Mayotte Safari Tours & Holidays

Mayotte is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It’s a department and region of France, though traditional Mayotte culture is most closely related to that of the neighboring Comoros islands. The Mayotte archipelago is surrounded by a coral barrier reef, which shelters a lagoon and marine reserve that are popular diving destinations.

Situated right in between Madagascar and Mozambique, Mayotte is an overseas French territory famous for its diverse culture and landscape. Dziani Dzaha is a lake and volcano frequently visited by tourists from around the world and Mont Choungui is a cone-shaped peak that should not be missed as it offers panoramic views. Islote de Sable Blanc, in the literal sense, looks straight out of the world and the turtles can be spotted in Beach N’Gouja. Chissioua Mbouzi is home to many lemurs that are present in its nature reserve while the peak of Mont Combani has a story to tell of its own. If you like visiting gardens and are a plant enthusiast, you can visit De Coconi Botanical Garden and witness some of the most beautiful plants you will get to see in your life. Mayotte, contrary to popular believes, also houses many beautiful places of worship such as Mosquee de Tsingoni which will get your mind at rest and peace after the end of a long day. Since it is a French overseas region, its visa policies are similar to those of the Schengen regions. If you do not come from one of the visa exempt countries, you can get your visa from the French embassy in your country.

How to get to Mayotte

The easiest way to reach Mayotte is to stop off at la Reunion. The link between la Reunion and Mayotte is operated by Air Austral (External link), together with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Comoros Aviation, and, less frequently, Air Madagascar.

Passport, Visa, and Entry requirements for Mayotte

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 90 days from the time of arrival in Mayotte.

People looking forward to going to Mayotte solely for tourism purposes such as sightseeing or vacation are required to have a tourist visa. For proof of accommodation, you will require an invitation letter from whoever you will be staying with or your hotel bookings. It does not allow its holder to indulge in any work-related activity and a person can stay for a maximum of 90 days using a tourist visa.

The health sector of Mayotte

Health care systems are fairly ok in Mayotte for the local standards however travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance before traveling to Mayotte for safaris.

Malaria and Yellow fever vaccination for Mayotte

Proof that you had a yellow fever vaccination is required upon entering Mayotte when you have been in a yellow fever country within 7 days of entering.

Malaria is transmitted by the night-time – dusk to dawn – biting female Anopheles mosquito. · Risk is present throughout the country, including urban areas insect repellents and sleeping under mosquito net comes in handy and some people may travel with anti-malarial drugs.

Currency of Mayotte

The official currency in Mayotte is the euro and travelers may be well off traveling with cash and credit card there may be few ATM machines on the island.

Official Language of Mayotte

French is the official language, but most of the people speak Comorian (closely allied to Swahili); there are some villages along the Mayotte coast in which a Malagasy dialect is the main language.

Best time to travel to Mayotte

The best time to visit Mayotte is from March until December when you will have a pleasant or warm temperature and limited until mediocre rainfall. The highest average temperature in Mayotte is 29°C in January and the lowest is 26°C in July.

What to wear in Mayotte

Although young people wear Western-style clothing, traditional clothing is still common among adults. While in town, a Mahorais man will typically wear a white cotton garment and a length shirt, sometimes with a white jacket and white skull cap. Out of town, a long cloth sarong (colorful skirt) is worn.

What to bring while traveling to Mayotte

With nice beaches and outdoor activities in Mayotte, travelers need to pack wise

Bring a light sweater to wear at night.
If you plan on snorkeling, bring the equipment you need with you.
If you’re traveling between pack light clothes and an umbrella for rain.
Hats and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
Light rain jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
Camera
Cash (new banknotes)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

Car hire and driving in Mayotte

Though you could self-drive in Mayotte we do not encourage if you have done so then hire a vehicle with a driver

Accommodation in Mayotte

Mamoudzou is the capital of the French overseas region and department of Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean. Mamoudzou is the most populated commune (municipality) of Mayotte.

There are now only 9 hotels in Mayotte, two upscale. In contrast, the B & B’s and guest house are growing fast and some are good or very good level. But holidaymakers need to make pre-booking with the limited accommodation facilities.

Local food of Mayotte

The local cuisine of Mayotte is a blend of Indian, African and Arabic and, of course, French. A meal wouldn’t be complete without spices like cardamom, coriander, cloves, nutmegs, and cinnamon that are added to daily menus of meat and rice eaten by the local populace. A lot of seafood is cooked in the French way. The cheap local produce of vegetables makes Mayotte something of gourmet heaven.

Tipping while Travelling in Mayotte

Tipping is definitely expected in Mayotte and we encourage clients to tip the local guides and hotel staff while on vacation in Mayotte we recommend 20 us dollars for guided day trips but for snorkeling and diving contact our experts for more information.

Further information for Mayotte

Diving and watching marine life has been our objective to make people discover through the various Safaris the extraordinary marine wealth of the immense lagoon which surrounds Hippocampus Island.

Unique boats have been specially designed for navigation on the lagoon of Mayotte and the observation of marine mammals. Fast, safe, and comfortable, they meet CE standards for passenger transport.

Safety of Mayotte

Mayotte is a French Overseas Department located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. Mayotte’s area is 374 square kilometers. There is a very low threat from terrorism and virtually no crime.