Comoros travel guide

The Union of the Comoros, as it’s officially known, is one of the smallest island nations in the world. While fellow Indian Ocean neighbours Mauritius and the Seychelles have a slick and established tourism offer, Comoros is virtually unknown to international visitors. Just a few thousand people a year make it here, which of course is its unique appeal.

The Comoros offers an off the beaten track version of the Indian Ocean idyll, with added extras: rare wildlife, fascinating culture and an active volcano.

Comoros can compete with other Indian Ocean islands on looks – white sand beaches, clear seas and volcanic landscapes – but also offers cultural riches, with a blend of Arab, African and French influences. Add in the presence of sea turtles almost year round, lemurs and highly endangered and enormous Livingstone’s fruit bats, plus wonderful hiking, whale watching and snorkelling and it doesn’t make sense that Comoros remains off the tourist map, but it does make sense to visit now, before everyone catches on. Find out more in our Comoros travel guide.

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Comoros is…

three little-visited island gems in the Indian Ocean, where Arab, African and French influences mingle.

Comoros isn’t…

developed for tourism, making them fabulous for adventurous travellers in search of tranquility in raw nature.

Things to do in Comoros…

Mohéli is one of East Africa’s major sea turtle nesting sites, where you’re virtually guaranteed to see turtles at any time of the year, either nesting, hatching or simply gliding past as you snorkel. It’s also home to the rare, highly endangered and endemic Livingstone’s fruit bats (there are some on Anjouan, too). Also known as the Comoro flying fox, these impressive creatures have a huge wingspan of about 1.5m and bright orange eyes glowing from a black furry face. Combine the Comoros with other remote islands – some organised tours take in Reunion and Mayotte, too. Volcanic Reunion lies to the east of Madagascar, and is home to spice and vanilla plantations, lush scenery and vibrant Creole culture (including excellent local rum). Mayotte, which remained under French rule when the other three Comoros Islands chose independence, is a lovely place to relax, home to old markets, clove plantations and superb beaches on its eastern coast. Forget the Indian Ocean island holiday stereotypes. Sure, the Comoros has lots of blissful beaches, and trips here build in plenty of time to relax, swim and snorkel, but it’s worth packing your walking boots, too, as the Comoros has lots of opportunities for active exploration. There are hiking trails on all the islands, often winding through tracks of virgin rainforest. You can take a two-day hike up Mount Karthala, the active volcano in the south of Grande Comore, or admire the views from the top of Mount Ntingui rising 1,595m over Anjouan. Biking on Mohéli is fun, too – its roads are virtually empty.

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Things not to do in Comoros…

Expect people to speak English. There are three official languages in the Comoros. The national language is Shikomori – a dialect of Swahili and Arabic – plus French and Arabic. Lots of significantly different dialects are also spoken around the islands, but English is only spoken by a small minority of the population. Bring your credit card. The Comoros is a cash economy and the currency is the Comoros franc. The Comoros has barely any established tourism infrastructure, so don’t expect standards on a par with the Seychelles. Electricity and water supplies are subject to frequent interruptions, roads are often poor and bumpy, and accommodation can be simple and rustic. This is all part of the unspoilt charm of the Comoros, so simply relax and go with flow, spend time chatting to the friendly Comorians and just soak up the islands’ laidback vibe. Arab, Persian, African and European traders have been stopping off at and settling the Comoros since the 15th century, so while here, don’t ignore the islands’ rich history. You’ll see it in Moroni, which is steeped in Arabic heritage dating back to the 10th century, and home to the white colonnaded Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi and a Medina with atmospheric narrow lanes. Sultans, soothsayers and plantation owners have left their mark on the islands, and you’ll find decaying palaces and a citadel built to protect Mutsamudu on Anjouan from Malagasy attacks. The food is a fusion of Arab, Indian and French flavours – think savoury croissants and samosas – while fresh fish and locally grown exotic fruits are staples.

Comoros travel guide