Mayotte – locally known as Maore, Mahore or Maori – is an Indian Ocean island I haven’t traveled to (yet). As an overseas department of France, I think it’s an intriguing part of the world and the Eurozone to visit one day. It’s about four times smaller than Mauritius island and four times bigger than Rodrigues island. So that sounds like the perfect size to me. Geographically, Mayotte is part of the Comoro Archipelago and is culturally linked to Comoros. Mayotte is also not far from Madagascar. So it makes sense to visit both Comoros and Madagascar while in the region.

Fun fact: when I was hitchhiking in Malta, I couchsurfed at the place of a guy from Mayotte named Vincent in the St Julian’s/Sliema area. He had a placemat from Mayotte with the island and some cool pictures, but I had no idea where it was and had never heard of it before I met him.

Things I’d Like to Do in Mayotte

• Hitchhike, of course! Maybe even a small boat or a sailing yacht from the port of Longoni (Koungou)
• Pick up some words and phrases in Shimaore, Kibushi, and Kiantalaotsi
• Wander around the old capital Dzaoudzi (Musée MUMA) and the new capital Mamoudzou (tourist office). Both seem good places to learn about the island’s history
• Take the ferry between Dzaoudzi and Mamoudzou
• See (and maybe visit) some beautiful mosques, such as Tsingoni Mosque, Antana Bé Mosque, and Passamaïnty Mosque
• See women wear their traditional Mahorese garment salouva
• Go to the Eco-Musee du Sel in Bandrélé, De Coconi Botanical Garden nearby Barakani, Le Jardin d’Imany, and see the maki lemurs of M’Bouzy islet
• Do some urban exploring and find some old stuff overgrown by nature, such as the Maison du Gouverneur
• Climb the via ferrata of Bouéni
• Watch the sunset and try to spot the island of Anjouan in Comoros (and maybe take the ferry!)
• Enjoy nature and visit Hapandzo, Soulou, M’Tsapere, and Maji ya Uvundro waterfalls, Doujani reservoir, Dziani Dzaha lake, Majimbini forest reserve, Badamiers mudflat, N’Gouja beach, and the remote Piscine de la barrière Nord
• Hike up the tallest peak, Mavingoni/Mont Bénara (660masl). There seem to be many hiking trails and peaks, such as Mont Choungui in the south and the botanical trail in Dapani (also Padzas de Dapani)
• Visit all the islands and islets: Grande-Terre, Petite-Terre, Mtsamboro, Mbouzi, Bandrélé, and Sable Blanc are the main ones. Apparently, it’s also possible to freecamp on the small uninhabited islets
• Perhaps do some kitesurfing? I found a Facebook group for it and will look for more info when I’m on the ground. Alternatively, I’d love to go kayaking in some mangroves or do a boat trip to the reefs at Passe en S, or more likely go sailing at Ecole de Voile ACHM. Heck, if I’m there long enough, I might even do a jet ski tour (it’s a real thing)
• Visit some lighthouses and spot some shipwrecks (such as Dwyn Wen)

Map of Things to Do in Mayotte

If you know cool places and things to do in Mayotte, comment below so I can always find your suggestions again once I start making the dream come true! Tips are especially welcome if you are Maorais or have lived there for a while

Are you a travel blogger and do you have good posts about Mayotte? Drop them in a comment below and I’ll read them!