Mayotte Highlights 3-Day Tour: Grande Terre and Petite Terre with 4-Day Reunion Island Extension Option

Who says Indian Ocean holidays are all about sandy beaches and palm trees? If you're looking to take your tropical adventure to the next level, go and explore the archipelago of Mayotte. Composed of two islands Grande Terre and Petite Terre, this French region is a true Eden on earth that offers something for everyone. From immaculate beaches, lush green vegetation to volcano peaks and hiking trails, the island's got you covered.

Make the most out of your trip and *pick Reunion Island as your next destination! Also a volcanic island, its origins grant it an exceptionally beautiful landscape, one characterized by high peaks and deep canyons. With its unique culture and topography, you have got your hands full of fun activities this island paradise has to offer.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Dzaoudzi (Mayotte)

Arrive at the Mayotte-Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport in the morning and enjoy a hassle-free transfer to your hotel. Once checked in, you'll have the rest of the day to yourself.

Stay at Hotel Le Rocher or similar

Day 2: Petite Terre - Grande Terre

After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, kick the day off with a tour of Dzaoudzi. The city capital of the French island, Dzaoudzi has a diverse culture showcased in its major establishments like the Governor Palace, Eiffel Palace, Post Office, and the many stunning villas.

Located opposite Dzaoudzi is Mamoudzou. The city harbor is a sight to behold especially on a clear day, with its bustling marina full of yachts and fishing boats. Aside from this, Mamoudzou Fishing Museum, the Place du Marche, and the city's old market, where you will find a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and spices, are also worth visiting.

Then, travel around the coast and through the dense tropical forest in the heart of the island. Along the way, you will visit an ylang-ylang plantation and the endemic baobab trees, many of which are estimated to be more than a thousand years old. Ride west and see more of the island's rich flora at the waterfalls of Baie de Soulou, De Coconi Botanical Garden and the emerald-colored water of Dziani Karihani. On your way back to the hotel, you will also stop by Tsingoni, Mayotte's old capital.

Stay at Hotel Le Rocher or similar

Day 3: Mayotte - Reunion Island (if option is selected*)

After break fast, spend the day at your leisure. You can take the chance to soak up the sun and swim in the clear waters of the ocean or go shopping for some souvenirs. You will then be dropped off to the airport depending on your departure time.

*If you choose the Reunion Island extension though, you'll be catching an early morning flight to Roland Garros Airport in the Reunion Island. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport.

In the afternoon, once you've checked in at your sea-front hotel, board the tour van that'll take you on a trip to one of the many canyons in the island. Then, get ready for a heart-pumping ride to the Piton des Neiges, a 2 million-year-old volcano which is deemed to be the highest point in the Indian Ocean.

Stay at Hotel Sainte Rose or similar

Day 4: Sainte-Rose - Saint-Philippe

After breakfast, get ready for a day of touring the beautiful southern towns of Reunion Island. Stop at Sainte-Rose and visit Notre Dame Les Laves. The church, which sits at the foot of Piton De La Fournaise, was miraculously spared by its lava during its 1977 eruption, thus the church's name which translates to “Our Lady of the Lava."

Ride further south to the peaceful town of Saint-Philippe. Aside from its rugged beauty, this harbor town is also known for housing the island's largest nature reserve where you'll find a variety of tropical trees that stretch from the shore up to the volcano.

End the day at Saint-Pierre and check-in at your hotel.

Stay at Dimitile Hotel or similar

Day 5: Piton de la Fournaise - Saint-Pierre

Today, get ready for an excursion to Piton de la Fournaise, the jewel of the island. A typical example of a hotspot volcano, Piton de la Fournaise has formed three calderas in its over 500,000 years of existence. Learn more about it at La Cité du Volcan, a modern and informative museum dedicated to all aspects of volcanoes on the island.

On your way back to Saint-Pierre, take a quick stop at Saga du Rhum, a family-owned distillery that's been around since 1845. The distillery also doubles as a rhum museum but what better way to complete the experience than by having some fun rhum tasting, right?

Day activities end at your hotel.

Stay at Dimitile Hotel or similar

Day 6: Cilaos - Saint-Leu - Saint-Paul - Saint-Denis

Depart from Saint-Pierre and head to Cirque de Cilaos, located in the geographic heart of the island. The largest of the three calderas, Cilaos boasts a breathtaking 1200-meter landscape drop - an outline not found anywhere else on the island. With its volcanic peaks, deep ravines and lush sloping forests, this setting is straight out of a fairy tale.

You will also visit Saint-Leu, a small fishing town with a beach perfect for surfing and paragliding. Just off the coast is the Natural Marine Reserve of Réunion, where vast and varied marine life is thriving.

If you have a knack for colonial buildings and grand seafront esplanade, then you will enjoy a quick stop at Saint-Paul before ending the tour at your Saint-Denis *hotel. 

Stay at Hôtel Le Juliette Dodu or similar

Day 7: Saint-Denis - Departure from Reunion Island

After breakfast, catch your early morning flight. Your Reunion Island adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport.

Inclusions

• Hotel accommodation 
• Daily breakfast
• Roundtrip airport transfers 
• Mayotte Island tour
• Airfare Mayotte-Reunion (if option is selected*)
• Reunion Island tour (if option is selected*)
• Tour guide

Exclusions

• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
• Visa
• Travel/medical insurance

Please Note

• *If you wish to extend your tour to Reunion Island after Mayotte, please select Reunion Extension as an add on upon booking. Otherwise, you only will be booking the Mayotte 3-day tour.
• Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements.