Anjouan
Island Volcanic Comorian island with historic plantations
One of the Comoros islands, Anjouan features steep, green interior hills, vanilla and ylang-ylang plantations, colonial-era towns such as Mutsamudu, beaches and scuba diving along coral reefs.
Anjouan (locally Nzwani) is one of the principal islands of the Union of the Comoros, an indented, volcanic island with steep interior terrain and a narrow coastal plain. It is known for its fertile soils and history of spice cultivation.
The island’s main urban centre, Mutsamudu, sits on the northwest coast and functions as the island’s principal port and administrative town; it contains a historic waterfront and an old town. Anjouan’s landscapes include volcanic ridges, terraced cultivation and small villages.
Anjouan has a long local history within the Swahili and Indian Ocean trading world and later colonial periods; today it remains an agricultural and population centre within the Comoros, connected to the other islands by scheduled ferries and inter-island flights.
- Agriculture and geography: Locally known as Nzwani, the island is volcanic, mountainous and agriculturally productive, with clove and spice cultivation.
- Access: Regular ferry and air links connect the island to the other Comoros islands, though services can be variable; Mutsamudu is the main transport hub on the island.
What to See #
- Mutsamudu town: Mutsamudu - the island's principal port town on the northwest coast, known for its historic waterfront, old town and citadel area.
How to Get to Anjouan #
Anjouan (Nzwani) is served by Ouani Airport (IATA: AJN) with inter‑island flights from Moroni (Grande Comore) and connections to Mayotte operated by regional carriers. The island is also reachable by ferry to Mutsamudu port from other Comoros islands or nearby territories when services operate. Once on Anjouan, road travel and taxis connect the airport and port with main towns.
Tips for Visiting Anjouan #
- Plan travel well in advance: Ouani Airport is the island's main air link and inter‑island ferries are infrequent, so confirm flight and ferry schedules and book accommodation before you arrive.
- Bring sufficient cash and expect limited card/ATM availability on Anjouan; many local businesses and transport operators prefer cash and small denominations.
- Hire a local guide or driver from Ouani to explore the island's inland villages and remote beaches safely - road signage is minimal and local knowledge speeds visits to viewpoints and markets that many independent visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Anjouan #
Best visited during the drier months (May-October) when rainfall and humidity are lower for outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Anjouan #
Anjouan's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1947 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is mild with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (369 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (293 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (263 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (205 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (136 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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December
December is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (213 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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