According to abbreviationfinder, Mayotte (or Grande Terre), is the oldest in geological terms in the Comoros archipelago. It is 39 km long by 22 km wide and its highest points are between 500 and 600 meters above sea level. Due to its volcanic nature, the soil is very rich in some areas. The coral reef that surrounds much of the island ensures the protection of ships and is an excellent habitat for various kinds of fish.
Mamoudzou was the capital of the Comoros until 1962, and is now the administrative center of Mayotte. Dzaoudzi is the second city of Mayotte, it is located on Pamanzi Island (or Petite Terre), which has 10 km², being the largest of several islets that surround Grande Terre. A bridge connects Pamanzi with Mayotte.
Administrative divisions
Mayotte is divided into 17 communes. There are in turn 19 cantons, which each belong to one of the communes, except the commune of Mamoudzou, which is divided into 3 cantons. There are no districts.
- Dzaoudzi
- Pamandzi
- Mamoudzou
- Dembeni
- Bandrele
- Kani-Kéli
- Bouéni
- Chirongui
- Sada
- Ouangani
- Chiconi
- Tsingoni
- M’Tsangamouji
- Acoua
- Mtsamboro
- Bandraboua
- Koungou
Main cities
Dzaoudzi
With 9,000 residents, Dzaoudzi is the second largest city in Mayotte. It is located on the islet of Fongouzou, northwest of Petit Terre. A dike called the Boulevard des Crabes connects the city with Petit Terre.
- Mamoudzou
Located northeast of Grande Terre, it is by far the largest city in Mayotte with its 31,000 residents.
Climate
The climate is tropical with 2 seasons. The rainy season is from November to April. During this period it is hot (28 ° C) and the climate is humid, with risks of cyclones. The dry season is from May to October. The temperatures are milder (24 ° C) and the rainfall less important. The most favorable time for tourism is between June and September, during the period of the trade winds.
Flora
The flora of the island has a large number of species and aromatic plants: ylang-ylang, vanilla, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. In the south we also find baobabs. The interior is covered with forests of coconut palms and trees of the bread, while along the bays we find the mangrove (composed mainly of chicken stick or Pterocarpus officinalis).
Fauna
The animal world of the country Mayotte is very rich with several unique species. Various types of birds are found in this country. The three main species of birds are Sunbird, Drongo, and White- eye. Besides these the Fody Red-headed is also found in Mayotte and the Comoro Islands in great numbers. Beyond that, turtles are also found here in great numbers. Three unique species of turtles were there in Mayotte. However two from then have become extinct and only one species has survived. This is the green turtle. Also common are wild pigs, civet cats, lemurs, paniques (diurnal bats) and a large number of birds: herons., airones, phaetons, kingfishers and hummingbirds. In the extremely dense vegetation of the island is where the wading birds (herons, airones and royal plovers) live.
The landscapes
The island of Mayotte is characterized by the exuberance of beauty in its natural landscapes.
The lake of Dziani
The inescapable place of Petite Terre. Access to this crater lake which is located in the heart of the island is very easy. The road leads almost to the edge and walking a few minutes you will find the lake of emerald water. The water in the lake is sulphurous and therefore nauseating.
Mount Benara
The ascent of Mount Benara (the highest point of Grande Terre, which rises to 660 m) The trail begins in Tsaranano. First you walk through the forest before reaching the Andalibe neck. From there the ridge line leads to the top of Mount Benara. The views, great, reach the northeast tip of the island. The descent is along the southern slope to Bandrele. You have to count one day walking for this excursion.
Tomb of Sultan Adrian Souli
The tomb of Sultan Adrian Souli is located in the Mahabou Point Botanical Garden in Mamoudzou. This sultan was the one who put Mayotte under French protection in 1841. Go up the avenue that begins after the tomb to reach the viewpoint, where you can see great views of the lagoon and Petite Terre.
Fishing Museum
Mamoudzou is the Museum of Fishing located at the end of the street Mahabou. It has various exhibitions on different fishing techniques and the boats used.
