Comoros Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Comoros, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Comoros Information

Overview

The Comoros islands’ vegetation is rich and varied: 65% of the world’s perfume essence comes from here, being processed from the blossoms of ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange. Spices, including nutmeg, cloves, pepper, basil and vanilla, are another mainstay of the economy. The islands are of volcanic origin and are surrounded by coral reefs and the more energetic travellers will be eager to climb to the top of Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Ngazidja, or enjoy a vast range of watersports.

A former French Overseas Territory, the Comoros only became fully independent in 1975, despite consistent pressure on the French from the islands’ government. The main reason was the position of Mayotte, one of the original Comoros island group, which insisted upon retaining its links with France.

With Mayotte going its own way, the Comoros islands joined the United Nations as the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, comprising three islands: Ngazidja (formerly Grande Comore), Nzwani (formerly Anjouan) and Mwali (formerly Mohéli). Mahoré (Mayotte) is administered by France but is claimed by the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros.

Since independence, instability has characterised post-independence politics on the islands, with several coup attempts.

Top Things To See & Do

The capital Moroni on Ngazidja (Grande Comore) is a charming, peaceful town containing a few broad squares and modern government buildings, as well as old, narrow, winding streets and a market place. There are numerous fine mosques including the Vendredi Mosque, from the top of which there is an attractive view.

The more energetic can climb to the top of Mount Karthala and then descend into the crater of this active volcano. The crater is claimed to be the largest still active anywhere in the world. It is usual to make one overnight stop at the shelter provided. Fit hikers can also travel to Dziani Boundouni, a sulphurous crater lake at the centre of the sparsely populated island of Mwali (Mohéli), which can be reached on day-walks from its capital, Fomboni. Owing to political instability, visitors are advised to check the latest travel advice from an official organisation (such as an embassy) before contemplating a trip to Mohéli.

Itsandra, a fishing village 6km (4 miles) from Moroni, has a fine beach and there are opportunities to see dances performed by the local men. The town was once the ancient capital of the island, complete with royal tombs and a fortress. Mitsamiouli, a town in the north of the island, is known both for its good diving facilities and for having the best Comoran dancers. There are many bats and spiders on the island, the former often appearing in broad daylight.

There are hot sulphur springs at Lac Salé and a 14th-century village at Iconi.

On Mwali (Mohéli), the smallest of the main islands, travellers can see dhows (Arab sail boats) being built on the beach at Fomboni.

There is a fine waterfall at Miringoni.

Discover the local wildlife. The Comoros islands’ distinctive (and now protected) green turtle can be seen in the marine reserve off Mohéli’s southern coast. Trips by motorised pirogues (canoes) can be arranged with local fishermen from Niumashuwa. Giant turtles may be seen at Niumashuwa Bay.

Nzwani (Anjouan) is notable for its waterfalls and abundant vegetation. The main town of Mutsamudu is built in Swahili-Shirazi style, complete with 17th-century houses with carved doors, twisting alleyways, mosques and a citadel. The ancient capital of Domoni is also worth a visit. The best beaches are in the Bimbini area. There are perfume distilleries at Bambao.

Mahore ( Mayotte), the French-administered island, is surrounded by a coral reef and has good beaches and excellent scuba-diving facilities. Tourists may explore the lagoon (claimed to be the largest in the world) by dugout canoe. The town of Dzaoudzi contains some old fortifications worthy of a visit. Pamanzi is a forested islet, 5km (3 miles) offshore, fragrant with a wealth of vegetation. At Sulu, a waterfall plunges straight into the sea. There are the remains of an old mosque at Tsingoni. Elsewhere, there are 19th-century sugar refineries. For further information, see the French Overseas Possessions section. Note: Travel to Mayotte from the Comoros may be problematic because this is disputed territory.

There is excellent diving in the archipelago. The Trou du Prophète in Misamiouli on Ngazidja, Niumashuwa Bay on Mwali and Pamanzi islet off Mahore are particularly fine. There are many excellent beaches on all the islands and Galawa Beach on Grande Comore has a diving school. Other good beaches include Bouni, Chomoni (near a sheltered bay), Itsandra and the palm-fringed Planet Plage. Pirogue (canoe) races are occasionally staged in the lagoon that surrounds Mahore. Sailing boats and canoes are available for hire in many ports.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Restaurants serve good food with spiced sauces and rice-based dishes.

Things to know: There may be restrictions on drink within Muslim circles.

National specialities:
• Cassava.
• Plantain.
• Couscous.
• Barbecued goat meat.
• Seafood.

Tipping: Normally 10%.

Shopping

Comoran products can be purchased at Moroni on Ngazidja (Grande Comore). These include gold, pearl and shell jewellery, woven cloth, embroidered skull-caps (koffia) and slippers, carved chests, panels and portes-croix (lecterns), pottery and basketry. Most items can be bought in the villages where they are made.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0830-1200 and 1500-1830 (often shops remain open until later).

Climate

The climate is tropical and very warm. Coastal areas are hot and very humid, interspaced with rains and seasonal cyclones (January to April). The upland areas are cooler, particularly at night, and have higher rainfall. The rainy season is from November to April.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofing during the rainy season. Warmer garments and rainwear are needed for the mountains.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
10 Jan Muharram (Islamic New Year).
19 Jan Ashoura.
18 Mar Anniversary of the Death of President Said Mohamed Cheikh.
20 Mar Birth of the Prophet.
1 May Labour Day.
25 May Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity.
29 May Anniversary of the Death of President Ali Soilih.
6 Jul Independence Day.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
26 Nov Anniversary of the Death of President Ahmed Abdallah.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
29 Dec Muharram (Islamic New Year).

2009
7 Jan Ashoura.
18 Mar Anniversary of the Death of President Said Mohamed Cheikh.
9 Mar Birth of the Prophet.
1 May Labour Day.
25 May Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity.
29 May Anniversary of the Death of President Ali Soilih.
6 Jul Independence Day.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
26 Nov Anniversary of the Death of President Ahmed Abdallah.
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Yes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

Medical facilities are basic and most are private. In order to secure even basic medical care, visitors are strongly advised to take out comprehensive health insurance.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Comoros Franc (KMF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of KMF10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of KMF20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 20 centimes. The Comoros Franc is part of the French Monetary Area and Euros are also commonly used. The Comoros Franc is tied to the Euro.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks in the towns. Banque Nationale des Comores is the only established bank on Grande Comore. Banking facilities are very limited on the other islands.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

There is limited acceptance of most international credit cards (mainly in upmarket hotels). Some hotels and restaurants will accept foreign currencies, mostly Euros and US dollars. Change may be given in local currency.

Traveller's Cheques

The Banque Internationale des Comores (BIC) is the only bank that will change travellers cheques. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros.

Banking Hours

Mon-Thurs 0730-1300; Fri 0730-1100.

Passport/Visa

British