Mount Bénara Summit Trail

The Mount Bénara Summit Trail climbs the highest point of Mayotte, a forested peak of about 660 metres in central Grande-Terre. The route begins at the village of Combani, 97680 Mayotte, which is reached by shared taxi (taxi-be) from Mamoudzou along the RN1 in roughly 25 minutes for about €2. The trailhead is signposted from the centre of Combani, and visitors arriving by car can usually leave a vehicle at the edge of the village. No permit is required to walk the trail. The full route is about 12 km round trip with an elevation gain of roughly 550 m, and most walkers allow four to six hours including a rest at the top. Technical difficulty is moderate: the climb is sustained rather than exposed, and no scrambling is needed, though some sections are steep and slippery after rain. The surface alternates between packed red earth, exposed roots and loose rock. The lower slopes cross farmland and secondary forest with patchy shade, while the upper part enters denser tropical forest where the canopy keeps the air humid and cooler. Higher up, the vegetation thins near the summit and offers wide views across Mayotte's interior, the surrounding hills, and on clear days the lagoon and the coastline of the island. Weather can change quickly near the top, with cloud and showers arriving even in the dry season, so a light rain jacket is advised. Landmarks along the way are mostly changes in vegetation and viewpoints on the ridge, and walkers who find conditions wet or misty may turn around at any ridge viewpoint without reaching the summit. There are no refuge huts or shelters on the mountain and no reliable drinking water sources, so visitors carry at least two litres of water per person, sun protection and snacks. Mobile coverage is generally available in the lower section but can be patchy higher up. Starting early in the morning is the standard approach, since it avoids the midday heat and gives the best chance of clear views before cloud builds. The best period is the dry season from May to October, when paths are firmer and visibility is better.