Mont Mtsapéré

Mont Mtsapéré rises to around five hundred and seventy metres directly above Mamoudzou, and the forest on its upper slopes is the best preserved humid forest left on Mayotte, holding the island's endemic plants and the maki lemur. The climb takes around two hours through cultivation and then forest. From the top the lagoon, Petite-Terre and much of Grande-Terre are visible. The forest here is one of the last refuges for several plants that grow nowhere else in the world.

What you'll find

• The humid forest - the best preserved on the island, on the upper slopes.
• The endemic plants - species found only on Mayotte in the canopy.
• The lemurs - the maki living in the forest.
• The summit view - the lagoon and Petite-Terre from the top.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the trail is manageable. The wet season makes the climb slippery. Early morning is coolest.

Good to know

The trail is steep and muddy and marking is poor; a guide helps. Encroachment on the forest edge is heavy. There is no water on the route.

Nearby

Mamoudzou is below, and Mont Benara is southwest.