MAYOTTE- SCATTERED ISLANDS IN INDIAN OCEAN
Mayotte is a collection of very densely populated remote islands situated in the Indian Ocean between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. It is a French overseas possession administered by a Prefect chosen by the French government. Though geographically, this territory is part of the Comoro Islands, it has been politically separate since 1970s. It is also called ‘Mahore’ which is the native name of the main island. These enchanting, mystical islands are so isolated that even an international fugitive can easily hide out here. Tourists would love this place to explore the mysterious, outrageous paradise which is a new world in its own.
Mayotte is the oldest and the main island in the Comoro Islands being 39 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide. Mount Benara is the highest peak of the island and is often visited by many tourists because of its splendid view. The natural coral reef surrounding the island provides an ideal habitat for fish and ensures security for ships. Mayotte is also a member of the Indian Ocean Commission apart from the part of Comoros. Dzaoudzi, the largest islet adjacent to Mahore was the older capital until 1977. The climate here is tropical being hot and wet all through the year. The higher parts of the island remain cooler than the low level areas. The minimum temperature in this area is 19 degrees and experience heavy rainfall from October to April.
HISTORY
Mayotte was first discovered in 1500 by an Arabic who called it a island of the dead and established a sultanate here. Portuguese later discovered it in 1503 but did not colonize it. Later in 1843, Mayotte was surrendered to France along with other Comoro islands. It was the only island which deliberately wanted to retain its link with France and forgo independence unlike other Comoro Islands. Hence this makes Mayotte the only island being a part of France and some tourists find the environment here a little too French. France has recently vetoed the resolution in 2009 in United Nations General Assembly to recognize Comorian sovereignty over Mayotte. In March 2009, 95% voted to change Mayotte’s status from French overseas community to France’s 101st department from 2011 onwards. This will bring the same heath care and welfare system of France though the traditional Islamic law will be abolished and a direct French civil code will be followed.
ECONOMY
The economy of Mayotte is not too developed though per capita GDP of Mayotte is much higher than the Comoros islands and far below than the metropolitan France. Euro is the official currency here so it is quite easy for the tourists to bring in the known currency for their spending. Subsidy is provided by the French government and fishing rights are also provided to Japan and Korea in order to bring in revenues.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Population of Mayotte is diverse consisting of almost 65% of the people originally born in this region. The second largest group is of immigrants from the Comoros and settled here. 4% of the population is born in other French territories and the remaining are migrants from Madagascar and other countries. Islam is the main religion here consisting of devoutly Muslims due to its inhabitancy by the legendry Arabs. French is the main official language of Mayotte used in business, administration and schools. Media, TV and radio also use French. Swahili and Arabic are other major languages widely spoken here. Kibushi, the language of Madagascar is also spoken in the south and north-west of Mayotte.
Mayotte has rich Swahili culture and all its traditions are based on Islam. Drinking is prohibited for both men and women, hence tourists having ideas of a perfect holiday less about drinking would enjoy here. The women are dressed with cover up as per Islamic traditions and are modest. The music of Mayotte is very popular especially the Zanzibar’s taarab music which is the most influential piece in Mayotte and other Comoro Islands.
DZAOUDZI
This capital city of Mayotte is a worth visiting place as it is home to some old fortifications which are of tourist interest. There are also remains of an old mosque at Tsingoni and some 19th century sugar refineries. There is also a large concentration of French expatriates and diplomatic community here and the city has an intense French touch governed by French law. It is a popular destination for French tourists as they do not require any visa to come here to spend a holiday.
ATTRACTIONS
• Shopping
Tourists can enjoy shopping in villages where the traditional items like jewellery, pottery, basketry and woven cloth is made by the local people and take it back with them as souvenirs.• Water Sports
Mayotte is a heaven for water lovers’ surrounded by turquoise waters overlooked by thriving palm trees. Visitors can do diving, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming and sailing in the clear water and among the giant turtles near the white sand beaches. Tourists can also easily spot dolphins having fun in these waters.• Lagoon
Mayotte hosts the largest lagoons on the planet with a surface nearly 620 miles long and a huge barrier reef exquisite for diving. Some tourists can also be lucky to see the humpback whales and their newly born calves splashing in the ocean. They can explore the lagoon by special dugout canoes.• Mount Chungi
This is the highest spot of Mayotte from where the tourists can enjoy the splendid view of unspoiled ocean waters and fine, golden sand giving a glittering island’s panorama.• Pamanzi
This is a forested offshore islet scented with a wealth of vegetation. It is also an ideal spot for diving.• Sulu
Tourists can visit this place to see a marvellous waterfall plunging straight into the sea. • Mamoudzou
This is the commercial heat of Mayotte as it is the hub of all businesses and major industries of Mayotte. There are European style paint warehouses and tyre emporiums but the city is neglected and is a sprawl.• Petite Terre
This island consisting of two villages Pamandzi and L’Abattoir functions as its military centre and is home to most of the European community. Tourists would love the serenity and cleanliness here and can visit the quiet beach Moya Plage, archaeological site of Bagamayo and a volcanic crater called Dziani Dzaha.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Mayotte has an international airport in the capital Dzaoudzi catering flighta from Africa, Asia and Europe includinf African Express Airlines and Air Austral. The national carrier of Comoros Islands, Comoros Aviation also flies to Mayotte. It is also possible to travel by sea here although it can be a rough trip due to sea sickness and sleeping and eating conditions. Travellers determined to travel by sea can find a place in the yacht heading from South Africa, Mauritius or even France.
As these islands are remotely located, communications facilities are not very well developed here. There is a limited coverage of mobile telephone and internet facility is only available in few hotels. Telephones can also be used to make outgoing international calls but they can only be made through an international operator. The media surprisingly is independent having not even a single national newspaper. The private newspapers openly criticize the government and the local TV and radio stations operate without much interference from the government. Al Watwan is the main weekly newspaper in Mayotte and there are no English language newspapers. French public radio and TV run ‘RFO Mayotte’ broadcasting locally produced radio and TV programs in French in Mayotte and other islands of the archipelago.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
There are a number of good restaurants serving delicious food with spiced sauces and rice based dishes. Seafood is very popular among the people having abundant supply of fish on the island. Cassava, couscous and plaintain are other national dishes. Tourists can also try the barbequed goat meat which is again a delicacy here. There are restrictions on drinking due to the Islamic culture. The restaurants at the beach front serve exclusive French cuisine along with freshly caught fish.
Accommodation facilities are very limited on this island though there are several hotels fulfilling the needs of travelers, businessmen and government officials. Room sharing is quite common and the facilities are very basic suiting the budgets of all kinds of travellers. Tourists have a choice of hotels, motels and resorts on the white sand beaches to relax and enjoy in the tropical sun. There are amazing spas and swimming pools in the hotels though the ocean water is so clear that swimming in a pool is like a waste. Apartments and bed and breakfast are also available for those who want to enjoy a private, bustle free holiday.
Mayotte is thus a trendy package tour destination ideal for tourists who can afford to go heavy on their budgets and can burn the money and later forget about it. It is certainly not a back packer destination and is advisable to make some arrangements before visiting this spectacular island to have sweet memories of this undeniable tropical paradise.
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