Custom travel to Comoros

Comoros is one of the Indian Ocean's best-kept secrets: a volcanic archipelago of 1,862 km² home to 870,000 inhabitants, 11-13 h of flight with a stopover from Paris. Independent since 1975 and nicknamed 'the Moon islands' ('Juzur al-Qamar' in Arabic), it lies halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique. Three main islands make up the Union of Comoros — Grande Comore (Ngazidja), dominated by Karthala volcano (2,361 m, one of the world's most active, last eruption 2007) and its capital Moroni; Anjouan (Nzwani), the densest, famous for ylang-ylang plantations that supply 80% of the world's production and scent Chanel N°5; and Mohéli (Mwali), the wildest, whose Marine National Park protects green turtles and migrating humpback whales. Neighboring Mayotte became a French department in 2011. A 100% French-speaking destination, authentic and lightly visited (40,000 visitors per year), with a mixed Arab-Bantu-Francophone culture — predominantly Sunni Shafi'i Muslim, enlivened by Twarab dances of Omani influence and Creole cuisine. Preserved beaches, turquoise lagoons and exceptional snorkeling across 700 fish species reward 8 to 10 off-the-beaten-track days, as a couple or family.

Highlights

• Karthala volcano (2,361 m, one of the world's most active)
• Mohéli: Marine National Park (turtles, whales)
• Anjouan: ylang-ylang (80% world production)
• Preserved beaches and turquoise lagoons
• Authentic Arab-Bantu-Francophone culture
• Exceptional snorkeling (700 species)

Sample itineraries

When to go

May-October is the best period (dry season, calm sea). July-October: HUMPBACK WHALE OBSERVATION (Mohéli, world top). October-March: green turtle nesting (Mohéli). Avoid December-March (rainy season, possible cyclones, difficult Karthala ascent).

• Cool dry season (ideal) (June – August) — Karthala accessible, first whales
• Humpback whale peak (September – October) — Humpback whales at max, crystalline waters
• Inter-season (short rains) (November – December) — Nesting turtles (Mohéli, October-March)
• Rainy season (not recommended) (January – April) — Karthala closed (fog), rough sea

Practical information

Very safe (very low crime rate). Past political instability (military mutinies, last 1999 coup) but tourists not affected since 2000. Visa on arrival (€30, valid 45 days, euro payment). No mandatory vaccine (except yellow fever if arriving from endemic country). RECOMMENDED antimalarial (malaria present, especially Mohéli). Avoid tap water. Cards accepted in tourist hotels and Moroni, cash (KMF or €) elsewhere. French omnipresent (official language, colonial heritage), Arabic for religious. Modest attire off beaches. Tipping: €5-€10/day for guides and drivers (essential to their income).

Frequently asked questions

When?

May-October (dry season). July-October: humpback whale peak. Avoid January-April (monsoon, cyclones).

How long?

8 days for Grande Comore + Mohéli. 10 days for 3 islands. 12 days combined with Mayotte.

Budget?

€3,200-€4,500 per person for 8 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €5,200-€7,500. Flights: €800-€1,200.

Visa?

Visa on arrival for French citizens (€30, valid 45 days, euro payment).

Family?

Ideal for families (preserved beaches, snorkeling, whales, French-speaking culture). Karthala from age 14 (physical effort).

How to get around?

Inter-island AB Aviation flights between 3 islands (30-min flights). 4×4 with driver on each island. Narrow but paved roads.

Safety in Comoros?

Very safe (very low crime rate). Past political instability but tourists not affected since 2000.

Combine?

Yes: Comoros + Mayotte (30-min flight, French department), Comoros + Madagascar, Comoros + Tanzania (Zanzibar), Comoros + Kenya.

Tips?

€5-€10/day for guides and drivers. 10% in restaurants. Major income source.

Modest attire?

Yes off beaches (covered shoulders and knees, attire respectful of Muslim culture). On beaches, swimwear accepted.