Grande-Terre is discovered mandatorily by car. Rental from the airport (Petite-Terre, 15 min by ferry from Mamoudzou) or in Mamoudzou: €40-60/day for a city car, to be booked well in advance (limited supply, especially in high season). Asphalted national roads but narrow and winding, vigilance for pedestrians, livestock and frequent speed bumps. Avoid driving at night outside urban areas.
Distances and times (from Mamoudzou): Mtsamboro 35 km - 1h; Acoua 30 km - 50 min; Tsingoni 25 km - 40 min; Bandrélé 25 km - 40 min; Sakouli 30 km - 50 min; Saziley 50 km - 1h30 (30 min of track); Mount Choungui village 45 km - 1h15; Kani-Kéli (N'Gouja) 55 km - 1h45.
Collective taxis (shared minibuses) are the economic local option: fixed routes along main axes, €2-5 by distance. Inconvenient with luggage but pleasant for soaking up the atmosphere. Individual taxis exist in Mamoudzou.
For boat outings, several providers organise transfers from Mtsamboro, Mamoudzou or Bandrélé. Book in advance, especially in high season.
The Mamoudzou-Dzaoudzi ferry connects Grande-Terre to Petite-Terre every 15-30 minutes during the day. Free for pedestrians (15-min crossing), €8-10 for vehicles.
Read also
- Mamoudzou, the prefecture — Mayotte's administrative and economic capital: markets, Mahabou point, Mahoran urban life.
- Mtsamboro and the north — Northern beaches, Choizil islet and ylang-ylang distilleries.
- Saziley, the turtle beach — The most beautiful beach in the south: snorkelling with turtles, white sand, palm trees.
- Petite-Terre — The satellite island and former capital: Dzaoudzi, Lac Dziani, Moya beach.