Bandrélé Waterfall (Cascades de Bandrélé)

The Bandrélé waterfall, known locally as the Cascades de Bandrélé, is a seasonal cascade in the commune of Bandrélé on the southeastern side of Grande-Terre, Mayotte. Fed by rainfall, its flow varies with the seasons, and it is at its strongest in the wet season from November to May, when water tumbles over rock into a pool surrounded by forest. In the dry season the flow can thin considerably, so visitors should set expectations accordingly. The visit begins with a taxi-be from Mamoudzou to Bandrélé, a ride of around 30 minutes costing about 2.50 euros, followed by a walk of roughly 20 minutes along a path to the falls. The route passes through village land and tropical vegetation, with banana plants, mango trees and, in places, views of the surrounding hills. Most visitors spend one to two hours, enough to walk in, rest by the water and photograph the cascade. Access is free and there are no facilities, so water, insect repellent and sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended, since rocks and paths are slippery after rain. Swimming in the pool is possible when water levels are safe, but visitors should check conditions, avoid it after heavy rain when flash flooding can occur, and never jump from rocks. The site is quiet, with few visitors apart from local families at weekends. Early morning gives soft light and cooler temperatures for the walk, and photographers can use slow shutter speeds to blur the water. Respect for the village and the environment is expected, including taking all rubbish away.