Mayotte was formerly part of the Comoro Islands. After independence, its people voted to remain part of France. It has been a French Administered territory since 1976. There are two main islands, Petite-Terre and Grande-Terre, a number of islets and a coral barrier reef which has a double barrier formation and creates the Mayotte lagoon. The latter provides diving and access to the marine world. On land there are some interesting animals such as the maki and roussette as well as a number of bird species and orchids. Lake Dziani sits in the crater sowing the crater which shows the volcanic origins of the island.
Due to the oral nature of carrying on traditions there is not really much opportunity to see visible heritage. Views can be gained by hiking up Choungui and white, golden, ochre and black sandy beaches can all be found. Possibly seat turtles and humpback whales will be spotted as well!
Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence.
