Perched off the coast of Africa, Comoros enchants visitors with its sugar-white beaches, turquoise bays and rugged volcanic landscapes. The archipelago is set in the Mozambique Channel and is made up of several islands, each with its own unique appeal. The fusion of French and Islamic cultures make Comoros a fascinating destination for travellers.
Things to do in Comoros
Comoros is freckled with luxurious yet laid-back beach resorts, most featuring breezy bungalows set in lush tropical gardens. Stroll down to the beach to bask on the sand and cool off in the crystal-clear water. There are also plenty of public beaches to enjoy if you’re staying inland.
Grande Comore, or Ngazidja as it’s known by locals, is the largest island in the archipelago. The lively capital of Moroni is set around a picturesque harbour and is a good base for exploring the island. Peer into the beautiful Grand Mosque du Vendredi and marvel at towers of colourful produce at the public market.
Mohéli lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful island in the Comoros archipelago, with palm-fringed beaches and water so clear you can see fish swimming in the shallows. The diving is incredible, with sanctuaries such as the National Marine Park of Mohéli protecting vibrant coral reefs. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and dugongs. From July to October, you’ll see humpback whales breaching offshore.
Mohéli is dotted with friendly towns where you can experience Comore through a local lens. Stroll along the sandy streets to see locals drying out cloves, vanilla pods and cocoa beans in front of their thatch-roof houses.
The trail up Mt. Karthala winds through thick forest before reaching open grasslands. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over the Comoros archipelago and the Mozambique Channel. As an active volcano, it's not unusual to see smoke from the crater.
Getting around Comoros
Shared taxis and minibuses are the easiest way to get around Grande Comore and Mohéli. Domestic flights run between the main islands in the Comoros archipelago. Ferries are also a fast and affordable way to travel between the islands.