Made up of three islands in the Indian Ocean, the Comoros have experienced years of political upheaval in the form of numerous coups and power struggles that have had an adverse effect on the local economy. Despite, or perhaps because of, the political turmoil in the region, these islands have remained fairly untouched over the years. Visitors that do brave it are treated to beautiful sleep towns, stunning beaches and the scents of cloves and ylang ylang (the country’s main exports), which hang in the air. Here are the list of places which you can visit while you are in Comoros.
Mohéli
Mohéli is the smallest and yet the most fascinating of the Comoros Islands. When people talk about wanting to drop off the face of the Earth, this is the place. There are very few inhabitants on the island and thanks to this it’s largely undeveloped and completely wild. To the point that it’s a little backwards – a bit stuck in the past. You’ll find the country’s only national park here: Parc Marin de Mohéli. Nature lovers will want to check out the craggy islets that dot the island. The locals call it Mwali or Moili and it’s a great place for spotting marine life like sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. There is so much pristine beauty here that visitors don’t usually mind the lack of modern amenities. Mohéli is considered by many to be the highlight of the Comoros Islands.
Moroni
The capital of Comoros is Moroni, located on Grande Comore Island. There’s a romantic and distinctly Arabian vibe here and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world compared to the rest of the islands. The narrow streets are filled with quaint shops and cafes and the locals wear traditional dress. Enjoy the Volvo Market and pick up some great souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts from local artisans. Check out the medina near the Friday Mosque and get lost in the winding alleyways. Like the rest of the Comoros, there aren’t a lot of traditional tourist attractions, but the beauty always more than makes up for it.
Mayotte
Mayotte is probably the most traditional tourist spot in the Comoros. Still governed by the French, many think that the island is overpriced and out of sync with the remote paradise vibe the rest of the island have. But you’ll find unbelievable turquoise waters, white sand, and top shelf snorkelling, sailing, and diving here. Not surprisingly, there’s a large ex-pat community here and there’s a bit of tension between the Mahorais and the other islanders, but thanks to French rule, there’s a great deal of stability and infrastructure here.
Fomboni
The largest city on Mohéli is Fomboni, a quiet and unassuming little place. There’s a nameless main street through town, a market, and a jetty worth checking out. The locals here tend to be more reserved than their neighbours on Anjouan and Grande Comore but they’ll give you a friendly welcome for sure. It’s a great place to watch the locals be local and get a sense of what life is like on Mohéli.
Petite Terre
This is where you’ll find most of the ex-pats in Comoros. The island has two villages: L’Abattoir and Pamandzi. You can visit the volcanic crater of Dziani Dzaha, the rock of Dzaoudzi (a less dramatic version of the Rock of Gibraltar), and the archaeological site known as Bagamayo, where artefacts from a 10th century Shirazi settlement continue to be discovered. It’s a bit high end for budget backpackers, but if you’re able to splurge, you can’t go wrong with the amazing French cuisine that you’ll find on the island – think crab and frog legs!
Mamoudzou
Mamoudzou is where you’ll find the restaurants, businesses, and shopping on Mayotte. It’s a large town and many areas are neglected, but this is still the best place for shopping and eating on the island.
Anjouan
The locals call it Ndzouani, and this Comorian island is the stuff that fantasies are made of. Anjouan is nicknamed “The Pearl of the Comoros” because of its Robinson Crusoe qualities. If you want remote, unspoilt, and gorgeous, you’ll find it here. You’ll find old Arab plantations and the scent of cloves and ylang-ylang on every breeze. You’ll find the locals hard-working and intensely proud of their little island. Travel up into the highlands for cooler air and to watch the mists roll across the rainforests.