Location

Mayotte island is geographically part of the Comoros archipelago, a small group of islands lying between the northern tip of Madagascar and East Africa in the Indian Ocean. As of 1st January 2014 Mayotte became ‘an outermost region’ of the European Union. It is an overseas administrative department of France and the French Navy maintains a naval base on the island. The island is surrounded by reefs and the main harbour at Dzaoudzi is very well-protected. There are many anchorages inside the reef and diving is excellent. Some repair facilities are available in Dzaoudzi. Supplies are better than in neighbouring Comoros and most imported goods are French (so not cheap). On the other hand, clearance here is easy and free and mooring is a very low cost as well. The other three islands in the group, Grande Comore, Moheli and Anjouan, now form the independent republic of Comoros. Mayotte landscape is generally forested, with deep ravines and ancient volcanic peaks.

The island is a paradise for divers who can discover an incredible coral world in the largest enclosed lagoon in the world. You can see native protected animal species such as lemurs, drongos, or nectar birds on the hiking trails.

Immigration

If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Mayotte. Visa is not required for a stay up to 90 days in the 180-days period. Mayotte is an Overseas Collectivity of France.

Mayotte is a French overseas territory, but note that while France is a Schengen Area country, Mayotte is not, so if you already have a Schengen visa, it will not be a valid means of entry into Mayotte. Nevertheless, French overseas territories all have a lenient visa policy. Citizens of EU countries can enter Mayotte and remain there indefinitely. The same goes for a few other nationalities. The bottom line is that almost everyone can go to Mayotte with just a passport, although there are some restrictions regarding some nationalities. If that is the case for you, you need to contact a French diplomatic mission in your area. For more information, we recommend that you do your research on French overseas territories visa policy.

Climate/Weather

The climate of Mayotte is tropical, with a hot, humid and rainy season from December to April, when the north-west monsoon prevails, and a relatively cool, dry and sunny season from June to October, when the south-east trade winds prevail, while May and November can be considered as transitional months.

Tropical; marine; hot, humid; rainy season during the northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November).

Currency/Money

Mayotte is politically part of France and an Outermost Region of the European Union, and thus uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Banking facilities are comparatively limited in Mayotte, but the banking system is integrated with France's and is therefore modern and efficient.

Local food and items (bananas, manioc, fish) are inexpensive, imported items (dairy products, manufactured products) are expensive.

Accommodation

Spending your next camping holiday in Mayotte is apparently a good decision, since the benefits that come with it are really numerous. For starters, you're going to be saving money, because it's cheap accommodation. However, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to comfort. You just need to book a mobile home to be able to live in peace during your stay.

There are relatively few accommodations and they are mostly lodges and guest rooms. However, the Sakouli hotel in Bandrele in the south of Grande-Terre offers the best services in Mayotte. This is a rather aging 3 star hotel.

Language

Since Mayotte is a French territory, you would think that people there speak French. While it is indeed the official language, not everyone knows it. In fact, only 60% of the population can understand and speak French - and even fewer speak it fluently. Instead, you will hear Mahorian, which is related to Swahili, and Malagasy. However, you should manage just fine with English.

People

Most of the inhabitants of the island are culturally Comorians. The Comorians are a blend of settlers from many areas: Iranian traders, mainland Africans, Arabs and Malagasy. Comorian communities can also be found in other parts of the Comoros chain as well as in Madagascar.

Religion

Another thing that is very important for you to know is that Mayotte is predominantly Muslim. Why is that important? You need to be respectful about it. The locals are tolerant of tourists and they are very friendly. If you want to show respect, smile and greet the locals that you find on your path while hiking. Always have a respectful attitude no matter where you are, and try to dress decently even if it is hot outside. Nobody is asking you to wear long sleeves at the beach, but try to avoid walking on city streets in just a swimsuit.

Important Dates

Holidays and Observances in Mayotte

1 Jan - New Year’s Day

11 Mar - Mi’raj

20 Mar - March Equinox

5 Apr - Easter Monday

27 Apr - Abolition Day

1 May - Labour Day

8 May - Victory Day

13 May - Ascension Day

13 May - Eid al-Fitr

24 May - Whit Monday

21 Jun - June Solstice

14 Jul - French National Day

20 Jul - Eid al-Adha

15 Aug - Assumption of Mary

22 Sep - September Equinox

19 Oct - The Prophet’s Birthday

1 Nov - All Saint’s Day

11 Nov - Armistice Day

21 Dec - December Solstice

25 Dec - Christmas Day

Activities

As for what you can do in Mayotte, the list is long enough. Of course, you can enjoy the lovely beaches and take a swim in the ocean. You cannot leave Mayotte without scuba diving in the lagoon. The coral and fish that live in the area are absolutely stunning. Depending on what time of year you travel to Mayotte, you can watch the turtles on the southern beaches. Plus, if you go in August or September, you can watch the humpback whales and their calves in the lagoon. It is a spectacular view. Lastly, you must hike to the summit of Mount Choungui. You can see the entire island from there. The view is breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.

You can do a hike (almost a climb) to the summit of Mont Choungui will offer a spectacular panorama of the island.
Makis (ring-tailed lemur) can be found in remote regions of the island.
Diving is mandatory. Expect spectacular sights in the world's largest lagoon.
Sea turtles come to roost on the southern beaches.
In August-September, humpback whales can be found with their calves in the lagoon.

If you are spending your camping holiday and your campsite is in the southwest of the country, you can go to N’gouja beach. Bordered by baobabs, it is home to lemurs. N’Gouja water is also a perfect refuge for sea turtles.

If you fancy a boat trip, look for a campsite in the north of the island. You can enjoy a beautiful getaway on the Mahorais lagoon to observe dolphins and manta rays. If you like diving, you will have to opt for a campsite located on Grande Terre, a large island also home to sublime beaches. It is a reference destination for diving enthusiasts.

Mayotte offers other leisure activities than relaxing at the beach. At the top of the list is the hike to Mount Choungui. It will be an unparalleled adventure that will appeal to athletes. The forest has many surprises in store for you. A visit to Lake Dziani is also a good program not to be missed. He amazed more than one with his emerald green and luminous water. We can say that the lake has a special charm. In addition, it is immersed in lush greenery.

Don't forget to discover the history of the Mahorais villages. First cap: Mamoudzou! This village is the economic center of Mayotte. It is made up of tin or cob boxes. Yet he has exemplary charm. Before leaving the island, consider discovering its culinary practices. The mixed flavors of its dishes will not leave you indifferent. You can try the famous mataba. These are cassava bredes mixed with coconut milk.

Hiking to the extinct volcano Dziani Dzaha of Petite-Terre and its lake Dziani ; hiking to Mount Combani and Mount Choungui ; Trek to the governor's house ; observation of the maki lemurs of the M'Bouzy islet; Diving and snorkeling on the coral reef among tropical fish in the "Passe en S", in N'Gouja, Saziley or on the outer barrier ; the lagoon allows the observation of green and hawksbill turtles (which come to lay their eggs on deserted beaches), dolphins (common long-billed, spotted and tursiops in particular), whales and their calves (which give birth there) ; nautical activities or relaxation on the many beaches of Mayotte ; swimming and visits to the isolated beaches of the northern and southern white sand islets ; bivouacs on the deserted islands ; the Soulou waterfall, on the beach of the same name, is a natural curiosity; the Badamiers mudflat, in Petite-Terre, is a marsh rich in biodiversity and beautiful landscapes; the wrecks like that of the sailing schooner Dwyn Wen in front of the Badamiers (two masts of which are still standing out of the water); the tour of the island by microlight allows you to observe the reefs from the sky; the museum of Mayotte, the MuMa at Dzaoudzi, labeled Musée de France.

Several associations such as Les Naturalistes de Mayotte offer guided outings (hikes, visits, bivouacs...), and several marine operators accompany tourists to discover the lagoon and in particular its marine mammals, not to mention the many scuba diving clubs.

Entertainment

If you are in Chiconi, you can discover the fauna and flora of the town. This is the “Ylang-ylang Trail” from Moussimou, heading towards Sohoa and its golden sand beach. In Sohoa, by taking the direction of the beach at the crossroads, you can go to the "Maison de la poterie" which allows you to discover this traditional craft of Mayotte. However, from Scotram Square, you can take the path that leads to the Chiconi waterfall.

If you are in Chiconi, you can go to The Milatsika festival which is generally held in october. Since 2008, Chiconi has been hosting the “Festival Milatsika - At the roots of the Indian Ocean”, an important musical event on the island of Mayotte. It brings together around a single event this wonderful cultural diversity of the peculiarities of an absolute rarity. Each year, the event is intended to be a journey through the musical diversity of the Indian Ocean and the world. If you are in Dzaoudzi, you can go to ‘Le Ningha’. The "Le Ningha" nightclub is located right next to the restaurant to allow customers at the end of their meal to be able to move around following the rhythms of the excellent music offered inside. To brighten up your weekend evenings and party with friends and jiggle until the end of the night in a musical atmosphere resembling a hot and tropical vacation!

Health and Safety

Mayotte can have malaria outbreaks, which is why you should pay a visit to your primary care physician before you leave. Contracting the disease may seem unlikely, but it cannot hurt to get the vaccine anyway. It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

The phone numbers for the emergency services are as follows: Police : 112 or 17, Ambulance: 112 or 15, Fire: 112 or 18, Mobile Phones: 112

Mayotte is a malaria-infested zone; considered to be high risk. Consult your physician for anti-malaria medicine, take it, and pile on mosquito repellent to avoid bites.

Services and Utilities

The country code to dial into Mayotte is +262 Just like in the rest of France, the voltage in Mayotte is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz. In Mayotte the power plugs and sockets are of type C and E. Type C: also known as the standard "Euro" plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F. Type E: this type is of French origin. This socket also works with plug C and with plug F if it has an additional pinhole.

Shopping

Handicrafts are relatively undeveloped in Mayotte. In Mamoudzou, you will find mostly Malagasy crafts and much more expensive than in its country of origin. You can still find your happiness by buying the traditional salt of Bandrélé, the exuberant hats of Sada, the essential oils of ylang-ylang or the traditional salouvas. Lots of spices also at the Mamoudzou market, ideal for adding a little color and flavor to your cooking. There is also the m’dzindzano, a traditional sandalwood face mask, popular with Mahoraises who wear it all day long - it is said to be effective against mosquito bites and sun bite.

Whether you are looking for ylang-based products, tropical fruit jams or crafts, you will find everything at La Mahoraise se dévoile, located in Mamoudzou, with the added guarantee that everything has been produced and made in Mayotte! 100% local! A good place to buy souvenirs and gifts before taking the plane.