Comoros

Comoros is one of the world’s last true travel frontiers. Floating between Madagascar and Mozambique, this four-island archipelago is a place where time seems to have stood still. It is a land scented with ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves, where ancient sultanates meet dramatic volcanic peaks and some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.

For the traveler who finds perfection in the undiscovered, Comoros offers a soulful, slow-paced escape. It is a destination of white-domed mosques, labyrinthine stone towns, and a coastline where the only footprints in the sand will likely be your own.

Why we love Comoros

We love Comoros for its intoxicating atmosphere. It is a place of “vieux quartiers” (old quarters) and secret baobab forests. It offers a rare authenticity that has disappeared from more famous island groups. It is the ability to hike a massive active volcano in the morning and dine on lobster tail in a crumbling colonial garden by night that makes these islands so hauntingly beautiful.

The Most Beautiful Places in Comoros

From the “Giant” of the south to the turtles of the east:

1. Moroni & Grande Comore (Ngazidja)

The capital, Moroni, is a masterclass in Swahili-Arabic charm. The Badjanani Quarter is a maze of narrow alleys and carved wooden doors leading to the iconic Friday Mosque on the harbor’s edge. Beyond the city, the island is dominated by Mount Karthala, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, whose massive caldera offers a lunar-like hiking experience.

2. Mohéli (Mwali)

The smallest and wildest of the islands. Mohéli is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the crown jewel of Comoran nature. Its Marine Park is a sanctuary for green sea turtles, humpback whales, and dugongs. It is the ultimate destination for “barefoot luxury” and off-the-grid eco-lodges where nature is the only entertainment.

3. Anjouan (Nzwani)

Known as the “Pearl of the Comoros,” Anjouan is a vertical world of dramatic mists and jagged peaks. It is the heart of the perfume industry; here, the air is heavy with the scent of ylang-ylang plantations. Explore the 16th-century citadel of Mutsamudu or hike to the high-altitude Lake Dzialandzé for a view of the island’s lush, emerald interior.

4. Itsandra Beach

Located just north of Moroni, Itsandra is the island’s most beautiful bay. With its white sands and turquoise waters, it serves as a peaceful retreat where local life and high-end relaxation meet. It is the perfect spot to watch traditional wrestling matches or enjoy a sundowner as the dhows return to port.

5. Mitsamiouli & The Salt Lake

On the northern tip of Grande Comore, you’ll find the most spectacular beaches and the mysterious Lac Salé (Salt Lake). This deep-blue volcanic crater lake is separated from the ocean by a thin strip of rock and is said to be bottomless—a place of local legends and stark, natural beauty.

Highlights of a Tour Through Comoros

  • Turtle Nesting at Itsamia: Visit the village of Itsamia on Mohéli, one of the most important nesting sites in the world for Green Sea Turtles. Watching these giants emerge from the surf under a blanket of stars is a life-changing experience.
  • The Perfume Trail: Take a guided tour through the distillery of Bambao on Anjouan to see how the yellow ylang-ylang flowers are transformed into the essential oils that form the base of the world’s finest French perfumes.
  • Diving the Coelacanth Coast: The waters around Comoros are home to the “living fossil”—the Coelacanth. While these prehistoric fish live in the deep, the surrounding reefs offer world-class diving among untouched corals and kaleidoscopic marine life.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October. The weather is cooler and perfect for hiking Mount Karthala. The rainy season (November to April) is humid but offers the best opportunities for seeing nesting turtles.
  • Getting around: Travel between islands is done via small-plane flights or local ferries. On the islands, private 4×4 transfers are the most reliable way to navigate the winding, volcanic roads.
  • Culture & Etiquette: Comoros is a conservative Muslim society. We recommend dressing modestly outside of beach resorts and always asking permission before taking photos of locals.
  • Language: Comorian (Shicomori) and French are the official languages. Arabic is also widely understood. While English is limited, the hospitality of the Comoran people transcends any language barrier.