Highlights
Grande Comore (Ngazidja), the main island, is dominated by Mount Karthala — one of the world's largest and most active volcanoes, with a vast summit crater that adventurous, well-guided trekkers can climb (a demanding overnight hike) for extraordinary views. The atmospheric capital Moroni, with its Arab-influenced old medina, waterfront Friday Mosque and bustling market, is the base, near volcanic black-sand and white-sand beaches.
The archipelago's real treasure is underwater and unspoilt — pristine coral reefs, superb diving and snorkelling, dugongs, turtles and, seasonally, migrating humpback whales, all in warm, clear, uncrowded waters.
The lush island of Mohéli (Mwali), with its marine park, nesting turtles and tiny islets, is the ecological jewel, while mountainous Anjouan (Nzwani) charms with its waterfalls, ylang-ylang and clove plantations, and the perfumed old town of Mutsamudu. This is raw, basic, adventurous travel with minimal infrastructure — but for the intrepid, the Comoros offers Indian Ocean beauty and culture almost entirely free of other tourists.
When to go
May to October (the cooler, drier season) is the best time — pleasant, drier conditions ideal for the beaches, diving and climbing the volcano, with calm seas.
The hot, wet season (November to April) brings humidity, heavy rain and a cyclone risk, though the islands turn lush. Whale-watching (humpbacks) is possible around July to October. The Comoros is tropical and warm year-round, tempered by ocean breezes. For the calmest seas, best diving and most comfortable travel, aim for the dry season, roughly May to October, avoiding the cyclone-prone wet months.
Visa & entry
Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at Moroni airport for short tourist stays for a fee, making entry relatively straightforward; a passport valid six months, proof of onward travel and sometimes accommodation details are required.
Confirm the current visa-on-arrival process and fee for your nationality with a Comorian mission or official sources before you travel, as this is the standard route for most visitors and details can change.
Health & safety
The Comoros is generally safe and welcoming for the few travellers who visit, with low crime, though it's very poor with minimal infrastructure, so take normal precautions against petty theft. The country has a history of political instability and coups, so stay informed on the current situation and avoid any demonstrations.
The genuine challenges are practical and natural: very limited infrastructure and medical care, basic (and sometimes unreliable) inter-island flights and boats, the demanding Karthala volcano climb (guide essential), and cyclone risk in the wet season. Malaria is present (take precautions). Comprehensive insurance with evacuation cover is essential given the remoteness. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure.
Getting around
Getting around the Comoros is basic and can be unreliable. Inter-island travel is by small plane (schedules are limited and change) or by boat/ferry (which can be slow, crowded and weather-dependent), so allow generous buffer time. On each island, shared taxis ('taxi-brousse') and hired cars with drivers are the way to get around on variable roads.
The Karthala volcano climb and dive trips are arranged with local guides and operators. There is minimal formal tourist infrastructure, so patience and flexibility are essential. Most visitors arrange guides, drivers and inter-island logistics locally or through the few operators. Plan generous time and expect delays as part of the adventure.
Money
The Comorian Franc is the local currency, pegged to the euro for a stable rate. The Comoros is very much a cash economy — carry plenty of cash for everything (markets, taxis, guesthouses, guides, tips), as card acceptance is virtually non-existent outside a couple of Moroni hotels, and ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Bring euros (clean, newer notes) to exchange, as they're the most useful currency.
The Comoros is affordable, though limited infrastructure and inter-island flights add up. Bargaining is normal in markets. Tipping is customary and appreciated — small tips for guides (especially the demanding volcano climb), drivers, boat crews and helpful service.
Comoros