Highly diverse ecosystems
Hills and grasslands, rainforest, pristine coastlines and mangrove forests, coral reefs, lagoons and beds of sea grass, the Mohéli National Park covers very diverse ecosystems with exceptionally rich flora and fauna. As much as three-quarters of Mohéli Island is part of the protected area, and the marine part covers over 400km2 (see: Diving at Mohéli).
On the edge of land and water
Explore the mangrove forests by kayak. Among the vegetation, young fish and shrimp find shelter from predators and strong currents. Take an excursion to the small islands, nesting sites of seabirds such as masked boobies, noddy terns and white-tailed tropicbirds. After sunset, and when the tide rises, look out on the beaches for tracks of green sea turtles. Adult females - which can weigh as much as 200 pounds - return annually to their native land to lay eggs of their own. Local guides will be happy to point out where the best opportunities are to see this phenomenon.
If this is an experience you definitely don't want to miss, take an overnight excursion to Itsamia beach. The accommodation is very basic, but in return is a unique experience. So many sea turtles lay their eggs on this beach every year that several females plow and toil across the beach almost every day, to the edge where the vegetation begins. They dig a pit, in which dozens of eggs are laid. You will have plenty of time to follow the entire process. Also look out for little turtles, just hatched from their eggs and sticking their heads out above the sand for the first time. They are at the beginning of a new cycle, beginning with the unknown path to the flood line.
The silence after a tropical rainstorm
Water is omnipresent on the island, numerous streams - fed by rainwater - make their way to the sea. Hidden in the forest are magnificent waterfalls and idyllic "rock pools," where you can take a lovely bath. Even in the dry season - from May to December - rains can fall from time to time. Because of the always pleasant temperatures between 24-30 degrees, this is an invigorating experience. Open your senses to an intense experience. Listen to the remarkable silence just after a tepid rain, and observe how the forest comes back to life as soon as the sun shines through the foliage again. Birds and frogs betray where they lurk, and fragrant flowers give off their full aroma. Mongoose lemurs continue their way - hopping from tree to tree - in search of ripe fruit and juicy leaves. Then the sky turns completely blue again, Livingstone's fruitbats flapping their wings and flying overhead. In clearings and hilltops, a vast panorama unfolds, you will see bays and uninhabited islands. You may even see the outline of the island of Anjouan looming in the distance. Where the world can't find you...
