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12 Reasons To Visit The Comoros

12 Reasons To Visit The Comoros

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Despite an enormous wealth of natural resources that would lend itself to tourism, the Comoros does not have a well-developed tourist industry. Less than 3,000 tourists pass through the Comoros each year. Most visitors looking for an island destination in the region choose instead Réunion, Mauritius, the Seychelles, or Madagascar. All the more reason to visit Comoros — you’ll be able to see everything the archipelago has to offer without fighting off hordes of people. Here are 12 of the top destinations to check out in the Comoros.

Internationally, the islands are known by their French names. In Comoros, they’re known by their Comorian language names (given in parentheses).

The main islands of the Comoros are Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), and Anjouan (Nzwani). Here are 12 reasons to visit the Comoros.

Sources: LonelyPlanet.com, TripAdvisor.com, Comoros.AfricaTravelsGuide.com, Comoros-Islands.com, VirtualTourist.com, LeeAbbamonte.com, Afri-Culture.com, DiversityTravel.co.uk, MapsofWorld.com

Volcano.OregonState.edu
Volcano.OregonState.edu

Karthala Volcano

Dominating the southern half of Grande Comore, the Karthala Volcano is a popular but daunting two-day trek perfect for adventure seekers and climbing enthusiasts. The 2,360-meter summit (7,743 feet) is often obscured by the clouds, and the trail winds through thick forests before reaching lunaresque craters close to the top.

Wikimedia.org
Wikimedia.org

Mutsamudu

The main town on Anjouan, Mutsamudu was built in the Swahili-Shirazi style, and its unique architecture and design is a delight to see. The town is full of houses and buildings that date back to the 17th century, along with mosques, a citadel, and charming, twisting alleys.

TripAdvisor.com
TripAdvisor.com

Chomoni beach

Also located on Grand Comore, the spectacular Chomoni beach has past lava flows to thank for the addition of unique black volcanic rocks that dot its white sand shores, adding to its beauty. With crystal blue waters, it’s definitely worth a visit for beach lovers.

AWSAssets.Panda.org
AWSAssets.Panda.org

Itsamia

The tiny village of Itsamia on Mohéli has benefited from the island’s relative low occupancy by becoming a major sea turtle nesting site. Sea turtles are protected and scientifically monitored here, but visitors have the chance to participate in the area’s efforts through targeted ecotourism volunteer opportunities. Given the unspoilt terrain, tourists are almost guaranteed to see sea turtles at any time of year.

Durrell.org
Durrell.org

Giant fruit bats

If the idea of bats with wingspans more than 2 meters (6.5 feet) doesn’t completely freak you out, check out the Livingstone fruit bats, which can only be seen on Mohéli or Anjouan. Local guides will lead you high into the mountains where these giants live in small colonies. You don’t have to worry about them flying into your hair when you’re walking down the street in town.

Panoramio.com
Panoramio.com

Badjanani Mosque

Located in the capital city of Moroni on Grand Comore island is the Badjanani Mosque, also known as the Ancienne Mosqué de Vendredi, or the Old Friday Mosque. It’s the oldest mosque in the Medina, the historic town center. Visitors to the mosque are afforded an eagle-eye view over the city and its beautiful stone architecture.

BP.Blogspot.com
BP.Blogspot.com

Perfume

As the world’s No. 1 one producer of ylang-ylang essence, and the second-largest producer of vanilla, the Comoros is a leader in world perfume production. In fact, it is often referred to as the Perfumed Islands. Visit small markets across any of the islands to find your favorite scent, or visit a perfume flower plantation where you can get a sample of concentrated perfume oil straight from the source.

TravelAdventures.org
TravelAdventures.org

Dziancoundre Waterfall

The Dziancoundre Waterfall on Anjouan is the perfect stop for a bit of relaxation. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful and serene places on any of the islands. You might smell hints of the ylang-ylang, clover, and vanilla that are grown throughout the island while relaxing at the waterfall.

LeeAbbamonte.com
LeeAbbamonte.com

Lac Sale

Lac Sale, or the Salt Lake, is considered bottomless. Nobody seems to know exactly how deep this caldera lake is. It’s made even more beautiful with the incredible backdrop of blue Indian Ocean waters. Visitors can walk around the entire caldera rim if time allows.

DiveandTraveltheWorld.com
DiveandTraveltheWorld.com

Scuba diving

Divers should be sure to check out the relatively small island of Mayotte (Mahore) for incredible scuba diving. Hang out with enormous manta rays, whales, sunfish, sharks, lobsters, sailfish, and hundreds of species of marine life. The coelacanth, thought to be extinct for millions of years, is found in the waters around Grand Comore and Anjouan.

NdroudeChouw.CenterBlog.net
NdroudeChouw.CenterBlog.net

Dos du Dragon

The Dos du Dragon, or Dragon’s Back, is a series of rock formations near the Karthala Volcano on Grand Comore said to resemble the spikes of a dragon’s back. They dot the curving peninsula, and are best seen from Île Aux Tortues across the bay, or can be climbed themselves.

DailyNabil.com
DailyNabil.com

Mitsamiouli

Mitsamiouli, located in the north of Grand Comore, is known for having some the best Comoran dancers on the archipelago. Visitors can view a planned show, but more often than not, dancing is spontaneous. Mitsamiouli is also a great jumping off point for scuba-diving enthusiasts on Grand Comore.