Comoros

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Moroni

Population

596,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Islam (Sunni)

Languages

French

Currency

Comoros Franc

Calling Code

+269

Time Zone

UTC +3

Nationality

Comoran

Local name

Comores

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Introduction

villa de leyva

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The Comoros archipelago marks where the Indian Ocean turns into the Mozambique Channel. The uncertainty of its geographic identity (is it part of the ocean or part of the channel?) is representative of the island group's wider issues with instability. When in the 1960s the Comoros achieved independence from colonial ruler France, Mayotte (one of the archipelago's four islands) opted instead to maintain its French allegiance, a move which divided the island group but granted Mayotte a much more favourable future than the newly formed Comoros republic was to experience. Coups frequent Comoran history pages.

Maybe it's this instability which has stunted the growth of Comoros tourism. In any case, the Comoros do not enjoy the popularity of nearby island destinations. But if you can cope with the political situation, the islands actually offer a fantastic holiday. Expect the usual collection of brilliant beaches, stunning sunsets and picture-perfect inland forests and rivers.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Islands

There are 4 major islands that make up the Comoros Archipelago as well as many minor islets. These are the 4 major islands.

• Ngazidja (Grande Comore)
• Mwali (Mohéli)
• Nzwani (Anjouan)
• Mahoré ( Mayotte) - formally part of the Comoros, but now an independent French territory.

Cities

• Moroni - the capital of Comoros
• Fomboni
• Domoni
• Mutsamudu
• Tsémbéhou

Sights and Activities

Karthala Volcano

Moroni is a good base for a climb up the Karthala Volcano (2,361 metres), which boasts spectacular views of the still active crater. You can gaze inside and see the smoke rising. The volcano erupted quite recently, about three years ago. With the access road and the climb, you should allow several hours for the climb. An early start is advisable. Take plenty of water and perhaps some fruit with you.

Mount Ntingui

The hard and sleep climb from Lac Dzialandzé up to the normally cloud-covered summit of 1595meter high Mount Ntingui is tough but rewarding. As it is the highest point on Anjouan, on a rare clear day, you will have stunning views over all four of the islands of the archipelago that makes up the Comoros.

Arab Quarter

The Arab Quater is made up by the neighbourhood around the port and the Ancienne Mosquée de Vendredi (old Friday mosque). It is a medina with narrow streets lined with buildings dating back to Swahili times. It much looks like the better known Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar although it is much smaller. Still, it is just as good and sees far few travellers. Especially the carved Swahili doors found on many houses are worth the stroll.

Other sights and activities

• Nouvelle Mosquée de Vendredi - Moroni

Events and Festivals

Weather

The Comoros have a warm and humid cliimate, with some relief of the heath by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Temperatures generally are around 30 degrees Celsius during the day, and still above 20 degrees Celsius at night. November to April is slightly warmer, May to October a bit cooler. Rain is present during all months, but is more and heavier from November to May. August to October is the driest period and temperatures are fine as well, making this the best time to travel the Comoros. Hurricanes are possible from December to February, so it is best to avoid this time.

Getting there

Plane

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) near the capital Moroni is where all international flights arrive and depart. International destinations include Comores Aviation flights to and from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nosy Be in Madagascar. Yemenia flies to Sana'a and Dar es Salaam and Nairboi is served by Kenya Airways and Mombasa with African Express Airways.

By Boat

There are no official passenger service to and from Comoros but there are quite a few options to travel on cargo ships. For example, it is possible to travel to and from Madagascar and the Comoros by boat. You will need a lot of time and patience but it's doable. You might even be able to you find a ride on a yacht as a crew member. It's a tough journey so be prepared and take seasickness pills with you.
Mombasa (Kenya) and Zanzibar (Tanzania) are the main places to look for cargo boats to Madagascar or the Comoros if you are coming from eastern Africa. It’s also sometimes possible to find passage on a yacht heading from South Africa, Réunion or Mauritius and in extreme cases all the way from France to Mayotte or Madagascar. But that's only for the sea enthusiasts who want to avoid flying at all costs (or time).

Getting Around

By Plane

Comores Aviation provides services between the islands. Air Services Comores provides fligts as well.

By Car

Only on the main island (Grande Comore) there are rental cars available, but it is relatively expensive. Although most roads are paved, some interior roads can be slippery after heavy rains and animals on the narrow roads can make things even worse. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit.

By Bus

The way to get around is by shared taxi, the taxi-brousses. Services are frequent in some places, but less frequent in the more remote places or outer island.

By Boat

There are regular cargo and passenger services between the islands, but services are slow and uncomfortable, but cheap. Moheli and Anjouan are the main links from Grande Comore.

Red Tape

A transit visa for a maximum of 24 hours is free. Any longer visits (up to 45 days) will require you to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport of Moroni. Comores-Online gives you more information about requirements (French only).

Money

See also Money Matters

The national currency is the Comoros Franc (KMF) = 100 centimes. Notes come in denominations of KMF10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 1,000 and 500 and coins in denominations of KMF20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 20 centimes

The Euro is widely accepted. If you use Euros for a payment, any change will be given in Comoran Francs.

Work

Study

Language

The official languages in the Comoros are Arabic, French and Comoran. Some locals also speak English.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The country calling code to the Comoros is: 269
To make an international call from the Comoros, the code is: 00

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