Petite-Terre

Petite-Terre is Mayotte's satellite island — only 11 km², east of Grande-Terre, accessible in 15 minutes by ferry from Mamoudzou. Composed of two ancient volcanic cones welded by a sand strip (the historic tombolo), it shelters the Marcel Henry international airport (DZA), the former capital Dzaoudzi (Mayotte's administrative centre until 1977) and some of the archipelago's most spectacular landscapes. Although tiny, it deserves an attentive 2-3 day exploration.

Dzaoudzi is the former French administrative capital of Mayotte (1841-1977), today a commune of 17,000 inhabitants integrated into Dzaoudzi-Labattoir. Its Dzaoudzi Rock — a 60-metre-high volcanic promontory connected to Petite-Terre by a causeway — houses the former governor's residence, several colonial vestiges and offers an exceptional panoramic view over the lagoon, Grande-Terre and the ocean. It is one of Mayotte's essential sites: a sunset walk for a memorable moment.

In the north of Petite-Terre, Lac Dziani (Dziani Dzaha) is a volcanic crater filled with emerald-green water, formed about 7,000 years ago. With a 350-metre diameter and 4 metres deep, its saline and alkaline water owes its unique colour to the cyanobacteria that develop there. A panoramic trail of about 4 km circles it (1h30 walk), with spectacular views over the crater, the surrounding lagoon and, in clear weather, as far as Grande-Terre. The lake is sacred to the Mahorans and swimming is prohibited. It is one of Mayotte's most singular landscapes, an absolute must at sunrise or sunset.

The Moya beach, in the south-east of Petite-Terre, is one of the archipelago's most beautiful: fine white sand, turquoise waters, few people, palm trees in the background. It is also a major sea turtle nesting site — spectacular nestings observable from November to March (information and mandatory accompaniment from the local association).