The view
Over lagoon and reef.
Frédéric Ducarme — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frédéric Ducarme — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kelly064 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frédéric Ducarme — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Eight-Studio | Bertrand Fanonnel — CC BY-SA 4.0
Mont Choungui is a conical peak in the south of Grande-Terre in Mayotte, rising to 593 m, about 22 km in a straight line south-west of Mamoudzou, between the communes of Kani-Kéli and Chirongui. It is Mayotte's second-highest summit after Mont Bénara. The mountain is the remains of one of Mayotte's great volcanoes, a cone of hard volcanic rock that resisted erosion better than the surrounding rocks, so its pointed shape stands out from afar. Its plants differ from those of the neighbouring hills, including species found nowhere else, among them a shrub scientifically described in 2016. Climbing it is one of Mayotte's favourite activities, but the path is very steep, and its upper section has scrambles using your hands on rock sloping at more than 70 degrees. The summit looks out over the whole island, the lagoon, the reef and the Indian Ocean, and the mountain is a symbol of the island, appearing on the coat of arms of Kani-Kéli. The climb is free. It suits experienced hikers only, so wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, start early before the heat, and do not climb after rain.
Over lagoon and reef.
A pointed shape.
Endemic species.
Kani-Kéli and Chirongui, southern Mayotte
Yes, with steep scrambles.
Early in the morning.