Mayotte Cruise Excursions on Comoros Island
Petit Terre, Mamoudzou, Mt Choungi, Mud Packs and Bangas on Mahoré
Jul 20, 2009
The Comoros Islands are a little known but very beautiful group of volcanic islands lying between Madagascar and the East African mainland. The unique scenery and fascinating culture of all four inhabited Comoros would normally make them great places for cruise ships to stop between Cape Town and Mombasa. Unfortunately Mayotte is now the only one still considered safe for cruise ships.
Why Mayotte (Mahoré) is the Only Comoros Island With Cruise Excursions
Of the four Comoros islands, three (Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli) chose independence from France to form the Union of the Comoros, but Mayotte voted to maintain its links with France. See Mayotte politics. The currency is the Euro and French is the only official language.
- Economic help from France means that Mayotte has a GDP nine times that of the Union of the Comoros.
- A French Foreign Legion base there adds to a feeling of security appreciated by both visitors and the Mahorais themselves (90% Muslim).
- Compared with its neighbours in the Union of the Comoros Mayotte has remained politically stable, non-violent and generally safe for tourists.
Best Things to See in Mamoudzou, the Capital of Mayotte
The harbour of Mamoudzou, the capital and main port where cruise ships call, is one of the biggest and most scenic in the Indian Ocean with its bustling marina full of yachts and fishing boats. The view of the harbour from the hill behind the town is spectacular.
- Petit Terre, opposite Mamoudzou across the harbour (by ferry), which is very French, with good fish restaurants, waterside cafés, patisseries, boutiques, art galleries and pleasant, tree-lined residential areas.
- Mamoudzou market for general atmosphere (stock up on vanilla pods, cloves and oil of ylang-ylang) and other shopping, with the bus station at the back of the town to find a scenic coastal ride.
What else to see on Mayotte by Cruise Excursion, Bus or Taxi
Cruise excursions may be preferable if time is limited. However, there is a bus station is situated at the back of Mamoudzou town, and the buses are comfortable and run to a timetable. Taxis are also readily available, but be specific about destinations and agree a price in advance.
- Mt Choungi (594 m / 1,950 ft) from which there is a stunning view of the whole archipelago.
- The south coast of the Mayotte which is rugged and lushly forested.
- Soulou Waterfall plunging directly into the sea on the west coast, with a black sand beach where turtles nest.
- Ngouja, a white sand beach fringed with palms and casuarinas for a swim.
- Longoni at the northern end for boat hire, fishing and snorkelling.
Unusual Customs of Mahoré (Comorian name for Mayotte)
- Weddings which involve hugely colourful singing processions of women through the streets. Join in the applause, but don’t take photos too intrusively.
- Bangas – these are small, brightly decorated thatched huts made by teenage boys as ‘bachelor pads’ to prove they are ready for marriage. Spot them by the roadsides in rural areas.
- Face painting – actually a kind of whitish mud pack (m’sidzanou) worn by women and girls as a beauty mask to keep their skin soft. For special occasions, gold leaf or yellow sandalwood paste is added to give a golden glow. Take care to ask permission for a photograph and offer a Euro or two before proceeding.
The combination of wonderful scenery, traditional Comorian culture and French style make a cruise stopover on photogenic Mayotte a unique and memorable experience.
For more information: Comoros Comoros Politics
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