3-Day Mayotte Lagoon & Wetland Short Escape

Tour Overview

Discover the beautiful French overseas department of Mayotte on this 3-day short escape, from the vibrant capital of Mamoudzou to the stunning lagoon (one of the largest and most beautiful in the world), the lush wetlands, the volcanic lake, and the pristine beaches. Mayotte, an archipelago in the Comoros chain in the Indian Ocean, offers a unique blend of French sophistication and Mahoran culture, with stunning natural beauty and abundant marine life.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Mamoudzou & Lagoon Tour

Arrive at Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport (Petite-Terre island, Mayotte). Transfer by ferry or taxi to Mamoudzou (on Grande-Terre island, the capital and largest city of Mayotte). Check into your hotel. Explore Mamoudzou: visit the Place de la République (the main square), the Marché de Mamoudzou (a bustling market with its fresh produce, spices, fish, crafts, and clothing), the Cathedral de Mamoudzou, the Musée de Mayotte (a museum documenting the history, culture, and natural heritage of Mayotte), and the beautiful waterfront. Walk along the Corniche and enjoy the stunning views of the lagoon and the surrounding islands. After lunch, take a boat tour of the Mayotte Lagoon (one of the largest and most beautiful lagoons in the world, a 1,500-square-kilometer lagoon surrounded by a barrier reef, with its crystal-clear turquoise water, stunning coral reefs, and abundant marine life). Sail around the lagoon, visiting the various islets and motus (small sand islands), including the Île aux Chats (Cat Island), the Île de la Croix, and the various sandbanks. Stop for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, which is teeming with tropical fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. Visit the Coral Garden (a beautiful snorkeling spot with its vibrant coral reefs) and the various shipwrecks in the lagoon. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a beautiful sand island. Watch the sunset over the lagoon from the boat. Evening return to Mamoudzou. Dinner with Mahoran-French cuisine including langouste (spiny lobster), poisson au coco (fish in coconut sauce), mataba (cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk), pilao (spiced rice), and fresh tropical fruits. Overnight in Mamoudzou.

Day 2: Saziley Point, Wetlands & Dziani Dzaha Lake

Morning visit the Saziley Point (Pointe de Saziley), a stunning nature reserve at the southeastern tip of Grande-Terre island, with its beautiful beach, lush vegetation, and the famous Saziley Forest (a protected area with its unique flora and fauna, including the famous Mayotte white-eye (a small endemic bird), the Mayotte drongo, and many species of reptiles and butterflies). Take a hike through the forest and along the coast, enjoying the stunning scenery and the beautiful views of the ocean and the lagoon. Visit the nearby beach of Moya and the village of Dembéni. After lunch, visit the Dziani Dzaha Lake (Lac Dziani Dzaha), a stunning crater lake on the border between Mayotte and the nearby island of Petite-Terre, with its beautiful turquoise-green water, surrounded by lush vegetation and volcanic cliffs. The lake is a protected area and is known for its unique ecosystem, with its microbial mats and stromatolites (some of the oldest living structures on Earth). Take a hike around the lake, enjoying the stunning views and the beautiful scenery. Visit the nearby town of Dzaoudzi (on Petite-Terre island, the former capital of Mayotte, with its beautiful old buildings, the famous Pointe de la Croix, and the stunning views of the lagoon). Visit the Mount Benara (Mont Bénara, the highest point on Grande-Terre at 660 meters, with its stunning panoramic views of the entire island, the lagoon, and the surrounding ocean). Take a hike to the summit, enjoying the beautiful rainforest and the diverse flora and fauna. Evening return to Mamoudzou. Dinner with local cuisine. Overnight in Mamoudzou.

Day 3: Beaches, N’Gouja & Departure

Morning visit the beautiful beaches of Mayotte. Visit the N’Gouja Beach (one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Mayotte, with its stunning white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and the famous baobab trees growing right on the beach, a beautiful and unique setting). Swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. Visit the nearby Plage de M’Tsanga M’Gnouni (another beautiful beach with its clear water and great snorkeling), the Plage de Sakouli, and the various coves and bays around the island. Visit the Jardin Maoré (a beautiful botanical garden in Kani-Kéli, with its collection of tropical plants, fruit trees, and the famous baobab trees). Visit the Southern part of the island, including the village of Kani-Kéli, the Chirongui area, and the beautiful coastal scenery. After lunch, do some last-minute shopping for Mayotte products including ylang-ylang essential oil (Mayotte is famous for its ylang-ylang, which is used in perfumes around the world), vanilla, spices, rum, and traditional crafts. Visit the Mamoudzou Market or the shopping centers for souvenirs. Transfer to Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport for your departure flight. Concluding your 3-day Mayotte lagoon and wetland short escape.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses