TO3K Team will be active from Mayotte Island, IOTA AF - 027, 2 - 20 August 2025.
Team - IV3JVJ, IK3ZAQ, IZ3NYS.
Recent DX Spots TO3K
TO3K Log search They will operate on 80 - 6m, CW, SSB, FT8, FT4.
QSL via IV3JVJ.
Mayotte – a combination of African flavor and pristine nature
Mayotte is a state in the Gulf of Mozambique in the western waters of the Indian Ocean. Mayotte consists of the main island of the same name, the slightly smaller island of Pamansi, and several small islets. Geographically, Mayotte is part of the Comoros Islands, and the Comoros has claimed these territories for many years. However, the island group is officially an overseas department of France. The islands of Mayotte are a colorful place where, despite many years of European influence, an unparalleled African flavor has been preserved to this day. The islands are ideal for those who dream of experiencing wild African nature and learning more about the local way of life. Mayotte is not yet a popular tourist destination, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and take a break from the crowds of visitors.
Mayotte Island. Author - Kary Mar.
Nature and climate
The weather in Mayotte is dictated by a tropical maritime climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. From November to April, the weather is warm with high rainfall, and temperatures can reach +36°C in the heat. During the rest of the year, there is almost no precipitation, and the air temperature drops to +24°C.
The islands of Mayotte have a total area of 376 km2. The main island is compact in shape with a slightly elongated southern part, 39 km long and 22 km wide. The islands are volcanic in origin, which has resulted in highly fertile soil and favorable conditions for agriculture. The land is partially surrounded by a coral reef, which protects the island from large waves and provides the islanders with fish.
History of Mayotte
According to surviving documentary sources, in 1500, the Arabs founded a sultanate on the Comoros, and it was they who gave the island the name Maore, later interpreted by the French as “Mayotte.”
The first Europeans to visit Mayotte were Portuguese travelers in 1503. Apparently, the Portuguese did not find the area promising and did not declare the island a colony.
Three centuries later, in the first half of the 19th century, the territories were conquered by the king of Madagascar and passed from hand to hand among neighboring Arab states over the next few years. In 1836, the islands regained their independence, and in 1843, they became the first of the Comoro Islands to come under French protectorate.
In 1909, all of the Comoros, as part of Madagascar, officially became a French colony. In 1946, the island group separated from Madagascar and acquired the official status of an overseas territory of France.
Mayotte Island. Author - mathieu.
Final transition to France
The question of complete separation from France has been raised more than once among the islanders, but it has always been ambiguous. In 1974, a referendum was even held, in which opinions were divided. According to the results of the vote, the majority of the islands wanted to separate from France. At the same time, more than 60% of Mayotte's inhabitants voted against it. After that, the four Comoros Islands were admitted to the UN and recognized as an independent state by France. At the same time, Mayotte was unilaterally declared a territorial part of France.
It was only in 2009 that the islanders finally achieved their goal, and following a new referendum, Mayotte officially became an overseas department of France. To this day, the Comoros do not agree with the separation of Mayotte and consider these islands an integral part of their island union.
Culture and traditions of Mayotte
The population of the islands has a complex ethnic composition and includes Africans, Arabs, Persians, Malagasy, Hindus, and representatives of Asian countries. Representatives of various sub-ethnic groups also live here, such as the Makoa, Sakalava, and Kaffir, who adhere to their own cultural traditions.
There is also a French population in Mayotte, which leads a separate lifestyle. Mayotte is an example of how completely different religions can coexist peacefully side by side. The largest ethnic group on the islands is Sunni Muslims, descendants of immigrants from the Arabian Peninsula.
Despite the predominance of Islam in all aspects of island life, representatives of other cultures are treated with respect and tolerance. Even the consumption of alcohol, which is strictly forbidden among orthodox Arabs, is viewed neutrally in Mayotte. However, the islanders still expect visitors to respect their way of life, so drinking alcohol in public in large quantities is considered bad form. During the holy month of Ramadan, all bars are closed until sunset.
Most locals are superstitious, which manifests itself in a fear of evil spirits called jinn. Christians live their lives in peace and are not discriminated against by Muslims. In general, the people of Mayotte are very friendly and calm, which attracts and appeals to European tourists.
Mayotte Island. Author - Sandeep Gangadharan.
What to see in Mayotte
First and foremost, Mayotte is attractive to active tourists. Here you can go scuba diving, admiring the underwater scenery, and safely walk through the forest thickets, enjoying the scent of flowers and picturesque views of the surrounding area. Incidentally, the islands' nature is completely friendly to humans: you will not encounter any predatory animals or poisonous plants. Snorkelers can observe rare species of ocean dwellers, including huge schools of colorful fish. The spring and autumn months are the most favorable for diving.
The largest city on the islands, and also the administrative center, is Mamoudzou. Be sure to visit the Cultural Heritage Center, where you can learn about all the key milestones in the history of Mayotte. While walking around the city, admire the local architecture and visit the local market, a place where all the color of the island is concentrated. At the city bazaar, you can purchase unique items made by local craftsmen, which will serve as a lasting reminder of this unique country.
The local beaches, of which there are countless on Mayotte, deserve special attention. The white sand, gentle slopes, and numerous small bays and coves will amaze you with their natural beauty.
Culinary traditions of Mayotte
The local cuisine has been shaped over centuries and is a unique blend of the culinary traditions of the indigenous population with elements of French cuisine. Most dishes are based on rice and meat, generously seasoned with spices and herbs. The islanders' favorite seasonings are coriander, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Local cafes and restaurants offer excellent couscous prepared according to all the rules, as well as other traditional Arabic dishes made with lamb, such as numerous types of kebabs. Dishes made from unsweetened bananas, which are stewed or baked with peanuts, meat, and vegetables, are also common. As it is an island nation, Europeans are primarily attracted by the variety of seafood.
