supports large populations of Comoro olive-pigeons, Comoro blue-pigeons, Mayotte white-eyes, Mayotte sunbirds, and red-headed fodies.

Choazil Islands: Malandzamia Islands, also known as the Choazil Islands, are two tiny islands in the Indian Ocean that are situated off the coast of Mtsamboro in northern Mayotte. The Chissioua Mtsamboro is located to the northwest. The Choazil Passage, part of the Mozambique River, is the name given to this stretch of water. While in the south, the island is surrounded by coral reefs on all sides. The Choazil Islands to the west are sai. The Choazil Islands' westernmost island is said to be 164 feet tall. The soundings near the reef surrounding Zamburu are said to be about 10 and 15 fathoms deep.

Plage de Grand Moya

Explore

Mayotte is home to a diverse range of endemic fauna and flora. Gabonese baobabs and tulip trees, as well as Takamakas, are present in both humid and dry forests. The diverse and permanent wild fauna is very surprising: the maki, a form of lemur, can only be found on Mayotte. It has one of nature's most spectacular sights: humpback whales teaching their newborns. Dolphins of various types can be found both within and outside the lagoon. Others will let you watch their underwater dance, while others will let you listen to their songs. It is an excellent site for observing sea turtles. Swimming with them, or watching them laying their eggs is among the more unique experiences possible on the lagoon island.

City Parks

Mamoudzao -This is a glossary of all the fun things to do in Mayotte, including things to see, things to do, road trips, boat trips, and itineraries. Mamoudzou is Mayotte's most populous commune (municipality). It is situated on Mayotte's largest island, Grande-Terre (or Mahoré). Mamoudzou is the capital of Mayotte, a French overseas territory and department in the Indian Ocean. Mamoudzou is Mayotte's most populous commune (municipality). It is situated on Mayotte's largest island, Grande-Terre (or Mahoré).

National Parks

Saziley National Park - Mayotte, a French island territory in the Comoro archipelago of the western Indian Ocean, is home to Saziley National Park. It was founded in 1991. It's 4 kilometers long, with a steep ridge rising to 233 meters, and it's covered in dry scrubland and thickets with baobabs. It abuts the 1600-hectare Mlima, Choungui, and Sazilé Important Bird Area (IBA), which Birdlife International named as such because it supports populations of Comoro olive-pigeons, Comoro blue-pigeons, Mayotte white-eyes, Mayotte sunbirds, and red-headed fodies. It also serves as a residence. It abuts the 1600-hectare Mlima Choungui and Sazilé Important Bird Area (IBA), which Birdlife International named as such because it supports populations of Comoro olive-pigeons, Comoro blue-pigeons, Mayotte white-eyes, Mayotte sunbirds, and red-headed fodies. Robert Mertens' day geckos, island day geckos, and Pasteur's day geckos all live there. Its beaches are a haven for lush, migratory birds, and hawksbill, sea turtles.

Saziley National Park

Beaches

Plage de Tanaraki - Many people prefer this beach because it is known for being peaceful and hassle-free. The entrance to the beach is signposted and very easy to find at the curve of a curve on the CCD1 around M'Tsangamouji. A small parking lot that fills up quickly on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but is relatively quiet throughout the week. A small islet is in front, and on the right, a stunning slope with massive sponges shapes the accessible bottoms 200 meters from the edge, with fins for added protection. Since it is more exposed to the water, the sea is a little rougher. This beach is notable for two reasons: its panoramic view of Mayotte's southwest coast, which never gets old, and the presence of a massive and majestic badamier tree at the beach's entrance.

Plage de N’Gouja - Plage de N’Gouja is a beach which is situated southwest of Mayotte in the town of Kanikeli. It is one of Mayotte's most beautiful and well-known beaches. It is made up of blond sand and is surrounded by baobabs and lush plants, with the largest of these baobab trees being the largest in the world. This beach is especially known for its large population of sea turtles, most likely to be green turtles. Various practices are forbidden here, including fishing, degradation, and disruption. Marks are set up to progress at low tide without damaging the seagrass, and the turtles are subjected to approach precautions, after all the turtles and the beaches are one the best things in Mayotte.

Tahiti Plage - Tahiti Plage or Tahiti Beach is situated in the Center-west of Grande-Terre, less than two kilometers south of a nearby town, Sada. It is one of the most popular beaches in Mayotte, which lengths almost 800 meters. The underwater features of Tahiti Plage (Tahiti Beach) are similar to those of the much more popular N'Gouja beach, but it is much quieter. Its reef drop-off is densely populated and well-preserved, and green sea turtle sightings are frequent. On the beach flat, there are some fascinating fish species to see especially the colorful six-bar wrasse, pairs of melon butterflyfish, but when you get closer to the reef drop-off, the spectacle takes on a new dimension. Hundreds of green Chromis and sulfur damselfish swim around the coral, a giant clam opens its shell and extends its fluorescent mantle tissue, and a black-side clam opens its shell and extends its fluorescent mantle tissue, Black-sided hawkfish perched on coral prominences, waiting for their next prey, giant clam opening its shell and spreading its fluorescent mantle tissue.

Plage de Moya - At Plages de Moya, there’s a secluded beach surrounded by wild nature, you might find often yourself alone with the turtles. The heart-shaped beach is graced by a turquoise sea and soft sand and is located on a bay surrounded by high and steep cliffs. If you are planning to swim in the water, or if you want to walk to the right beside the rocks to find a small cove. Take the route that runs around a small green lake to get to the beach. If you're driving, note that even 4WD vehicles can face difficulties due to road conditions. There are some beautiful trees where you can find some shelters from the sun and take a rest.

Plage de N’Gouja

Landmarks

Eglise Saint Michel - Or Church of Dzaoudzi is the Church of Dzaoudzi is a Catholic religious structure situated in the town of Dzaoudzi in the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. The Roman or Latin rite temple, whose foundations date back to 1849, is dependent on the mission of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Mamoudzou.

Our Lady of Fatima Church - The Our Lady of Fatima Church is a Catholic religious structure in Mamoudzou, the capital and most populated commune of the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. The 1957 temple practices the Roman or Latin rite and is administered by the Apostolic Vicariate of the Comoros Archipelago, which was elevated to its current status in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI's bull "Divini Salvatoris." As the name suggests, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Fatima.

210 Marches d’Acoua - Take in the island landscape at 210 Marches d'Acoua. The long hike takes you up and down the hills on top of the Acoua Bay and past lush vegetation onshore. Ranging from a small village at the foot of the hill, the walk up to the hill provides the most effective sight of the natural wooded beauty; once you reach the highest, expect wide views of the nearby islands and deep blue water. Look out on the means down, because the stairs may be slippery and dangerous. The beautiful curriculum in Acaoua like morning hike, departing from the main road, climbing on foot, then ascending the 210 stairs, while you are walking through the stair you can’t resists yourself nothing but admiring the view but I can’t blame you for that the view is worth the wait.

Mont Choungui - Mont Choungui is a distinctively conical volcanic mountain in the Comoro archipelago of the western Indian Ocean, located in the southern part of the French island of Mayotte. It is the island's second-highest point, at 593 meters (1,946 feet), after Mont Bénara, and can be seen from afar. Choungui occupies the island's southern peninsula. Sazilé, the south-easternmost headland, is 4 kilometers long and has a steep ridge rising to 233 meters. The Moroni Bé River’s peak and much of its catchment area covered in trees, while Sazilé is covered in dry shrubland and thickets containing baobabs.BirdLife International has recognized the 1600-hectare site as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it supports large populations of Comoro olive-pigeons, Comoro blue-pigeons, Mayotte white-eyes, Mayotte sunbirds, and red-headed fodies.

Mont Choungu

Museums

MUMA musée de Mayotte (Musée De France) - The former Dzaoudzi Barracks (near the barge) was rehabilitated into the museum "MuMA" (Museum of Mayotte) of African Modern Art, which opened its doors in September 2015 on the occasion of European Heritage Days. You can learn about the lagoon's riches through films and old artifacts, such as the sperm whale skeleton, as well as immaterial activities like shioni (the place of books or Koranic school) and many craftsmanship skills. You can also gain an appreciation of Mayotte's ceremonial world and viewpoint through past and present economic and cultural exchanges.

Ecomusee Du Sel De Bandrele - In this museum, you will learn about ancient harvesting methods that could once feed the entire island at the museum. The practices are often used by women, and they are passed down from mother to daughter. A visit here will help them in their efforts by providing an engaging and thorough description of the operation. Take a look at their items and pick up a few sachets to offer as gifts.

MUMA musée de Mayotte

Eat

Indian, Arabic, French, and African cuisines have all inspired Mayotte's cuisine. Spices like coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are also popular in the cuisine. Meat and rice are the most popular meals in Mayotte, but the island also prepares a lot of seafood. Freshly caught tuna, lobster, and calamari are examples of exotic dishes that can be cooked at home. Freshly caught tuna, lobster, and calamari are examples of exotic dishes that can be cooked together or separately. A traditional meal will often include a variety of meat and rice dishes flavored with vanilla, cloves, cardamom, coriander, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Grouper, tuna, and octopus are all popular seafood. Soups with beans and squash are also common.

Drink

Mayotte is a place where you can find many peaceful places to unwind. Alcohol is not illegal anywhere. Only public intoxication is not advised. The most common action is that of moderation. Beer and the French wine is also very popular but it can be expensive. So if you and your taste both are rich then you can definitely go with the latter.

Tap-water

No, you cannot drink water straight from the tap anywhere in Mayotte and you will have to boil it first. Tap water consists of higher concentrations or unfamiliar strains of E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium bacteria which gets destroyed after boiling the water. Tap water varies from region to region and it depends on specific factors such as the local supply and distribution system as well as the monitoring and enforcement of water quality standards. Bottled water is another choice. However, bottles could also be superannuated or tampered with. Drinking water is additionally an outsized contributor to pollution and contributes to the water crisis. If you are doing purchase drinking water, do therefore from an estimable supply and make certain the bottle cap is correctly sealed.

Activities

When you visit Mayotte, you will get curious about each and everything, and you won’t be able to stop yourself from exploring every place and the activities people like to fulfill. The act of practicing yoga helps in keeping a stress-free mind and a healthy heart, it improves the blood flow and helps you in being of sound body and posture. It is also a great means of increasing flexibility, muscle strength, and body tone. It helps you in giving a better understanding of yoga. You will have a great achievement in the grounds of self-awareness. With the help of which you can explore your mind, heart, and body and feel confident. Yoga revives one’s mind and thus, here are some of the famous places that would help you if you are looking forward to it:

Hatha Yoga Mayotte

Yoga Petite Terre Mayotte

Accommodation

With the wide access to a range of quality with a pocket-friendly option, the place is having impeccable options for a single person or a group of friends to live here. There is an enormous majority of hotel, guesthouses, motels, and homestays that includes first lunch or breakfast and the best part of living in any of these hotels is that you will never be bored of these impeccable views.

Green Hotels

Hotel Maharajah Mayotte

Le Jardin Maoré

Hotel Restaurant Sakouli

Hostels and Guest Houses

People often find hotels to be a place for the rich and exclusive section, but that’s not the case here. It’s all about traveling green. Some of the most renowned hotels and guest houses of Mayotte are:

Villa Maora

Cacao Lodge

Residence Maeva

Apartments

Apartments are for people who love their own privacy and for the ones who do not want to get disturbed. An apartment can also be something they would like well-furnished rooms and kitchens which might help the families to spend some quality time together with their loved ones. Some of the famous apartments that you will find in Mayotte are:

Maycrocodile

Location saisonnière 4 couchages Tout équipé

Le Lodge de l'Avocatier

Couchsurfing

Couch Surfing could be an international welcome exchange service accessible via an internet site and mobile app. Members will request lodging publically or directly from different members, "hang out" with different members or join/create events. It is a smart way to explore Mayotte with many participants, without being a local you can still love it like a local with the help of couch surfing and you will also be able to find accommodations for yourself.

Camping

Camping is undoubtedly a necessary part of summers like listening to the chirping of the cicadas and the croaking of frogs, above the head are the stars shining in the sky and you wake in the most natural scenery, what could be more Pleasurable than that? Here are some famous campsites:

Camping Mayotte Vacances

Camping Aire Naturelle Frezat

Bureaue Veritas

Regions

Map of Mayotte

Cities

Mamoudzou — capital of the island
Bandele
Dzaoudzi
Sada

Getting There and Moving Around

Transportation in the country of Mayotte is easy and convenient. It enables tourists to get a good view of the country whether it is by road, air, or water.

Air

Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport is situated in Dzaoudzi, Mayotte, France, on the southern tip of Petite-Terre (or Pamanzi), which is located east of Grande-Terre, Mayotte's main island. It is Mayotte's only airport with scheduled flights, mostly to destinations in Africa and metropolitan France. The airport can handle planes up to the size of a Boeing 777. A new runway has been built to the west of the current runway and is 2,600 meters long to handle larger planes like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. The airport owns and operates a fleet of modern airport fire trucks (Carmichael Cobra 2 6x6 ARFF).

Dzaoudzi Pamandzi International Airport

Bus

Buses are not very popular in this country.

Train

There are skeletal train services on this island.

Hitchhiking

Mayotte is a very fruitful place for hitchhiking people who would pick you up for hitchhiking is very friendly and would treat you as their guest. It is said that your hitchhiking trip starts only after you ride so you will have to make several stops to enjoy hitchhiking.

Others

Mayotte has a few options when it comes to transportation, the average price of a taxi is €1.10

Sustainable Shopping

In the countries that are developing day to day most of the things available are designed for tourists to take back home as something that would be a sign of a great city that they visited. The Shopping site is BUREAU VALLÉE is where you can find all kinds of books. JINA CHAUSSURES this place is pretty good and hygienic and well maintain, central of the city, near metro and buses, easy to get to, food spots and the clothing sections of men and women, sunglasses and handbags, are tremendously good.

Recycling

Recycling has been up for improvising incentives for recycling the solid waste buildup.

Waste

The recycling company of Cayenne is:

Enzo Technic Recyclage

Work and Study Abroad

If you want to pursue a career abroad and that should be Cayenne then there are some best universities, like Centre Universitaire de Mayotte

Exchange Student

The Mayotte University Training and Research Center ( CUFR ) or Mayotte University Center is a public higher education institution in Dembeni, Mayotte. The establishment has 4 departments and 13 training courses:

Management economics law (DEG)

letters and humanities

Science and Technology

Educational Science

Au Pair

Au pair jobs are the ones that are accessed by a nanny and private tutors which are handed out for a limited period so people who are interested in doing part-time work this a good platform for them.

Volunteering

Volunteering means when people voluntarily accept a particular job and volunteer for it.