Mayotte Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to taste, where to stay, and everything you need to know about Mayotte.


Introduction to Mayotte

Mayotte, a small volcanic island situated in the Indian Ocean, is a French Overseas Department. This beautiful island offers breathtaking seascapes, stunning beaches, intriguing cultures, and a wonderful mix of French and African influences. Mayotte, with its crystal clear waters, is also one of the best destinations for marine activities in the world.

List of Places to Visit in Mayotte

Mayotte is a diverse destination with a range of attractions that caters to different interests of visitors. Here are some of the must-visit places in Mayotte:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Musee de Mayotte - A museum that provides an insight into the history and culture of the island.
  • Sada Mosque - A beautiful mosque that is considered to be one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the region.

Natural Attractions of Mayotte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chissioua Mbouzi Island - A stunning island that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Lagoon of Mayotte - An extensive coral reef that offers an opportunity for snorkeling and scuba diving.
  • Mount Choungui - A beautiful scenic trek with one of the best views of the island.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mayotte

Mayotte offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure with several stunning hiking and biking trails:

  • Choungui mountain hiking - A beautiful and challenging hiking route with scenic views.
  • Mlima Combani mountain biking - A fun and adventurous biking trail with lots of ups and downs.

Best Things to Do in Mayotte: Activities and Tours

Mayotte offers a plethora of activities and tours that cater to different interests:

  • Snorkeling at Sombrero Island - A beautiful island known for its marine life and coral reefs.
  • Boat Tour to the lagoon - A tour that takes visitors through the beautiful lagoon of Mayotte.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mayotte

A week-long itinerary for Mayotte can include:

Day Activity
1 Visit Musee de Mayotte and Sada Mosque
2 Hike Mount Choungui and enjoy scenic views
3 Visit Chissioua Mbouzi Island and explore the flora and fauna
4 Enjoy snorkeling at Sombrero Island
5 Take a boat tour to the lagoon
6 Mountain biking at Mlima Combani
7 Relax on one of the beautiful beaches of Mayotte

Food and Drink Scene of Mayotte

Mayotte’s cuisine is a mix of French, Indian, and African influences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Langouste a la Vanille - Lobster with vanilla sauce.
  • Poulet Ylang-Ylang - Chicken cooked with Ylang-Ylang flowers.
  • Bredes - Various leafy vegetables cooked with spices.

Local Beverages

  • Rhum arrange - Rum infused with spices and fruits.
  • Bouleau - A refreshing beverage made from green papaya and lemon juice.

Where to Stay in Mayotte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mayotte offers a range of accommodation options:

  • Dziani Karihani Beach Resort and Spa - A beautiful resort located on the beach with excellent amenities.
  • Le Jardin Maore - A peaceful and relaxing guesthouse with stunning views.
  • Hotel Sakouli - A budget hotel that offers excellent value for money.

What to Buy in Mayotte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mayotte offers several unique souvenirs:

  • Fragrances and Soaps - Mayotte has a long history of producing distinctive perfumes and soaps made from Ylang-Ylang flowers.
  • Artisanal Jewellery - Local artisans make unique items of jewellery made from coconut shells and other natural materials.
  • Local Spices - Take home a range of local spices and chilli powders, ideal for foodies and keen cooks.

Local Culture and Customs of Mayotte

Mayotte’s culture is a mix of African and French influences. Visitors to Mayotte should respect the customs and traditions of the people:

  • Women should wear modest clothing - Covering arms and knees when entering mosques, and other religious sites is expected.
  • Do not eat or drink in public during the month of Ramadan - Traditionally, Muslims fast during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan.

Best Time to Visit Mayotte

The best time to visit Mayotte is between April and November when the weather is warm and dry, and the water is perfect for swimming and diving.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mayotte

Do:

  • Respect the island’s culture and customs
  • Carry cash, as not all shops and restaurants accept cards
  • Try the local foods and drinks

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Hunt or damage local wildlife
  • Be disrespectful towards the locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Mayotte

Mayotte is generally safe with low levels of crime. Visitors should take appropriate safety measures when exploring the island, especially in isolated areas.

Health in Mayotte

Visitors to Mayotte should ensure that their vaccinations are up to date. There is a risk of malaria, so appropriate precautions should be taken.

Getting to Mayotte: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mayotte

The Mayotte International Airport in Pamandzi is the main airport in Mayotte, with several airlines including Air France and Air Austral operating flights.

Bus Stations Near Mayotte

There are buses that run between different parts of the island, making it a convenient and affordable travel option.

Other Options

Visitors can take a ferry from Anjouan or Mohéli to Mayotte.

How to Get Around in Mayotte

Visitors can hire a car, take a taxi or use the local buses to get around the island.

Where to Go Next from Mayotte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Mayotte, visitors can explore other destinations in the region:

  • Madagascar - An island nation famous for its wildlife and national parks.
  • Mauritius - A beautiful island nation with stunning beaches and water sports activities.

Conclusion

Mayotte is a stunning island with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. From discovering the flora and fauna to trying the local cuisine, Mayotte offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. With excellent transport links and a range of accommodation, Mayotte is an ideal destination for those looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-track experience.

The bay fronting the capital The bay fronting the capital Flag of Mayotte Flag of Mayotte La Barge between Grande- and Petite-Terre La Barge between Grande- and Petite-Terre Mount Choungui is an extinct volcano Mount Choungui is an extinct volcano


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