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Mayotte
Mayotte is a picturesque place on our planet. It offers a wonderful combination of stunning nature, diverse landscapes, and a tropical climate that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Mayotte is a land located in the Indian Ocean. The region belongs to the African continent, but French laws apply on its territory.
Mayotte. Author - Martine.
Geographical features and climate
Mayotte is not just an overseas department located far from France, but also controlled by that country. It consists of several islands, each of which is of volcanic origin. Corals and reefs on the coast, a mountainous and hilly landscape with periodically protruding coastal areas, dense and diverse vegetation - this is not all that can be said about the stunning nature of Mayotte.
There are many closed lagoons in the world, but in terms of beauty and size, the one to which the archipelago belongs is one of the most attractive. Therefore, the place is suitable not only for a passive vacation on one of the islands, but also for water travel.
When it comes to the climate of Mayotte, everything is relatively stable here. For example, in winter there are 12-13 rainy days per month, then their number decreases and reaches 2-4 in 30 days. The weather is warm throughout the year. Summers are warmer, winters are cooler and rainier, but overall, the islands are always suitable for a warm vacation.
The exotic natural complex of the archipelago is rich in lava fields, picturesque bays, and beautiful shores. There are many small and fairly large beaches with clean sand and clear azure water.
Travelers are particularly attracted by the appearance of the moon on the islands at night. Here it is bright and large, so the natural illumination is high.
The reefs surrounding the islands were formed several million years ago. Their cavities contain numerous caves, which divers love to explore to study the underwater relief.
The waters surrounding the islands are teeming with life. There are various fish, crustaceans, and even whales, which can be seen from time to time during sea excursions. There are so many species of fish in these waters that the area is called Jurassic Park, as it is home to the rarest and most ancient varieties.
Mayotte. Author - VillageHero.
What dangers lurk in Mayotte
Malaria is widespread on the islands. The incidence rate is low, but the risks are still significantly higher than normal. Therefore, prevention is recommended—mefloquine is usually offered.
Mosquito bites should be avoided, as they are the main carriers of dangerous viruses and pathogens. Repellents are available for this purpose. On the islands, wear long pants and thick clothing to protect against bites (especially at night). It is recommended to use special insect repellents and to choose hotels with windows that are well protected by mosquito nets.
It is not recommended to drink unboiled water from the local water supply systems. All liquids are considered potentially dangerous, even if they are used for washing or brushing teeth.
Products sold on the island in raw form must be thoroughly heat-treated. This applies to milk, meat, and fish. When buying local fruit, it is better to peel it.
Volcanic soil, when it gets on the skin of the feet, contributes to the development of fungal infections and can also damage the skin upon contact. Therefore, it is better not to wear flip-flops or sandals.
The spines of many bottom-dwelling fish in the waters are poisonous. Therefore, it is better not to go to the bottom when swimming. When diving, it is recommended to hire an instructor who knows everything about swimming in local waters.
The current strengthens near the shore, so when swimming a relatively long distance, it is essential to have rescue equipment.
And one more recommendation: when planning your trip, be sure to pack sunscreen with SPF 50. This will help you avoid skin damage and sunburn.
Mayotte is an amazing place that is easy to get to (visas are issued through the French embassy). It is incredibly beautiful, there is always something to do, and the nature is unmatched, but you also need to be aware of the dangers that lurk around.
Mayotte. Author - Bernard Pez.
Sights and leisure
The Museum of Sunken Ships is particularly popular among travelers. The ancient ruins of a fort built by the Arabs also attract a lot of attention. These sights are located in the city of Mamuzu.
The incredibly beautiful botanical garden is located in Cocony. It contains a collection of unusual plants that can also be found on the islands.
The ornithological park, oceanarium, and much more will help you get acquainted with the local nature of the archipelago.
What sights are recommended to see when traveling to Mayotte: Local boxing lessons are widespread in Mayotte. This type of martial art emphasizes the ability to maintain good coordination of movements. Therefore, if you are confident in your abilities, you can try to learn it.
- Mount Shungi (a conical volcano);
- Sazile Island (a nature reserve where many fragrant flowers grow, which is why it is called the “perfume island”);
- Lake Karikani;
- The 210 steps of Aqua;
- The Boueni Peninsula.
Moya Beach is visited by many travelers. What attracts them is not even the stunning local nature, but the fact that here you can see turtles laying eggs.
Near Sazile Island, you can swim with whales. However, as noted above, it is better not to swim too far away. A great option is to hire a guide who will help you choose places for water and land activities.
Lake Diani is located right in the crater of a volcano. It is 3 million years old. It is not easy to get here, and it is better to go with a tour group, but it is worth the effort. It is incredibly beautiful here!
Shuazil Island is another unusual place. Just don't forget to bring a mask and snorkel — you'll need them. You can also visit the mangrove forests, which are rich in wildlife and vegetation.
If you want to spend time in cities or small towns and get acquainted with local activities, we suggest joining the shingo (women engaged in salt production). They will show you how this product, famous in the area, is made.
Pamandzi is a lake, beach, and volcano all in one. If you go there in the morning, you can be sure that you will be busy until the evening. The lake is located not far from the shore. It has a long, shallow shore with clear water and a gentle current, making it a great place for swimming.
Ilot de Sable Blanc is one of the most unusual beaches in Mayotte. It is actually a sandbar located in the southeastern part of the coast. There is no vegetation here, not even trees. This round piece of land covered with golden sand can be called an uninhabited island for a day of relaxation.
Another unusual beach is Musicale. Its uniqueness lies in the color of the sand, which is very dark here. The place is called black, although in fact the surface is more brown. A huge baobab tree grows right on the beach—the largest tree, near which travelers love to take pictures.
