Grande-Terre is lived essentially between beach, sea and culture. Here are the highlight activities.
Beaches and islets: Mtsamboro and its islet (exceptional snorkelling 2 km offshore), Saziley (the island's most beautiful beach, turtle watching), Bandrélé (accessible beach and huts), N'Gouja beach (Kani-Kéli, frequent turtles snorkelling from the shore), Sakouli beach (comfortable hotel).
Mount Choungui (594 m): emblematic hike 3h round trip from the village. Marked but technical trail on the last 100 m (fixed ropes), 360° panorama at the top over the lagoon, the mangrove and Petite-Terre.
Bouéni mangrove: outing in traditional pirogue or kayak, 2-3 hours (€30-50/person).
Ylang-ylang distilleries: visits in Combani, Sada and Coconi. Discovery of the traditional distillation process (copper still), purchase of essential oils and cosmetic products.
Vanilla plantations: visits in Tsingoni and Coconi. Purchase of Mayotte vanilla pods (€15-25 for 5 pods).
Tsingoni mosque: the oldest mosque in France (1538, listed as historical monument in 2018). Traditional palm-roof architecture.
Traditional villages: Acoua, M'tsahara, Sada, Hamjago. Discovery of bangas (colourful traditional dwellings), village mosques, Mahoran way of life.
Boat outings: humpback whale watching (July-October, €70-90/person), diving on the double coral barrier (€60-90/outing), excursions to M'Bouzi islet and the S-pass.
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.