Practical information

Before you travel, make sure you have:

Before heading to Dzaoudzi Airport in Mayotte, you must carry a valid national ID card or passport. The information regarding customs and police formalities is provided for reference only.

The information regarding customs and police formalities is provided for reference only. 
Corsair cannot be held responsible if you fail to comply with the applicable regulations. 

To prepare your trip, we recommend contacting the local Tourist Office:

CDTM Branch Office, DASU

33 rue de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris

Corsair’s Train + Air Offer

To reach Mayotte and explore the wonders of this Indian Ocean island, Corsair makes travel easier for passengers. Whether you're departing from Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Rennes, or elsewhere in France, the same convenient service is offered at attractive rates.

With the purchase of a single ticket, you first take the TGV to Massy TGV in the Paris region. From there, a shuttle takes you in just a few minutes to Orly Airport. Once at the airport and after completing the standard check-in procedures, you can board your flight to Mayotte at your own pace. Please note that this offer only applies to outbound journeys from mainland France and does not cover return flights.

To learn more about Corsair’s Train + Air offers, visit the Corsair website. 

L’offre Train + Air de Corsair

Mayotte in a few words

Mayotte is an island located in the Indian Ocean and part of the Comoros archipelago. It has been an overseas collectivity of France since 2011 and uses the euro as its currency. The island is made up of two main islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, along with several smaller islets. Its total area is approximately 374 km². The main languages spoken are French, Shimaore (a Swahili dialect), and Kibushi (a Malagasy dialect). The population is predominantly Muslim, and the economy is based on the service sector, agriculture, and fishing. Mayotte is renowned for its coral lagoon—one of the largest in the world—which draws tourists for its beaches and rich marine biodiversity.

Good to know

From a health perspective, the usual precautions regarding food and water are necessary. There is a risk of malaria on the island of Mayotte, so your doctor may recommend oral antimalarial medication. No specific vaccinations are required for travel to this French region.

Bon à voir pour votre voyage à Mayotte

On site

Store hours

Shops are generally open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Saturday mornings.

Transportation

In Mayotte, you can rent cars, motorcycles, and scooters locally. However, some roads are in poor condition and may be difficult to navigate. Transportation in Mayotte is mainly provided by shared taxis, known as "bush taxis," and buses. These are affordable but can get crowded.

Safety

Mayotte is a relatively safe island, but caution is always advisable. It is generally safe to walk around at night without feeling unsafe. However, some neighborhoods are riskier at night and should be avoided. More information is available at http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr.

Services

Banks and post offices are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and sometimes on Saturday mornings.

Horaires des ouvertures des magasins, conseils et infos pour Mayotte

Holidays and celebrations

Mayotte holidays and public celebrations 
Eid al-Fitr: September 10–11 
Islamic New Year (Ras-el-Am or Muharram): December 7–8 
Ashura: December 17 
Abolition of Slavery Commemoration: May 27

Must-sees

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mayotte is a destination rich in natural and cultural treasures. Let’s start with the Mayotte lagoon—one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. It stretches over approximately 1,100 km² and is home to exceptional marine biodiversity.

For a panoramic view of the island and its lagoon, visitors can hike to the summit of Mount Choungui. It is the island’s highest point and offers a stunning climb for travelers.

As a volcanic island, Mayotte’s coastline is jagged and features many capes worth exploring. The islets of Mayotte, such as Sable Blanc and Bandrélé, offer idyllic scenery and great opportunities for swimming, diving, and relaxing.

The island boasts remarkable flora and fauna. It is home to a variety of land species, including lemurs, bats, and numerous bird species. Tropical forests and mangroves provide unique habitats for these animals. Dolphins can be seen swimming near the coast year-round, as well as sea turtles. Humpback whales are also visible between April and October.

With just a mask and snorkel, it’s easy to spot sea turtles close to shore. The island is also lush with many exotic plants and vibrant flowers.

Mayotte, les incontournables

Gastronomy

Mayotte’s cuisine is a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Traditional Mahoran dishes include specialties like mataba—a dish made from grated cassava and coconut milk, often served with meat or fish.

"Mabawa," a dish of green bananas cooked with coconut milk and spices, is also highly popular. Seafood, especially fresh fish and shellfish, is a staple in the local cuisine. Local markets offer a wide variety of fresh produce and spices, making it easy to discover the authentic flavors of Mayotte.

You can also enjoy delicious grilled fish near the beaches, as well as rougail—a Réunionese dish made with tomatoes and spices.

You can also enjoy delicious grilled fish near the beaches, as well as rougail—a Réunionese dish made with tomatoes and spices. As for drinks, you can sip a refreshing baobab juice or trembo, a juice extracted from palm or coconut trees.

It is advisable to drink bottled water, especially in rural areas. In Petite-Terre and Mamoudzou, the water is properly treated, but may still cause digestive issues for sensitive travelers.

La gastronomie à Mayotte

Culture

Local traditions, such as dancing and singing, are often celebrated during festivals and ceremonies. Music and dance play a central role in daily life, with diverse styles such as "m'godro" and "debaa."

Religious festivals—particularly Muslim ones—are very important, with major celebrations like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Local markets are lively places where visitors can discover Mahoran crafts, cuisine, and traditions. Traditional events like Maulidi are moments of gathering and sharing.

Mayotte's culture is vibrant and dynamic, offering a unique immersion into local customs and heritage.

Lastly, the medina of Moroni, the miraculous mosque, and the former royal palace of Bangoua Kouni in Iconi are major landmarks of Mahoran history and culture.

Vues de Mayotte, océan indien

Climate

Mayotte experiences two distinct seasons:

  • A dry season from May to November, with little rainfall, pleasant temperatures, and cool evenings in the highlands. 
     
  • A hot season from November to April.
Mayotte le climat

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