Discover Mamoudzou: “Les dimanches fripes” and Mahabou

Mamoudzou reveals itself through a range of travel experiences: a recurring Sunday event, the ferry connection between Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, and places linked to Mayotte’s history. There are also views of the bay and lagoon. The destination therefore offers more than a single sightseeing spot and can be explored from a variety of interests.

A Sunday event, ferry connection and remembrance

“Les dimanches fripes” takes place every Sunday in the car park of Mamoudzou’s covered market. If you are planning a visit, check the latest dates beforehand. The regular event and its location at the covered market give this experience a clear connection to the place.

Ferries run between Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre from the quays in Mamoudzou. On Mayotte, the barge crossing takes about 15 minutes and is used daily by Mahorais. This connection is therefore a useful point of reference when planning your trip across both islands. Be sure to check the latest schedules and fares before travelling.

Another notable place is the sculpture honouring Zena Mdéré. It stands opposite Mamoudzou’s central roundabout. Zena Mdéré was an important figure in the fight for Mayotte to remain part of the French Republic. This memorial site connects a visit to the city with an important chapter in Mayotte’s history.

Mahabou: views of the bay, lagoon and city

The Mahabou headland offers a beautiful view of the bay. The plan to redevelop the waterfront also identifies Pointe Mahabou as a viewpoint; from its heights, visitors will be able to explore the lagoon and the city of Mamoudzou. Alongside views of the bay, the lagoon and cityscape are therefore among the perspectives associated with Mahabou.

The project plan also lists an educational walk about terrestrial habitats as an activity. The project thus includes a nature theme as well as the viewpoint. If you are interested in these topics, you can consider the plan as part of the broader waterfront redevelopment.

Mayotte in the wider travel picture

The wider destination of Mayotte offers other landscape and cultural themes. Activities in the Mayotte lagoon include recreational boating, anchoring, recreational fishing, diving, snorkelling, observing marine life, other water sports and spending time on the coast. The range extends from experiences on the water to nature watching and time on the coast.

Mayotte’s interior and coastline also reveal different sides of the island. Lac Dziani on Petite-Terre is a volcanic crater lake; the circular trail around it follows a marked path and takes about an hour. At low tide, a small path leads to the Vasière des Badamiers. In the south of Mayotte, Mont Choungui, at 594 metres, is the island’s second-highest peak. On the coast, N’Gouja Beach is a favourite place for makis; Mayotte’s best-known mangrove lies in Baie de Bouéni.

Historical and cultural attractions on Mayotte include the Îlot M’Bouzi National Nature Reserve and the MuMA, Musée de Mayotte. The reserve was established by ministerial decree on 26 January 2007. The MuMA is a project for a departmental museum launched in 2015 and is currently in the preparatory phase.

Discover more destinations: Bandrele, Dembeni, Mamoudzou, Dzaoudzi.

Back to the main travel overview: Mayotte.