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- Mont Choungui viewpoint and hike — The rounded volcanic peak that dominates the south of the island; short, steep trails give you a sweaty, rewarding climb and unbeatable panoramas of the lagoon, patchwork reef and tiny chissiouas (islets) that make Mayotte so photogenic.
- Îlot Mbouzi (Mbouzi Islet) — A protected islet where seabird colonies nest and sea turtles come ashore; shallow reefs around the islet make for excellent snorkelling and quiet wildlife watching from a small boat or guided walk.
- Saziley peninsula and nature reserve — A wild, windswept strip of coast with ancient baobabs, scrubland birdlife and quiet beaches used by nesting turtles; the coastal trail mixes good birding with raw shoreline views that feel wonderfully remote.
- Lagoon and barrier-reef snorkelling — Mayotte’s
- Mont Choungui viewpoint and hike — The rounded volcanic peak that dominates the south of the island; short, steep trails give you a sweaty, rewarding climb and unbeatable panoramas of the lagoon, patchwork reef and tiny chissiouas (islets) that make Mayotte so photogenic.
- Îlot Mbouzi (Mbouzi Islet) — A protected islet where seabird colonies nest and sea turtles come ashore; shallow reefs around the islet make for excellent snorkelling and quiet wildlife watching from a small boat or guided walk.
- Saziley peninsula and nature reserve — A wild, windswept strip of coast with ancient baobabs, scrubland birdlife and quiet beaches used by nesting turtles; the coastal trail mixes good birding with raw shoreline views that feel wonderfully remote.
- Lagoon and barrier-reef snorkelling — Mayotte’s inner lagoon and outer barrier reef are the real showstoppers: clear water, dense coral gardens and a huge variety of reef fish. May (transition to the drier season) usually brings good visibility and calmer seas for snorkel trips.
- Mangrove channels — The park’s mangrove fringes are nurseries for fish and crustaceans and a magnet for wading birds. Paddle or take a short guided boat ride to see mudflats, fiddler crabs and juvenile marine life up close.
- Lac Dziani (crater lake) — A surreal, often green-hued volcanic crater lake on Petite-Terre; its unusual chemistry and birdlife make it a striking contrast to the coral coast and worth a stop for photography and a short walk.
- Whale and dolphin encounters (seasonal) — The waters around Mayotte host dolphins year-round and visiting baleen whales at certain times of year. Boat trips run by local operators can put you in the right place — check with guides for the current season and sightings.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.