Overview
Comoros is a small archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, situated between Madagascar and the East African coast near Mozambique. The Union of the Comoros comprises three main islands — Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), and Anjouan (Ndzuwani) — each with its own distinct character, landscape, and local dialect. A fourth island, Mayotte, is administered by France and is a separate territory.
The islands are of volcanic origin and remain geologically active. Karthala, a shield volcano on Grande Comore, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has erupted multiple times in recent decades. Despite this, it is a popular hiking destination. The interior of each island is rugged and forested, while the coastlines offer coral reefs, mangroves, and relatively uncrowded beaches.
Comoros is one of the least-visited countries in the world, which means infrastructure for tourism is limited but the experience is genuinely off the beaten path. Visitors encounter a culture shaped by African, Arab, and South Asian influences, expressed through architecture, cuisine, music, and daily Islamic practice. The country is among the world's largest producers of ylang-ylang essential oil, and the scent of cloves, vanilla, and tropical flowers is part of everyday life here.
Before You Go
Visas
Comoros has historically offered visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, but entry requirements can change. Do not rely on this guide for current rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and contact the official Comorian immigration authority or nearest embassy before travel.
Health
Malaria is present in Comoros; consult a travel health clinic well before departure about prophylaxis. Vaccinations commonly recommended for this region include hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunizations — verify with your doctor. Medical facilities are basic on all islands; serious conditions may require evacuation to Mayotte, Réunion, or mainland Africa. Bring a well-stocked personal medical kit.
Connectivity and cash
ATMs are limited and unreliable outside Moroni, the capital. Bring sufficient cash in euros (widely accepted alongside KMF) or convert on arrival. Mobile data coverage exists but can be patchy on Mohéli and in rural areas. Download offline maps before you go.
What to pack
- Modest clothing: Comoros is a predominantly Muslim country; cover shoulders and knees, especially outside beach areas
- Reef-safe sunscreen and snorkeling gear (hard to source locally)
- Insect repellent with DEET
- A headlamp for power-outage evenings
- Any prescription medications in adequate supply
Getting There
Moroni's Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) on Grande Comore is the main international gateway. Regional carriers connect Comoros to Mayotte, Madagascar, Réunion, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa, among other hubs. There are no direct flights from Europe or North America; most travelers connect through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Réunion. Verify current routes and schedules with airlines directly, as connections and frequencies change.
Anjouan also has a smaller international airport (AJN) that receives some regional flights, which can be a useful entry or exit point depending on your itinerary. There is no regular international ferry service to the islands; essentially all visitors arrive by air.
Book flights well in advance, particularly around major Islamic holidays when seats on regional routes fill quickly. Factor in the possibility of delays; domestic and regional schedules in this part of the Indian Ocean can be irregular.
Getting Around
Between islands
Inter-island travel is primarily by domestic flight or speedboat. Small propeller aircraft operated by regional carriers connect the three main islands in short flights (typically under 30 minutes). Speedboat services also run between islands but can be rough depending on sea conditions; verify schedules and operators locally. The boats are not always held to strict safety standards, so exercise judgment, especially in poor weather.
Within islands
On Grande Comore, shared minibuses (called "taxi-brousse") ply the main roads and are the most common way locals travel between towns. Fares are low. Private taxis and motorcycle taxis (bajaj three-wheelers in Moroni) are available for shorter trips; negotiate fares before boarding. Car hire is possible in Moroni — verify availability with hotels or local operators.
On Mohéli and Anjouan, road networks are more limited. Motorcycle taxis and occasional shared vehicles are the practical options. Mohéli in particular has very few paved roads and getting around requires patience and local knowledge.
Things to See & Do
Hiking Karthala Volcano
Karthala (2,361 m) on Grande Comore is the centerpiece hike of the archipelago. The ascent to the active caldera typically takes two days with a camp near the summit. Eruptions do occur; check current volcanic activity status before committing to the climb. Guides are strongly recommended and can be arranged in Moroni — verify current operators and conditions locally.
Marine life and diving
Mohéli Marine Park is one of Comoros' most significant conservation achievements, protecting coral reefs, sea turtles, and whale sharks. Nesting hawksbill and green turtles come ashore on Mohéli's beaches, particularly between October and February. Diving and snorkeling conditions are generally excellent, though dive operators are few; verify availability ahead of your visit.
Moroni medina and Friday Mosque
Moroni's old stone town has a distinctly Arab-African character, with narrow lanes, whitewashed walls, and carved wooden doors. The Old Friday Mosque (Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi) dates to the 15th century and sits on the seafront. Non-Muslims should ask permission before entering any mosque and dress modestly.
Ylang-ylang distilleries
Grande Comore and Anjouan host small-scale distilleries producing the essential oil that supplies a significant portion of the global perfume industry. Visiting one of these operations gives genuine insight into the local agricultural economy. Ask locally about which distilleries welcome visitors.
Lac Dziani Boundouni (Anjouan)
This crater lake sits in a forested caldera in the interior of Anjouan and is reachable by vehicle and a short walk. The surrounding forest retains remnant populations of endemic bird species.
Food & Drink
Comorian cuisine is a blend of African, Arab, and South Asian influences, characterized by rice, fish, coconut milk, and aromatic spices including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon grown on the islands. A typical meal is built around langouste (lobster) or freshly caught fish served over rice with a coconut-based sauce, often accompanied by a green papaya or mango salad.
Mkatra foutra is a flatbread cooked on a griddle, commonly eaten for breakfast with tea. Pilao is a fragrant spiced rice dish with meat or fish prepared for special occasions. Fresh tropical fruits — mango, jackfruit, breadfruit — are widely available seasonally.
Comoros is a Muslim-majority country and alcohol is not widely available; some hotels catering to international visitors may stock beer or wine, but do not assume. Safe drinking water is not reliably available from taps; bottled water is the standard for visitors. Restaurants are informal and mostly family-run; eating where locals eat is both safe in terms of freshness and culturally rewarding. Verify hygiene standards with your own judgment.
Practical Information
Emergency contacts
Verify current emergency numbers locally on arrival; official numbers can change. Your hotel or accommodation is often the most reliable first point of contact in an emergency.
Electricity
Comoros uses French-style Type C and E plugs (220V / 50Hz). Power outages are common across all islands; a portable power bank is useful.
Internet and phones
Local SIM cards are available in Moroni and provide mobile data, though coverage is limited outside main towns. Wi-Fi exists in some hotels but speeds vary.
Language
While French is an official language and widely understood in business and government, Comorian (Shikomori) is the everyday language. Learning a few phrases — greetings, thank you ("Madzroula"), and asking for the price — is appreciated. Arabic phrases are also well received.
Time and pace
Comoros operates on its own pace. Schedules are approximate, services may not be as expected, and patience is essential. Build flexibility into your itinerary, especially around inter-island transfers.
Safety
Comoros is generally considered safe for visitors, with petty crime being the main concern in Moroni and around markets. Keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings after dark in urban areas. Political instability has occurred historically in Comoros, including occasional inter-island tensions; check your government's current travel advisory before departure and monitor it during your stay.
The volcanic and natural environment carries its own risks. Karthala remains an active volcano; eruptions can occur without long warning. Sea conditions between islands can be hazardous. If taking boat transport, assess the vessel's condition and life-jacket availability before boarding.
Malaria is a genuine health risk. Take prescribed prophylaxis consistently and use repellent and nets, especially after dark. Seek medical attention promptly for any fever during or after your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Islam is central to daily life in Comoros, brought by Arab traders from the 15th century onward and now practiced by the vast majority of the population. The call to prayer structures the day; Friday is the main day of worship and activity slows significantly. Visitors should dress modestly throughout, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours, and greet locals with the Arabic "Assalamu Alaikum," which is always warmly received.
Comorian society places great importance on the "Grand Mariage" — an elaborate and expensive wedding ceremony that confers social status. A man may spend years saving for this event, and the community celebration can last several days. If you are invited to observe any part of a local celebration, consider it a privilege and follow the lead of your host.
The arts tradition includes the twarab musical genre, a form of sung poetry with Indian Ocean roots related to the taarab of Zanzibar, performed at weddings and celebrations. Local craftsmanship includes woven mats, carved doors, and embroidered kofias (skull caps) — all made by local artisans.
Photography etiquette: always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women. Government buildings, ports, and the airport should not be photographed.