About Anjouan
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 369 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.6h |
| February | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 293 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.4h |
| March | Very Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 263 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 205 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| May | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 136 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.4h |
| June | Excellent | 17° - 25° | 21° | 86 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| July | Excellent | 16° - 24° | 20° | 72 mm | some cloud | 73% | 4.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 24° | 20° | 52 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 4.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 25° | 20° | 50 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 17° - 26° | 21° | 94 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 27° | 22° | 114 mm | some cloud | 78% | 4.5 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.6h |
| December | Very Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 213 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.7h |
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.