Lac Karihani
A freshwater lake in the centre of Grande-Terre, a protected wetland with birds.
Updated 3 September 2026
Lac Karihani sits in the middle of Grande-Terre, one of the few natural freshwater lakes on Mayotte, protected as a nature reserve with reed and marsh around it and dry forest on the slopes above. Herons, ducks, crakes and the endemic Mayotte drongo use it, and it is the island's best inland birding. Water levels drop noticeably through the dry season. It is one of only two natural lakes on Mayotte, the other being the crater lake on Petite-Terre.
The landscape
- The freshwater lake - a rare natural body of fresh water on the island.
- The reed and marsh - the wetland fringe around the water.
- The waterbirds - herons, ducks and crakes on the lake.
- The dry forest - the woodland on the slopes above.
When to go
May to October is the dry season but water levels drop through it. The wet season from November fills the lake. Early morning is best for birds.
Things to know
The lake shrinks considerably by the end of the dry season. There are no hides or facilities. The track in is rough after rain.
Nearby
Tsingoni is north, and Coconi is south.
What to pack for Lac Karihani
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
- Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
