Îlot de Sable Blanc
A dazzling sandbank.
Frédéric Ducarme — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pipin~frwiki — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frédéric Ducarme — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Frédéric Ducarme — CC BY-SA 4.0
Saziley is a wild headland at the south-eastern tip of Grande-Terre in Mayotte, about 23 km in a straight line south of Mamoudzou, and one of the island's most secluded and beautiful coasts. Empty sandy beaches and clear turquoise water inside the lagoon surround it. Walking trails cross the area among dry grass and scattered trees, dropping to small quiet beaches, some of which sea turtles use for nesting. From the overlooking hills there are views over the lagoon, small islands and the distant reef that rings the island. Offshore, in the middle of the lagoon, rises the Îlot de Sable Blanc, a small, dazzling white sandbank that appears above the turquoise water and changes shape with the tides, looking from the air like a white brushstroke on a blue page. Visitors come by boat to swim and snorkel in the shallows around it. Walking to Saziley is free, and boat trips to the sandbank are paid. Bring plenty of water and sun cream, as there is almost no shade, and check local safety advice before heading to isolated areas.
A dazzling sandbank.
Turquoise water.
Across the hills.
South-east Grande-Terre, Mayotte
On a paid boat trip.
Very little, so bring water and sun cream.