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Mayotte🇾🇹 | national parksPointe SazileyNesting green turtles, brown lemurs, lava-rock headland, Ngouja beach | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Pointe Saziley
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Green turtles haul themselves up the dark sand of the beaches on this peninsula to lay eggs, and by morning their tracks look like tractor treads running up to the tree line. Pointe Saziley sits at the far southern tip of Mayotte, past Bouéni, where the paved road gives out and the island goes quiet. The walk out is hot, dusty and shadeless in places, and you will sweat through your shirt before the first view. Then the forest closes in, brown lemurs crash through the branches, and the sea appears turquoise on both sides of a lava-rock headland. There are no cafés and no crowds, and the path is rough underfoot. Swell and reef breaks draw the occasional surfer by boat. A first day could mean reaching the Ngouja side by late morning, walking the coastal track to the point with plenty of water, swimming off a quiet beach, and heading back before the afternoon heat settles.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 national park in MayotteThe unique appeal for travelers

Pointe Saziley appeals to backpackers who like a destination they have to earn on foot. There is no ticket booth, no guided circuit and no set itinerary, so you choose your own pace and turn around when you feel like it. The walk out through the Saziley forest peninsula passes dry woodland, mangrove edges and rocky shore, which gives you more variety than the short distance suggests. The wildlife is the real draw. Brown lemurs, known locally as makis, are common in the trees near Ngouja, and turtles use the sand here to nest. Between roughly July and October, humpback whales pass offshore, and the point is a fine place to watch from the rocks. The area is also known for a left-hand reef break that surfers reach by boat. It suits self-guided travelers far better than tours, since the appeal … read more 👉
Pointe Saziley appeals to backpackers who like a destination they have to earn on foot. There is no ticket booth, no guided circuit and no set itinerary, so you choose your own pace and turn around when you feel like it. The walk out through the Saziley forest peninsula passes dry woodland, mangrove edges and rocky shore, which gives you more variety than the short distance suggests. The wildlife is the real draw. Brown lemurs, known locally as makis, are common in the trees near Ngouja, and turtles use the sand here to nest. Between roughly July and October, humpback whales pass offshore, and the point is a fine place to watch from the rocks. The area is also known for a left-hand reef break that surfers reach by boat. It suits self-guided travelers far better than tours, since the appeal is solitude and the freedom to stop wherever the light or the lemurs invite you to. Bring your own food and water, because nothing is for sale along the track.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Pointe Saziley headland: the lava-rock tip of the peninsula, where the track ends and the lagoon meets open ocean. Waves break on black rock, and the view runs along both coasts.
  2. Ngouja beach: a long curve of pale sand with calm water for swimming. Brown lemurs often drop in from the nearby trees, and turtles come ashore on quiet nights.
  3. Saziley forest walk: the dry coastal woodland that covers the peninsula. Expect tangled roots, patchy shade and bird calls that carry in the still air.
  4. Nesting turtle beaches: stretches of dark sand where green turtles lay eggs. Look for fresh tracks and disturbed sand in the early morning, and keep your distance from nests.
  5. Brown lemurs (makis): the Mayotte subspecies, stocky and bold, often seen near the Ngouja area at dawn and dusk. Do not feed them.
  6. Saziley
… read more 👉
  1. Pointe Saziley headland: the lava-rock tip of the peninsula, where the track ends and the lagoon meets open ocean. Waves break on black rock, and the view runs along both coasts.
  2. Ngouja beach: a long curve of pale sand with calm water for swimming. Brown lemurs often drop in from the nearby trees, and turtles come ashore on quiet nights.
  3. Saziley forest walk: the dry coastal woodland that covers the peninsula. Expect tangled roots, patchy shade and bird calls that carry in the still air.
  4. Nesting turtle beaches: stretches of dark sand where green turtles lay eggs. Look for fresh tracks and disturbed sand in the early morning, and keep your distance from nests.
  5. Brown lemurs (makis): the Mayotte subspecies, stocky and bold, often seen near the Ngouja area at dawn and dusk. Do not feed them.
  6. Saziley surf break: a reef wave that works on a good swell. Even if you do not surf, watching boats drop riders at the lineup is entertaining.
  7. Whale watching from the rocks: during the austral winter, humpbacks pass close to the tip. Bring binoculars and sit quietly on the headland.
  8. Lagoon snorkeling off the shore: clear water, coral heads and small reef fish near the rocky edges. Choose calm days and enter from the sandy patches.
Pointe Saziley and Ngouja beach combine well in one day: walk out to the headland in the morning, then swim and look for lemurs on the sand as the heat builds.
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Things to do near Pointe Saziley

Explore Mamoudzou & the National Wetland Reserve 3 Days/2 Nights

Explore Mamoudzou & the National Wetland Reserve 3 Days/2 Nights

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🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Dry Season (May to October): Pointe Saziley is at its most comfortable from June to September, with daytime highs of 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F), cooler nights near 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F), and little rain on the southern tip. Seas are calmer for the beach and turtle-watching section, though trade winds can make the water choppy.
  • Wet Season (November to April): Expect 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F), high humidity, heavy downpours and a risk of cyclones, most likely from January to March. The dirt track and trail can turn muddy, and the heat on the exposed coastal path is draining.
  • Turtle Season: Green and hawksbill turtles come ashore on the nearby southern beaches year-round, with more nesting activity in the warmer months. Night visits are best arranged with local guides.
  • Crowds and Prices: Weekends bring
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (May to October): Pointe Saziley is at its most comfortable from June to September, with daytime highs of 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F), cooler nights near 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F), and little rain on the southern tip. Seas are calmer for the beach and turtle-watching section, though trade winds can make the water choppy.
  • Wet Season (November to April): Expect 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F), high humidity, heavy downpours and a risk of cyclones, most likely from January to March. The dirt track and trail can turn muddy, and the heat on the exposed coastal path is draining.
  • Turtle Season: Green and hawksbill turtles come ashore on the nearby southern beaches year-round, with more nesting activity in the warmer months. Night visits are best arranged with local guides.
  • Crowds and Prices: Weekends bring local families to the beach. School holidays in July and August and December push up flights and rooms. Daylight lasts about 11 to 13 hours across the year, so start walks early.
Aim for May, June or September for dry trails, thin crowds and lower fares.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
mayotte-national-park-pointe-saziley v1
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Mayotte

There is no lodging at Pointe Saziley itself, so most backpackers sleep in the south of the island and arrive by car or taxi. The closest base is Bouéni and the surrounding villages, with a few guesthouses and gîtes, usually €45 to 90 a night. Kani-Kéli, on the southwest coast, has small hotels and gîtes with sea views, and it is a practical choice for early starts toward the point. Both places are quiet, with limited restaurants, so buy supplies beforehand.
For more choice, stay in Mamoudzou, the main hub, which has hotels, apartments and a few hostel-style options from roughly €35 to 110. Expect … read more 👉
There is no lodging at Pointe Saziley itself, so most backpackers sleep in the south of the island and arrive by car or taxi. The closest base is Bouéni and the surrounding villages, with a few guesthouses and gîtes, usually €45 to 90 a night. Kani-Kéli, on the southwest coast, has small hotels and gîtes with sea views, and it is a practical choice for early starts toward the point. Both places are quiet, with limited restaurants, so buy supplies beforehand.
For more choice, stay in Mamoudzou, the main hub, which has hotels, apartments and a few hostel-style options from roughly €35 to 110. Expect a drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours to the point, depending on traffic and the condition of the road. Many travelers also use Mamoudzou for groceries, cash and car rental before heading south.
Camping is informal and rarely signposted. The beaches near the point are known for wildlife and local use, so ask local authorities or your host before pitching a tent, and do not leave valuables unattended. Book ahead in July, August and December, because the small southern properties have only a handful of rooms.
Best hostels in Mayotte


Best quality hotels in Mayotte

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

Pointe Saziley costs roughly €82 to 145 a day for a backpacker, once you count a guesthouse bed, a rental car or taxi share, and self-catered food. Costs are driven by transport, since public options to the southern tip are limited. Travelers pay in euros.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance Fee€0No ticket is generally charged for the beach and coastal area. Guided turtle or nature outings, if booked, cost around €10 to 30.
Accommodation (high season)€40 to 70Gîtes and guesthouses in Bouéni and Kani-Kéli. Rooms in Mamoudzou start near €35. Wild camping is informal.
Local Transport€25 to 45Rental cars cost about €35 to 60 a day, and can be split. Shared taxis and minibuses reach southern villages, but rarely the point itself.
Food and Supplies€15 to 25Supermarket groceries in Mamoudzou are
… read more 👉
Pointe Saziley costs roughly €82 to 145 a day for a backpacker, once you count a guesthouse bed, a rental car or taxi share, and self-catered food. Costs are driven by transport, since public options to the southern tip are limited. Travelers pay in euros.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance Fee€0No ticket is generally charged for the beach and coastal area. Guided turtle or nature outings, if booked, cost around €10 to 30.
Accommodation (high season)€40 to 70Gîtes and guesthouses in Bouéni and Kani-Kéli. Rooms in Mamoudzou start near €35. Wild camping is informal.
Local Transport€25 to 45Rental cars cost about €35 to 60 a day, and can be split. Shared taxis and minibuses reach southern villages, but rarely the point itself.
Food and Supplies€15 to 25Supermarket groceries in Mamoudzou are pricey, around €3 to 6 for a sandwich or snack. Village snack stalls and small restaurants serve meals for €8 to 15.
Water and Extras€2 to 5Bottled water, sun protection and small supplies, which are best bought before you go south.
Total Daily Budget€82 to 145Shared car costs and self-catering pull you toward the lower end.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsDiscover Pointe Saziley's top trails and natural wonders

Pointe Saziley rewards walkers more than drivers, since the final approach is a rough track best covered on foot. The walks people do here all start from the Ngouja area, where the road ends, and follow the coast onto the peninsula.
  • Ngouja to Pointe Saziley: a coastal and forest track of a few kilometers each way, usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way at a steady pace. Expect dusty earth, loose volcanic stones, roots and open stretches in full sun.
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate. There is little climbing, but heat, humidity and uneven ground make it tiring, so start early.
  • Terrain: dry woodland, patches
… read more 👉
Pointe Saziley rewards walkers more than drivers, since the final approach is a rough track best covered on foot. The walks people do here all start from the Ngouja area, where the road ends, and follow the coast onto the peninsula.
  • Ngouja to Pointe Saziley: a coastal and forest track of a few kilometers each way, usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way at a steady pace. Expect dusty earth, loose volcanic stones, roots and open stretches in full sun.
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate. There is little climbing, but heat, humidity and uneven ground make it tiring, so start early.
  • Terrain: dry woodland, patches of mangrove, pale and dark sand beaches and black lava shelves near the tip. Wear closed shoes that grip wet rock.
  • Wildlife: brown lemurs in the trees, turtle tracks on the sand, and sea birds along the shore. Humpback whales appear offshore between roughly July and October.
  • Beach detours: short side paths drop to small coves with calm water. The sea can be strong where the lagoon opens near the tip, so swim only in sheltered spots.
Practical matters are simple but demanding. No regular public bus reaches the end of the road, so most people arrive by rental car, taxi or a lift, and then walk. There is no entrance fee for the walk itself. The area is quiet most of the year, with a few more people on weekends and holidays, and you may have the headland to yourself. Carry more water than you think you need, sun protection and snacks, as nothing is sold along the track. Phone signal can be weak, so tell someone your plan, and turn back before dusk because the track is not lit. Do not disturb turtle nests or feed the lemurs.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Pointe Saziley is a straightforward coastal destination, and the main issues are heat, sun and the state of the access road. Bring at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, because shade is patchy and there are no shops at the end of the track. Start walks early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and wear closed shoes with grip, since forest sections and rocky stretches get slippery after rain.
Swim only where the water is calm and avoid strong currents and the rocky headland, as there are no lifeguards. If you see nesting turtles, keep your distance, stay behind them, use no flash and keep lights off. Do not touch eggs or hatchlings.
Leave nothing valuable in a parked car, as thefts from vehicles occur around Mayotte. Phone signal can be weak, so tell … read more 👉
Pointe Saziley is a straightforward coastal destination, and the main issues are heat, sun and the state of the access road. Bring at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, because shade is patchy and there are no shops at the end of the track. Start walks early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and wear closed shoes with grip, since forest sections and rocky stretches get slippery after rain.
Swim only where the water is calm and avoid strong currents and the rocky headland, as there are no lifeguards. If you see nesting turtles, keep your distance, stay behind them, use no flash and keep lights off. Do not touch eggs or hatchlings.
Leave nothing valuable in a parked car, as thefts from vehicles occur around Mayotte. Phone signal can be weak, so tell your host your plan and download an offline map before you leave.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Plan on one full day for Pointe Saziley, or a half day if you only want the beach and a short coastal walk. Add a second day if you want a guided turtle outing or to explore nearby southern villages such as Bouéni and Kani-Kéli. From Mamoudzou the drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way, so a day trip is tiring.
Visiting Pointe Saziley without a car is difficult, since public transport does not reach the point itself. Shared taxis and minibuses run from Mamoudzou toward southern villages like Bouéni and Kani-Kéli, but you would still need a taxi for the last stretch, often €30 to 60. Renting a car for about €35 to 60 a day is the most practical option.
Pointe Saziley generally has no entrance fee for the beach and coastal area, and no hiking permit is usually required for an ordinary visit. Guided turtle or nature outings cost roughly €10 to 30 per person. Camping and drone use are subject to local rules, so check with your host or the local authorities before you go.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mahoran national parks near Pointe Saziley

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Pointe Saziley suits walkers who like emptiness, wildlife watchers and surfers with a boat contact, and it disappoints anyone expecting facilities or a cold drink at the end. I would leave early, carry a full liter or two of water, and keep a quiet hour at the headland for whales and lemurs.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Mayotte. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, 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.

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