Comoros

The Comoros is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and a rich blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Moroni, the capital on Grande Comore, features narrow streets, markets, and the historic Old Friday Mosque. Mount Karthala, an active volcano, dominates the landscape and offers challenging hikes. The islands of Mohéli and Anjouan are quieter, with pristine beaches, rainforests, and excellent diving and snorkeling. Comorian culture values hospitality, music, and fragrant dishes spiced with cloves and vanilla. Off the main tourist path, the Comoros offers a warm, authentic island experience.

Comoros is a place of volcanic peaks, lush forests, and pristine beaches that see very few visitors. Often called the “Perfume Islands” for their fragrant ylang-ylang plantations and clove trees, Comoros offers a mix of African, Arab, and French influences, visible in everything from its food to its architecture. Most travelers come to relax on empty beaches, hike up Mount Karthala (one of the world’s largest active volcanoes), or dive along coral reefs teeming with life. Comoros feels raw, simple, and very off the tourist trail.

Attracting mostly nature lovers who come to hunt for the numerous bird and insect species found only in Comoros, others too can enjoy the slow pace of life on these tropical islands. Active volcanoes and cyclones are a threat, but if you time your trip right, you should remain grounded.

Traveling in Comoros is affordable, though tourism infrastructure is minimal. You’ll find small guesthouses, budget hotels, and a few mid-range lodges, mostly on Grande Comore near the capital, Moroni. Food focuses on fresh seafood, rice dishes, and tropical fruits, often spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves. Western food is scarce outside of international hotels.

Getting around the islands relies on shared taxis, private drivers, and ferries between islands, though schedules can be unreliable. French and Comorian (Shikomori) are widely spoken; Arabic is also common, and English is rare. Comoros is safe overall, though healthcare and transport can be basic and power cuts are frequent. Travelers should be prepared for a slow pace and simple living.

Families: Comoros offers quiet, nature-focused trips for adventurous families. Calm beaches, snorkeling spots, and simple guesthouses are available, especially around Grande Comore and Mohéli. Infrastructure is basic, so it’s best suited for self-sufficient families.

Couples: Couples seeking privacy and natural beauty will love Comoros’ secluded beaches, volcanic landscapes, and simple eco-lodges. Mohéli is especially appealing for its peaceful vibe and marine park. This is a place for unplugging and escaping the crowds.

Backpackers: Comoros is budget-friendly and off the beaten path, with affordable guesthouses and public transport between towns. Moroni, Mohéli, and Anjouan offer a glimpse of island life, but limited infrastructure makes travel slower and less predictable.

Digital Nomads: Internet access is available in Moroni and larger towns, but speeds are inconsistent and facilities are limited. Comoros is not ideal for long-term remote work, though short stays with minimal connectivity needs are manageable.

Luxury Travelers: Luxury tourism is underdeveloped. Some boutique hotels and beach lodges offer comfort, but service levels and amenities are below international luxury standards. Comoros is better for those seeking simplicity and nature over glamour.

Foodies: Comorian cuisine is a tasty mix of African, Arab, and French influences , lots of seafood, coconut-based curries, and tropical fruits. Local markets and seaside cafés in Moroni offer authentic, flavorful experiences.

Beach Bunnies: Comoros boasts gorgeous, quiet beaches , especially around Mohéli Marine Park, Chomoni Beach on Grande Comore, and Anjouan’s coves. Facilities are basic, but the natural beauty and lack of crowds are the main draws.

Nature Buffs: Volcanic peaks, rainforests, coral reefs, and pristine marine environments make Comoros a standout for nature lovers. Hike Mount Karthala, snorkel in Mohéli Marine Park, or explore jungle-covered hills on Anjouan.

History Buffs: Comoros has a fascinating Swahili-Arab history , mosques, medinas, and colonial relics can be explored in Moroni and Mutsamudu. Sites are low-key and underdeveloped for tourism, but rewarding for curious visitors.

Culture Vultures: Comorian culture blends African, Arab, and Malagasy influences , traditional dance, music, and colorful dress are vibrant parts of island life. Markets and village festivals offer insight into living traditions.

Adventure Seekers: Hike the active volcano Mount Karthala, dive with sea turtles, or sail between islands. Adventure here is more about nature and exploration than adrenaline sports, but it’s immersive and rugged.

Solo Travelers: Comoros is safe and welcoming, though infrastructure gaps mean solo travel requires patience. Moroni and main tourist areas are friendly, but English is not widely spoken, so some French helps.

Party Animals: Nightlife is minimal , a few bars and cafés in Moroni stay open late, but Comoros is quiet at night, especially on the smaller islands. This is not a party destination.

Wildlife Watchers: Comoros is a hotspot for marine life , sea turtles, humpback whales (seasonal), and tropical fish thrive in its waters. Mohéli Marine Park is a standout for snorkeling and turtle nesting.

LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is illegal, and societal attitudes are conservative. LGBTQ+ travelers should maintain discretion, especially outside international hotel zones.

Why Go to Comoros?

• Mount Karthala Volcano: Trek to the crater rim of an active volcano for stunning views over Grande Comore.
• Empty Beaches and Coral Reefs: Swim, snorkel, and dive in clear waters with little development or crowds.
• Traditional Villages: Explore coastal villages where life revolves around fishing, farming, and strong community ties.
• Ylang-Ylang and Spice Plantations: Visit fragrant farms producing essential oils that are exported around the world.
• Island Hopping: Discover the different personalities of Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan, each with its own charm.
• Marine Encounters: Spot humpback whales and dolphins off Mohéli or dive with sea turtles and colorful reef fish.
• Cultural Fusion: Experience a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, French, and Malagasy influences in local customs, architecture, and cuisine.

Who Might Not Enjoy Comoros?

Comoros, an archipelago off the East African coast, offers quiet beaches, volcanic landscapes, and authentic island culture, but it’s a challenging destination for many travelers:

• Luxury Travelers: There are few high-end resorts or luxury hotels, and most accommodations are simple, with inconsistent amenities and service standards.

• Budget Travelers Expecting Cheap Flights and Easy Access: Comoros is remote, with limited flight connections and high travel costs compared to its neighbors. Ferry and inter-island transport options are minimal and often unreliable.

• Visitors Hoping for Vibrant Nightlife: Comoros is a conservative Muslim country. Alcohol is restricted, and nightlife is minimal, with evenings generally quiet across the islands.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: The local cuisine relies heavily on seafood, rice, and meat. Vegetarian options are limited and vegan-specific meals are rare outside personal arrangements or self-catering.

• Travelers Wanting Smooth, Organized Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism is underdeveloped. There are few formal tour operators, limited signage at attractions, and many activities require local knowledge or advance planning.

• People Sensitive to Heat, Humidity, or Tropical Storms: Comoros is hot and humid year-round, with a cyclone season (typically November to April) that can bring severe storms and travel disruptions.

• Visitors Requiring Reliable Internet and Medical Facilities: Internet access is slow and patchy, and medical services are basic. Serious health emergencies may require evacuation to nearby countries.

• Tourists Expecting Busy Beaches or Major Attractions: Comoros is very quiet, with few tourists and no large-scale resorts or well-known landmarks. Those seeking bustling beach towns or iconic sights may find the islands too sleepy.

• Travelers Uncomfortable with Infrastructure Challenges: Roads can be rough, power outages are common, and basic services may be interrupted, especially on the smaller islands.

Highlights

• Ngazidja: the largest and youngest island in Comoros is home to a large volcano with fresh, flowing lava. Known to the French as the Grande Comore, it houses the republic’s capital city of Moroni.
• La Grille and Karthala: found north of Ngazidja, La Grille is a vast rocky plain occupying two-thirds of the island. South of Ngazidja is the world’s largest active crater, Karthala. It stands over 2,361 meters (7,700 feet) high with a diameter spanning over a mile.
• Mayotte: a territorial collectivity, Mayotte is considered part-Comoros and part-France. It encompasses two other islands, Petite Terre and Grand Terre, with the island’s capital, Dzaoudzi, located on Petite Terre. Mayotte is home to one of the largest lagoons in the world which is over 1,000 square kilometers long. This lagoon is flanked by a 160-kilometer long barrier reef.
• Comoran waters: are home to the coelacanth; an evolutionary wonder, this ancient fish was once thought to be extinct.

• Food-tripping: is a must in Comoros, especially if you are into exotic food like barbecued goat meat. The country is also big on rice dishes and cassava. Predominantly Muslim, don’t to drink alcoholic beverages in public especially during Ramadan.
• Shopping: for pots, shell and pearl jewelry, baskets and carved chests is mostly done in Ngazidja.
• Island-hopping: between the four major islands of Nzwani, Ngazidja, Mayotte and Mwali.
• Diving: explore the diving sites in Niuwashuma Bay (Mwali) and Trou du Prophete (Ngazidja).

There are frequent malaria and cholera outbreaks on all four islands. Contracting these diseases can be prevented however. Tourists should also take care to wear sun cream unless they want to look like a lobster in their holiday photos. Relatively crime-free with only a low level threat of terrorism, visitors here can relax.