Mayotte: Lagoon, Crater Lake and Nature

Mayotte brings together a range of nature and travel interests: the lagoon is known for activities on and in the water, while Lac Dziani, hiking destinations and natural sites in the south offer their own highlights. When planning your trip, it is worth organising these experiences according to your interests.

The lagoon and activities on the water

Activities in Mayotte’s lagoon include recreational boating, anchoring, recreational fishing, diving and snorkelling, observing marine life, and other water sports. Spending time on the coast is another option. On, beneath and by the water, there are various ways to experience the lagoon. When planning, you can consider whether you are interested in boating activities, underwater experiences or time by the shore.

Lac Dziani and trails on Petite-Terre

Lac Dziani, a volcanic crater lake, is located on Petite-Terre. A marked trail runs around the lake; the circuit takes about an hour. This gives you a specific time estimate for the outing. A hiking route on Petite-Terre offers panoramic views of Lac Dziani and leads to the de la Vigie viewpoint at an altitude of 202 metres. These details help with planning in different ways: the approximate duration is the key point for the circuit, while the route to Vigie is defined by its viewpoint destination and elevation.

Tides and connections between the island sections

At low tide, a small path leads to the Vasière des Badamiers. The tide level is therefore an essential part of planning this outing. The barge connects Petite-Terre with Grande-Terre. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and is used daily by Mahorais. Check the latest details of the connection before travelling. Low tide is essential for the path; the approximate crossing time provides a useful time reference for the barge.

Nature highlights in the south

Mont Choungui is in the south of Mayotte: at 594 metres, it is the island’s second-highest peak. N’Gouja Beach is also in the south and is considered a favourite place for makis to spend time. Mayotte’s best-known mangrove is in Baie de Bouéni. These details highlight different features: the peak’s elevation, makis at the beach and the mangrove landscape.

Nature reserve and MuMA

Nature conservation and cultural development offer two further perspectives on Mayotte. The Îlot M’Bouzi National Nature Reserve was established by ministerial decree on 26 January 2007. MuMA, the Musée de Mayotte, is a project for a departmental museum launched in 2015 and is currently in the preparatory phase. Through regular exhibitions at the Caserne de Dzaoudi on Petite-Terre, MuMA has become established.

Choose the focus of your stay

Would you like to plan a circuit that takes about an hour to walk, take the low tide into account for the path to the Vasière, or factor in a crossing between the island sections?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kani-Kéli, Mamoudzou, Bandrele, Dzaoudzi, Dembeni, Mamoudzou, Ethiopia, São Tomé and Príncipe.

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