Travel to the Comoros Islands, an unknown yet authentic paradise
In this 12-day trip to the Comoros Islands we will visit its three islands: Grande Comore, Anjouan & Mohéli. This unknown country has pleasantly surprised us in many aspects but especially in one: its authenticity. The Union of Comoros is a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, a volcanic secret full of postcard beaches, relaxed atmosphere, ceremonies and wildlife. And yes friends, also its delicious gastronomy is incredible, what a madness of dishes.
Comoros Islands, have you heard of this country?
A former French colony, however, in the three decades after independence from France in 1975, it suffered some 20 coups d’état and secession attempts, many of them of course encouraged by its former colonizers, making the Union of Comoros a country with a bad reputation and virtually unknown to travelers.
Highlights of this trip to Comoros Islands
We travel to the Comoros Islands in the best possible season to allow the traveler to enjoy the two highlights of the trip: the Grand Mariage and the marine life of Moheli.
- High season for the Grand Mariage, the most impressive cultural aspect of Comoros. We will certainly have the opportunity to spot different ceremonies along the way.
- High season for humpback whale, dolphin and ray sightings at Moheli
- The gastronomy of Comoros is amazing, welcome to a world of flavors and spices.
- We will spend a night in Itsamia, where several thousand green turtles nest each year on the five beaches that make up the Itsamia coastline, one of the best places in the world to find turtles.
- Enjoying postcard beaches and snorkeling
- Karthala Volcano, we will climb to the top to contemplate the spectacular crater.
- Authenticity: the inhabitants of Comoros expect nothing from the traveler since they practically do not arrive, walking in their markets or in their ports is a delight for the senses.
Summary itinerary of 12-day trip to Comoros
- Day 1: Grand Comore / Arrival at the international airport of Comoros and transfer to the hotel in Mitsamiouli in the north.
- Day 2: Mitsamiouli / Search for ceremonies and relaxation on the beach
- Day 3 Flight to Anjouan; walking tour of the medina and the citadel.
- Day 4: Sunday, main day of ceremonies during the Grand Mariage (ceremonial search) and transfer to Domoni.
- Day 5: Walking tour of Domoni, visit to the island and return to Mutsamudu.
- Day 6: Transfer by speedboat to Mohéli, transfer to Laka Lodge.
- Day 7: Rest or optional activities at Laka Lodge.
- Day 8: Rest or optional activities at Laka Lodge.
- Day 9: Transfer by road to Itsamia Community Bungalows, Turtle watching in the afternoon.
- Day 10: Transfer by speedboat to Grande Comore and tour of Moroni / night ceremonies
- Day 11: Grand Marriage Ceremony and other visits in Moroni
- Day 12: Early morning visit by 4×4 to the Karthala volcano, return to the hotel, shower, lunch and departure to the airport for the Ethiopians Airlines flight at 16:00 pm.
Ngazidja (Grande Comore)
The largest of the islands, Grande Comore (Ngazidja) is dominated by its volcanic heritage with dozens of volcanic cones scattered all over the island and Mount Karthala, which reaches 2,361 meters. Ngazidja is home to the international airport and the capital, Moroni (meaning “near the fire” in the local language).
Karthala Volcano
The Comoros islands are all of volcanic origin and in their interior the relief oscillates between steep mountains and gentle hills. The highest point is Mount Karthala, an active volcano of 2,361 m located on Grand Comore.
The Karthala volcano is notoriously active. It has had more than 20 eruptions since the late 19th century, which have left a 3 by 4 kilometer caldera on the mountain. The last major eruption, which occurred on April 17, 2005, forced hundreds of villagers to leave their homes.
The ascent to the summit of the Karthala volcano can be done in several ways, the first on foot with different routes more or less long and another that ascends to the top in 4×4 vehicles, and then continue an hour walk to the same wall of the crater of the volcano. This is the easiest option and can be done in about 4 hours and which we chose on our trip to the Comoros Islands.
The Grand Mariage, weddings in style in Comoros
Undoubtedly the most outstanding cultural event in the Comoros Islands is the Grand Mariage (Grand Marriage or Grand Wedding). The Grand Mariage consists of a series of sumptuous ceremonies that take place over an entire week with the purpose of uniting families and the community.
In these Grand Mariages, real fortunes are spent (30,000 to 50,000 euros) in order for the bride and groom to become notables and dignitaries in Comorian society.
The Grand Mariage of Comoros (The Grand Wedding) occupies a central place in Comorian society. It consecrates the couple, but it also consecrates the social status of the families, sealing alliances and reaffirming their belonging to the community. The ceremony, prepared well in advance, usually extends over several days with codified sequences
: traditional dances, communal meals and exchange of gifts. Beyond its symbolic value, the Anda or Grand Mariage serves as a framework for the transmission of musical, gastronomic,
hairdressing and embroidery skills, and contributes to the collective memory of the Comoros Islands. These traditional obligations will mark the families for life because to achieve this status they will have to get heavily in debt. Source and full article here
Mohéli Island (Mweli), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The smallest, uninhabited and wildest of the Comoro Islands, Mohéli (Mweli) is a real treasure and we loved it. It is spectacular and the traveler could easily spend a month wandering around, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, the beaches, its marine life and its gastronomy.
It is also described as an emerald stone nestled in a blue satin where its lush forests descend to the shores of tropical seas. In 2020 Moheli was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO recognizing its exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity, covering over 66,000 hectares. The site includes Moheli National Park, famous for being a crucial nesting site for green turtles and for protecting coral reefs, mangroves and endemic species.
The rainforest that covers the island of Moheli is home to Gerid lemurs and giant fruit bats, while the turquoise waters are teeming with dolphins, rays, whales, sea turtles and countless
colorful fish if you travel to the Comoro Islands in the right season.
Anjouan, the island that preserves tradition
In this first trip to the Comoros Islands we did not have time to visit the third and most unknown of the Comoros Islands: Anjouan. They say that this island is the most traditional of the three, the island of culture. The Anjounais wear their culture with pride, many of its inhabitants wear the traditional Kanzu and Shiromani costumes in their daily life. In Anjouan the air is charged with the smell of cloves, vanilla and Ylang Ylang
We will discover this island together on our next Kumakonda trip.
Delicious gastronomy in Comoros
The gastronomy of Comoros is delicious, everywhere we have enjoyed its rich flavors. Undoubtedly the cuisine of Comoros is far superior to that of other African countries, mainly we think this is because it is a rich mixture of Indian, Malagasy, Arabic, African and French gastronomies.
The staple foods are rice, cassava, green bananas, coconut and fish and seafood, all flavored with the good spices produced in the country such as vanilla, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom and cloves.
