Mayotte

Located in the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique, Mayotte is an archipelago consisting of two main islands — Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre — and several islets, covering around 374 km². As a French overseas department and region, it uses the euro and French as its official language, though Shimaore and Kibushi are widely spoken. The capital, Mamoudzou, sits on Grande-Terre, while the administrative centre Dzaoudzi occupies Petite-Terre.

As a French overseas department, Mayotte falls under French and European Union immigration rules, though it operates separately from the Schengen Area. Many nationalities require a visa to enter. Travellers should consult the official French consular services for specific requirements applicable to their nationality before travel.

Mayotte's barrier reef — among the largest lagoons in the world — offers exceptional snorkelling and diving amid coral gardens and manta rays. Mount Bénara, the highest point at 660 metres, rewards hikers with dense rainforest and island panoramas. The Dziani Dzaha crater lake on Petite-Terre is a striking turquoise pool of algae-rich water. The historic Stone Town of Dzaoudzi retains colonial-era architecture, and the mangrove forests along the western coast shelter rare marine life accessible by kayak.

Mayotte has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The hot, wet season runs from November to April, with temperatures typically between 27 °C and 32 °C and significant rainfall associated with the monsoon. The cooler, drier season from May to October sees temperatures of 20 °C to 28 °C and is generally considered the most comfortable time to visit. Light clothing is appropriate year-round, though a rain jacket is advisable during the wet season.

• Voted to become a French department in a 2009 referendum.
• Home to one of the world's largest coral lagoons.
• Ylang-ylang cultivation has defined the island economy historically.
• France's youngest and smallest overseas department by area.
• A newly discovered underwater volcano sits nearby, named Fani Maoré.

• mayotte.pref.gouv.fr — official prefecture of Mayotte, administrative information
• lanuimazava.com — Mayotte tourism authority
• meteofrance.com — Météo-France including Mayotte weather forecasts
• diplomatie.gouv.fr — French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa and consular guidance