From Karthala volcano to Mahorais lagoon

SUMMARY

The Comoros archipelago is a unique destination. Its variety of fauna and flora, its dreamy, deserted beaches and the heady scent of its crops are what make this first stage of your trip to the Vanilla Islands so authentic. Discover the beautiful natural wonders of the Karthala Volcano and Lac Salé, see a sea turtle laying eggs, walk down the alleys of Moroni towards its medina, and enjoy the kindness of the Comorians.

Your adventure will continue in Mayotte. The closed Mahorais lagoon is one of the largest in the world. You can discuss its conservation with an expert. It’s an opportunity to admire the underwater fauna : especially turtles, dolphins and manta rays, which swim around magnificent coral formations. You will also have the time to admire the beauty of the sea and the magnificent white sand banks. Eco-volunteers will help you discover the wonders of this abundant natural environment, as well as giant baobabs and bamboos, the lemurs’ playground. As night falls, another magical show awaits you : sea turtles laying their eggs.

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17
DAYS

14
NIGHTS

From
€2,280
incl. tax*
per person
(Based on 6 people)

Getting in touch with nature		5/5
Meeting the locals		5/5
Eco-responsibility		5/5
Comfort		3/5
Accessibility		4/5

A ECOTOURISTIC CIRCUIT CHARACTERIZED BY

Discovering the biodiversity and the importance of its protection

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Evironmentally friendly ecolodges, all of whose profits go to the local population

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Hiking and activities in the countryside

Interactions with the population and local associations

COMBINED ITINERARY

The tours, meetings and transfers mentioned may vary depending on the availability of the speakers and local constraints.

WEEK 1

Day 1 : Paris / Moroni

From Paris to Moroni. Dinner provided on the flight.

Day 2 : Moroni

On arrival, you will head to the Jardin de la Paix Hotel. On the street, you will smell the heady scent of essential oils. The day will continue with a visit to the medina before dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 : Mount Kathala

A tasty breakfast is provided at the hotel. You will then go to a Ylang Ylang distillery, to find out the secrets of making the essence of this flower. Afterwards, you will set off to the legendary Karthala Volcano. Once night falls, you can eat dinner and rest in the bivouac

Day 4 : Mount Kathala

Early in the morning, in the fresh air of Mount Karthala’s heights, a lovely walk is planned before you start the descent. After lunch, you will have the afternoon free to discover the island and its inhabitants. To relax, you are offered a traditional massage with essential oils. To finish this magnificent day, enjoy an enchanting dinner by the sea, while admiring the sunset.

Day 5 : Mohéli

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Fomboni. The communal bungalows of Itsamia will enchant you. The afternoon will be a time for relaxation. At night fall, you will witness a magical sight : sea turtles laying their eggs. Dinner with the inhabitants and a night in the bungalows

Day 6 : Ilots Nioumacha

After breakfast in the village, you will be ready for the transfer to Laka lodge. Enjoy the idyllic setting of the Nioumachoua islands, discovering the undersea world with flippers, mask and snorkel.

Day 7 : Fomboni – Mistamiouli

Your breakfast will be served at the lodge before your return flight to Moroni. Once you get there, enjoy a swim and meet with an environmental protection organisation. Before you reach Mitsamiouli, you will have a barbecue in the village bungalows. Once you get there, you will have the privilege of visiting Lac Salé, the bottom of the crater and the turtle island. Your day will end with an evening at the Domaine du Lac.

WEEK 2

Day 8 : Nstaoueni / Mistamiouli

The day will start with two hours on a pleasant cruise. Then to the village of Ntsaouéni. Eat your traditional Comorian lunch with the inhabitants. Return by boat to Mistamiouli for a free afternoon. You will eat dinner and sleep at the Domaine du Lac.

Day 9 : Moroni – Dzaoudzi

After breakfast, back to Dzaoudzi. Our team will take care of your transfer to the Jardin Maoré Ecolodge. Comfortable bungalows are provided. After lunch, you are free to discover N’Gouja Beach, its turtles, giant baobabs and lemurs. A delicious meal is served at the hotel.

Day 10 : Sea outing

The Ecolodge will give you breakfast. Then, you will have the morning for a stroll. During the afternoon, you will go on a sea outing. A guide specialising in marine biology will tell you about protecting the site and the seabed. Enjoy dinner and a welcoming stay at the Ecolodge.

Day 11 : Saziley

The Ecolodge will give you breakfast. Go for a hike and picnic on the Saziley peninsula with a volunteer from the association Escale or a local guide, depending on their availability. Dinner and stay at the Jardin Maoré

Day 12 : N’Gouja

After breakfast at the N’Gouja Ecolodge, you will have a day free to spend kayaking. Dinner will be at the Ecolodge.

Day 13 : Mont Choungi

Start the day with a tasty breakfast before climbing Mont Choungui with a local guide. Lunch at your expense, dinner and night at the Jardin Maoré.

Day 14 : Sada / Coconi / Bandrele trip

Breakfast, dinner and night at the Ecolodge. During the day, take a trip to the Sada crafts house. You will make a small stop at the Coconi botanical gardens. The sensational scent of Ylang in Combani will intoxicate you. The day will end with the Bandrele eco-museum and a visit to the island’s plantations.

WEEK 3

Day 15 : N’Gouja

After breakfast, you will have some free time. See you at the Ecolodge for dinner and rest.

Day 16 : Dzaudzi – Paris

After breakfast, you will have the day free to stroll through the town and discover the flavours of the island. The restaurants will leave a lasting memory of the taste and flavours of the Vanilla islands with you at the end of this trip. A final transfer to the airport for your return flight to Paris.

MAP

EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

COMOROS

• Accommodation in eco-responsible lodges
• Immersion in the country’s history and interaction with the local population
• Brand new experience trekking in a natural and preserved reserve
• Discovery of the local fauna and flora and the importance of their protection
• Observation of turtles laying eggs

MAYOTTE

• Interaction with the eco-voluntary association Escale
• Discovering biodiversity and helping protect the site
• Hike to Mont Choungui and its stunning view, then to Saziley
• Stay at the environmentally friendly Jardin Maoré eco-lodge

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Time difference (from UK)

Time zones
• MAYOTTE : +3:00 UTC/GMT
• COMOROS : +3:00 UTC/GMT

Tips

Comoros : Tipping is at the customer’s discretion

Mayotte : Tipping is at the customer’s discretion

Insurance

Comoros : Don’t forget travel/health insurance covering repatriation and medical care.

Mayotte : Optional insurance can be provided for an additional charge

Flights

• Paris – Dzaoudzi
• Dzaoudzi – Moroni
• Moroni – Dzaoudzi
• Dzaoudzi – Paris

Encadrement

Comoros : A guide and driver, depending on the programme and activities

Mayotte : Guide, depending on the programme and activities

Meals and drinks

Comoros : Lunch and dinner as per the programme (Drink extra)

Mayotte : Lunch as per the programme (Drink extra)

Don’t forget to pack

Comoros : Mosquito repellent, sunscreen (in compliance with environmental standards) and walking shoes
If possible : clothes and books to give to the inhabitants

Mayotte : Suitable footwear, sunscreen and mosquito repellent, wind and rainproof jacket

Bank cards

Comoros : All debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted by the ATMs.

Mayotte : All debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted by the ATMs.

Accommodation

Comoros
Grande Comore
• Jardin de la Paix hotel
• Domaine du Lac bungalow

Mohéli
• Itsamia community bungalow
• Laka Lodge (Ecolodge)

Mayotte : Half-board accommodation at the Jardin Maoré ecolodge

Transports

Transport during the stay in the Comoros
• Airport-Accommodation : 30 mins to 1 hour
• Transfer to site : 30 mins to 1 hour 30 mins
• Mistamiouli trip : 2 hours

Transport during the stay in Mayotte
• Transfer by car and boat
• Saziley-M’Tsamoudou lighthouse (bungalow) : 1 hour
• Mont Choungui : 30 mins from the ecolodge

Health

Comoros : It is strongly recommended that an assistance contract or insurance be taken out to cover all medical and repatriation costs. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination centre for a health assessment, if necessary, and get healthcare recommendations, in particular about vaccinations.

Mayotte : As Mayotte is part of France, European tourists will be aware of the rescue and assistance services available. It has constantly evolving health infrastructure, similar to that in mainland France.

No vaccinations are required. Vaccinations against diptheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, whooping cough and measles for children are recommended.

Practical information
Documentation

Comoros : Access to Comoros requires a visa. It is issued on arrival at Moroni airport and costs about 30 euros. French nationals travelling abroad must have a return air ticket, cash provisions of €30/day and the address of where they are staying.

Mayotte : For French or other European Union nationals : identity card or valid passport. A visa is not required. A passport is required for Swiss nationals.

TARIF

Price per person
€2,280*
airfare not included

Air fares, which are indicative only, and subject to change

• CDG-DZA return trip : €750
• CDG-Moroni return trip : €800
• Moroni-Fomboni : €100
• DZA-Moroni return trip : €310

MAYOTTE
COMOROS

MAYOTTE

This price includes

• Hotels with half board, based on a double room
• The meals stated
• The guided tours and excursions mentioned
• Airport-hotel-airport transfers
• Tourist taxes

This price does not include

• Insurance (can be provided with extra charge)
• International flights from Paris and inter-island flights
• Drinks and personal spending
• Bank charges
• Any other expenses not mentioned in this guide