Comoros
The Comoros, three volcanic islands between Mozambique and Madagascar, see only a trickle of tourists. Climb to Karthala's vast crater on Grande Comore, wander the Swahili lanes of Moroni and Mutsamudu, and watch green turtles nest on Mohéli's beaches. Facilities are basic and French helps, but the welcome, the scent of ylang-ylang and the empty coral coast reward patient travellers.
Overview
The Union of the Comoros is three islands: Grande Comore (Ngazidja), the largest, dominated by the volcano of Karthala; steep, river-cut Anjouan (Ndzwani); and small, forested Mohéli (Mwali). Mayotte, the fourth island of the archipelago, remained French. Most trips start in Moroni, with a few days for the old medina, the black-lava coast and a Karthala climb, then hop by small plane to Mohéli for turtles, whales and the marine park's islets, and on to Anjouan for Mutsamudu's medina, Domoni's carved doors and the ylang-ylang plantations. Allow at least ten days, as inter-island links are irregular.
This is travel for the patient: hotels are few and simple, power cuts are frequent and schedules slip. Prices are higher than the facilities suggest, because most goods are imported and rooms are scarce. Comorian and French are the working languages, with little English outside a handful of guesthouses. The rewards are real, though: villages where visitors are still a novelty, beaches shared only with fishermen, humpback whales offshore from July to October, and cloves and ylang-ylang flowers drying by the roadside. The islands are devoutly Muslim, so modest dress is expected, and life slows noticeably during Ramadan.
Map of Comoros
Top 5 highlights
- 1Adventure
Mount Karthala
One of the world's largest active volcanoes, Karthala rises to 2,361 m, with a summit caldera about 3 km by 4 km. The climb through cloud forest and heath takes most of a day, so hire a guide in Moroni and camp near the rim.
- 2Wildlife
Mohéli National Park
Founded in 2001 as the country's first marine park, it protects green and hawksbill turtles, dugongs and visiting humpback whales. Stay at Nioumachoua for boat trips to its offshore islets, or at Itsamia to watch turtles nest at night.
- 3History
Moroni medina and Old Friday Mosque
Behind the harbour, the capital's old quarter is a tangle of narrow lanes, carved doorways and coral-stone houses. The arcaded Old Friday Mosque on the waterfront was first built in 1427, with its minaret added in 1921.
- 4History
Mutsamudu medina and citadel
Stepped lanes wind up from the port through the medina, which dates back to the 15th century, past carved doors and small mosques to the citadel of 1786, with sweeping views over the harbour and Anjouan's green ridges.
- 5Architecture
Domoni
Capital of the Anjouan sultanate until the late 18th century and founded around the 12th, Domoni keeps old stone mansions with richly carved Swahili doors, historic mosques and remnants of its sea walls; its old families trace their roots to Shirazi settlers.
Biggest cities
Moroni
The capital's waterfront Old Friday Mosque and the alleys of the medina behind it deserve a slow morning; the Volo Volo market is the place for spices, vanilla and gossip.
Mutsamudu
Anjouan's port capital has the archipelago's most atmospheric medina, a maze of whitewashed lanes climbing to a citadel built in 1786 to defend against raiders from Madagascar.
Fomboni
Mohéli's sleepy capital is little more than a market, a harbour and a few guesthouses, but it is the gateway to the national park and the turtle beaches of Itsamia.
Figures are rounded 2017 census counts for the towns. Mirontsi, effectively a suburb of Mutsamudu, is counted separately; Tsémbéhou and Domoni on Anjouan are the next largest.
When to go to Comoros
Best time: May–Oct.
Average climate in Moroni
Festivals & events
- Jul–AugGrand Mariage season
Grande Comore's lavish customary weddings, which confer lifelong status on the groom, cluster in July and August when the diaspora returns, with processions, dancing and feasts lasting days.
- JulIndependence Day
On 6 July, the anniversary of independence from France in 1975, Moroni and the island capitals mark the day with parades, music and speeches.
- AugMawlid
The Prophet's birthday is celebrated with night-long religious chanting, dancing and processions across the islands. It moves about 11 days earlier each year and falls in August in 2026–28.
How much does Comoros cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Langouste à la vanille
Spiny lobster cooked in a creamy sauce flavoured with local vanilla, the islands' celebration dish and a fixture of hotel menus in Moroni.
Mataba
Pounded cassava leaves simmered slowly in coconut milk, often with fish or crab, and served with rice or boiled green bananas.
Pilaou
Rice cooked with meat, onions and warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, a staple of weddings and festive meals.
Getting around
Small planes link Moroni's Hahaya airport with Anjouan and Mohéli in well under an hour, but schedules change often. Boats also cross between the islands, though standards vary, so check the FCDO advice on sea travel. On each island, shared taxis and minibuses (taxis-brousse) run the coast roads for low fixed fares. A car with driver, arranged through your hotel, is the easiest way to explore.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CE220V — bring a UK-to-C/E adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +269
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is not customary in local eateries; round up taxi fares and leave about 10% in hotel restaurants or for guides who have looked after you well.
- Etiquette
- Comorians are devout Sunni Muslims: cover shoulders and knees, avoid public displays of affection, and eat and pass things with your right hand. Ask before photographing people, especially women, and greet elders first.
- Main airports
- Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH), Moroni
Visas & entry for Comoros
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to enter or travel through Comoros. You can buy a visa for 30 euros when you arrive at Hahaya airport or other points of entry.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BMeaslesRabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Comoros: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Comoros
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Thu 12 Nov 2026 | Maore Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Isra' and Mi'raj (date may shift) |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 18 Mar 2027 | Cheikh al Maarouf Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year (date may shift) |
| Tue 6 Jul 2027 | National Day |
| Sat 14 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in French
| English | French | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjour | bon-ZHOOR |
| Thank you | Merci | mair-SEE |
| Please | S'il vous plaît | seel voo PLAY |
| Excuse me | Excusez-moi | ex-koo-ZAY mwah |
| How much is this? | C'est combien ? | say kom-BYAN |
Know before you go
- Bring euros in cash: the Comorian franc is pegged to the euro, cards work only in a few hotels, and ATMs are scarce outside Moroni and Mutsamudu.
- Leave at least two spare days before your flight home, as inter-island flights and boats are often delayed or cancelled at short notice.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight; many restaurants close until sunset, so carry snacks and water to have discreetly.
Comoros travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Comoros?
The best time to visit Comoros is generally May–Oct. Peak months are May, June, July, August, September and October. Average highs in Moroni range from 28°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Comoros cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £95 mid-range and £180+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Comoros?
Comorian franc (KMF).
What plug type does Comoros use?
Type C and E sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Comoros?
Traffic drives on the right in Comoros, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Comoros?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Comoros?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to enter or travel through Comoros. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Comoros before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/comoros/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Comoros?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles and Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
