By our special correspondent in Mayotte Jessica Pierné.
Long stretches of white sand beaches, a breathtaking coastline, a sanctuary for humpback whales that come to breed and give birth—Mayotte is a small paradise for travelers seeking ecotourism with a touch of adventure. The air is salty, humid, and fragrant with the scent of coral. In the evening, the Southern Cross constellation appears in the sky. 10,000 kilometers from Paris, France's 101st department appears like a rough diamond. Bordered by one of the world's largest lagoons, reaching depths of 90 meters in some places, this Indian Ocean archipelago is home to islets, forests, mangroves, and brown-furred lemurs. In this exotic setting, marked by the history of the Indian Ocean's maritime world, you'll discover a unique and captivating world. Welcome to the discovery of Mayotte…
Paradise beaches
A showcase of some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, the road linking Mamoudzou to the Kani Keli peninsula reveals incredible natural diversity. For many, this part of the island is synonymous with idyllic beaches. For others, the South is associated with the lemurs of Mayotte that roam the lush vegetation.
Observe the sea turtles
sea turtles With their magnificent and striking shells, these turtles feed on Thalassia testudinum, a plant that flowers underwater to reproduce. Nearly 200 individuals have been counted on N'Gouja beach. Some turtles come from Madagascar and the African coast to lay their eggs on this protected beach. At nightfall, it is possible to observe them with a marine biologist from the Oulanga Na Nyamba association to witness the egg-laying without disturbing them.
The largest lagoon in the Indian Ocean
Mayotte is a archipelago in green and blue, rich in an exceptional ecological and zoological heritage with a lagoon of 1100km2 and a double coral reef. After a few minutes of sailing, our Zodiac gently approaches, and follows at a reasonable distance a magnificent humpback whaleThese animals from another age impress with their slow and graceful movements, a spectacle that can last for several tens of minutes; then, without warning, these divine creatures swim away… For this half-day sea safari, Mayotte Découverte is the agency of choice. Based in Mamoudzou for 20 years, Yannick Stephan offers excursions that might allow you to fulfill a childhood dream…
The Island of Sensations
Ultralight flight over the lagoon. At 1000 meters altitude, the view is breathtaking over the coral reef, the south of Grande Terre and the islet of Bandrélé. AlainAn experienced pilot will take you off from the verdant Pamandzi airstrip. The experience is unique, as it allows you to fly over the summit of Mount Choungui, one of the highest peaks in Mayotte. The landing is smooth, sometimes with a flock of sheep at the end of the runway.
The lemurs of Mayotte
The emblematic animal of Mayotte, the maki It is also present in northwestern Madagascar and on the other islands of the Comoros archipelago. According to historians, they were brought there by humans from Madagascar to serve as food. Legend has it that this was a man transformed into an animal by the wrath of God. These lemurs are endemic primates, with an estimated population of between 10,000 and 30,000 living on the island. They feed primarily on fruits and flowers. These small acrobats are now endangered because their habitat is shrinking. 300 hectares of forest disappear each year to make way for housing or agricultural fields. According to Laurent TarnaudAccording to a primatologist associated with the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, the lemur is threatened with extinction. Between 1974 and 2020, its population is estimated to have declined by 43%. While no specific action is being taken on the island to protect these animals, the government is fighting against deforestation, which has significant consequences for the territory's ecology.
Women from Mayotte in history
women from Mayotte have a very important place in Mayotte. The beginnings of French colonization of the island date back to 1841, when Mayotte was sold to France by the Sultan Adriant SouliColonization continued in 1946 when the entire Comoros archipelago became an overseas department. Gradually, tensions arose between the islands, and women from Mayotte formed the "Tickling Commando." A true symbol in the 1960s and 1970s, these women fought to keep Mayotte free and French. In 2011, the island became France's 101st department.
A white sand islet
We embark on a 30-minute crossing aboard a large Zodiac to reach a pristine islet. The arrival is simply spectacular. The stopover allows us to swim with colorful fish and toast with our feet in the sand while enjoying a delicious ceviche overlooking Saziley Point. A truly magical moment!
Explore the mangrove
This tropical paradise contains a mangrove swamp which can be explored by kayak or canoe with a guide. Between land and sea, one keeps an eye out for the Fudi from Madagascar and endemic species such as the Sunbird and the Mayotte FlycatcherThe vegetation consists of mangroves: trees and shrubs capable of adapting to life in a mixture of fresh and salt water. This barrier against coastal erosion also helps to mitigate climate change.
ROUTE LOG:
GO THERE:
Direct flights from Paris to Dzaouzi starting at 890 euros return per person with Air Austral
www.air-austral.com
WHERE TO SLEEP ?
Le Jardin Maoré, room with terrace from €160 per night
https://hotel-jardin-maore.com
WHALE SAFARI:
https://mayottedecouverte.fr
