Mayotte

Comoros

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Mayotte, Comoros

Officially known as Departement de Mayotte, this French archipelago consists of a main island called Maore, a smaller one called Pamanzi, and other smaller isles that surround the two main ones. The collection of islands is found on the Indian Ocean, in the Northern Mozambique Channel just off the Southeast African coast. Be there when turtles come to roost on the southern beaches. Adventure into Mount Choungui, you can hike or climb to the summit to take in the island's tropical vegetation and the stunning panoramic views. If peaks are not your thing, take a bush taxi to the world’s largest lagoon where guests can enjoy scuba adventures and whale watching tours. The island's lagoon has an ideal environment for humpback whales and their calves that navigate the Indian Ocean.

What you NEED TO KNOW

  • Port Name & Location
    Mayotte, Comoros
  • Time Zone
    UTC+3 Eastern Africa Time
  • Language
    Arabic, French, Comoran Ewa marahaba, means “yes, thank you” in Comoran. J'en veux un means “I want one…” in French. Visitors fluent in either French or Arabic will be well understood.
  • Currency & Shopping
    Euro Take a bush taxi to the Volo Volo Market, the best place to go for unique Comorian gifts, organic and locally grown spices, coconut products, essential oils, and homemade lamps.
    • Famous For
      Whale watching tours during the summer, and diving adventures at the world’s largest lagoon.
    • Important
      It is customary for women to cover their shoulders, chest, knees, and especially stomach and lower back. Shirts and shawls should take care of it.
    • Fun Fact #1
      Adventurers and nature lovers alike should pay a visit to Mount Choungui.
    • Fun Fact #2
      Travelers who are interested in the indigenous wildlife of the island will not find it hard to spot the ring-tailed lemur species, which is called maki.
      • Fun Fact: Foodies
        Langouste a la Vanille is a seafood dish featuring South African lobsters and vanilla as the main ingredients. A very popular dish among locals and travelers alike, this hearty meal is served on a bed of greens (usually sprouts and spinach) and drizzled with vanilla sauce.
      • Fun Fact: Landmarks
        Bush Taxis are the way to move around. These are group rides that will take you to all the important places and make stops at all the popular beaches.
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