Saziley Marine Park

The Saziley headland in Mayotte's southeast is a protected area of dry forest, mangrove and beach with a reef offshore, and its beaches are among the most important green turtle nesting sites in the western Indian Ocean, with females coming ashore most nights of the year. Guided night visits run under strict rules. The coastal path around the point is one of the best walks on the island.

What you actually see

• The nesting beaches - green turtles coming ashore on most nights.
• The coastal path - the walk around the headland through dry forest.
• The reef - the protected coral offshore.
• The mangrove - the stands in the sheltered corners of the bay.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the walk is easiest. Turtles nest year round with peaks around the middle of the year. Night visits must be guided.

Honest expectations

Night visits must go through an authorised guide and lights and distance rules are strict. The walk in is long and hot with no shade in places. Poaching of nesting turtles remains a problem.

Nearby

N'Gouja is west, and Bandrélé is north.