Mayotte is another overseas territory of France like La Reunion Island found in the Indian Ocean. It is actually located in the Mozambique Channel north of Madagascar and north east of Mozambique.

Mayotte is made up of two islands Grand Terre, commonly called Mahore and the small island of Petitie Terre or Pamanzi as it commonly referred to.  The island covers an area of 374 sq km. Mayotte is part of the La Vanille island- a joint cooperation signed with Mauritius, Seychelles and Reunion islands aimed at promoting tourism in these Indian Ocean resorts.

History

The islands of Mayotte have been around since 1500 then called Maore which was changed to Mayotte on the coming of the French colonialists.

The island is a former colony of the Madagascar under King Ibonia in 1832 together with Moheli and Anjouan island. Mayotte came under French governance in 1843 together with the Comoros islands.

In 1974, the island voted to remain a French colony/ department with a significant 94.5 % votes while Comoros voted for being an independent country. Since 2011, Mayotte has been recognized as a French department under the UN Security Council resolution and later referendum of 2009.

People and Culture

The island is made up of nearly 200,000 people. More than 90 % of the population is Comorian with Bantu, Malagasy and Arabic roots and the rest of the people are Swahili, French immigrants/expatriates, Makua and others.

The official language spoken in Mayotte is French while Mahorian, a blend of Swahili and French words is also spoken by many people in Mayotte. Other languages spoken include Kibusi (Malagasy and Arabic), Shimaore  (French & Magalasy), Arabic and other local dialects.  French is used in admnisitrative offices and schools alongside Arabic for Quranic schools

Islam acclaims an estimated 95% people in Mayotte while other people practice Christianity and other beliefs. Since Islam is widely practiced in Mayotte, many of the community laws are benched in Islamic principles such as dressing, male dominance, polygamous marriage and other lifestyles.

Tourist attractions

Mamoudzou is the capital city of Mayotte and the largest city on the island. other important cities on the island include Dzaoudzi town and port. Dzaoudzi is where Mayotte’s  main airport is located.

The coastal beaches from the islands are one of the things to enjoy on your holiday to Mayotte, watch the sea turtles and humpack whales that often times visit the beaches in the breeding and calving season around August to September. Dive into splendid beauty of the coral gardens and find different spices of fishes.

Alternatively enjoy the hike to Mont Choungui the highest volcanic summit on the islands and have a spectacular view of the islands from above. Take city trips to the Mamoutzou the capital city and savor the warmth of the French speaking Mahorais- the people from Mayotte. Visit the catholic cathedral and the mosque. The small island of Dzaoudzi is a primary port and other tons of Bandele, Acoua and Sada.

There is a Yacht club in Dzaoudzi on Pamanzibay with showers, water and free membership for 15 days on signing up.

Flights and travel

There are flights to Mayotte international airport at Dzaoudzi with Air France form Paris, Kenya Airways flights via Comoros, Air Madagascar, Air Seychelles, and Air Austral among other international  airlines and charter services.

Car hire is available for transfers from Kaweni and Mamoudzou. There are few well maintained roads in Mayotte thus 4WD are good for country tours. From the main island port of Dzaoudzi to Pamanzi, a ferry or private boats are used.

Weather

Like other Indian Ocean resorts and islands, Mayotte has two seasons. The dry season is May to October with cool temperature and occasional showers. The rains are in November to May

Hotel and Accommodation

There are few hotels in Mayotte offering standard accommodation in 2 four-star hotel resorts, guesthouses, and Bed & breakfast facilities. Mayotte accommodation is available at Hotel Isijiva in Mamoudzou, Coco Lodge in Mtsamboro, La baie des tortues in Boueni, Le Rocher Hotel in Dzaoudzi, hotel Sakouli in Banderele, Les Bangas Hotel in Mamouddzou and Domaine de Dapani in Bandrele among other facilities. You may get more interactive with the islanders by getting homestay and finding accommodation at guesthouses.

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