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)

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.