Introducing Comoros
About Comoros
Not your typical tropical island getaway, Comoros may lay claim to sandy shores, limpid oceans and colourful coral reefs, but the archipelago’s greatest asset is its fascinating culture, which fuses together the most colourful elements of Africa and Arabia.
Floating between Mozambique and Madagascar, the archipelago has long been a crossroads between civilisations and most Comorians are of mixed Afro-Arab descent. A blend of Swahili and traditional Islamic influences pervade the islands giving them a calm and phlegmatic atmosphere that guarantees a hospitable welcome.
The four main islands that comprise sleepy Comoros do not share the tourist infrastructure of the Seychelles or Mauritius (with the exception of Mayotte), but they do share the warm seas, deserted beaches and stunning hiking that these destinations are renowned for.
Most travellers enter the country via the capital, Moroni, which nestles on the island of Grande Comore and hums with the atmosphere and traditional customs of a long-forgotten outpost. Men drink tea beneath whitewashed buildings in the Arab Quarter, as they have done for decades, while women in brightly coloured East African fabrics smile shyly from ornate doorways.
Also known as the Perfume Islands, the smell of vanilla, cloves and other spices is ever-present in Comoros, and locals are proud to produce more Ylang-Ylang essence for the perfume industry than anywhere else.
Leave fragrant Moroni behind and trek to the summit of Mount Karthala, also on Grande Comore. The archipelago’s highest peak, at just under 2,400m (7,800ft), this lofty vantage point happens to be one of the region’s most active volcanoes. The views are exquisite.
For a taste of France pay a visit to Mayotte, which, due to a quirk in colonial history is now governed from Paris. Arguably the most developed of the islands, it has a distinctly Gallic air, adding more depth to these already characterful islands.
Language, Culture & History
History of Comoros
In the 15th century, Arabs settled on what are now known as the Comoros Islands. The islands were ceded to the French in 1841, and became a French protectorate in 1886, before being formally adopted as colonial possessions in 1912. The Comoros were then governed as part of Madagascar until 1947, when they became a separate French Overseas Territory.
Internal self-government was granted in 1961, although full independence was not achieved until 1975. The main reason was the position of Mayotte, one of the original Comoros island group, which insisted upon retaining its links with France. With Mayotte going its own way, the Comoros joined the United Nations as the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, comprising three islands: Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli.
Ahmed Abdallah was elected as the first president, but within months Abdallah was overthrown. However, in 1978, with the assistance of French mercenaries, Abdallah regained his position, though his success was short-lived – he was assassinated the following year.
A confusing series of coups and counter coups ensued for the next decade or so, many led by Bob Denard, a French soldier and mercenary. Although Denard’s last attempt was suppressed by French troops despatched from Reunion, he had previously overthrown presidents with the open support of the French government.
Elections successfully took place in 1996, and the new government of Abdoulkarim Taki was determined to introduce Islamic law to the islands. This was fiercely resisted in many quarters.
President Taki died in 1998, and was replaced by Ben Said Massounde. The new government was overthrown in a military coup led by Colonel Azali Assoumani in 1999, which was the country’s 18th coup. During the next two years, the military government laid plans for a new constitution that would maintain the group as a single country, but with much greater autonomy afforded to the individual islands. In 2001, it was approved in a national referendum.
The following year Assoumani was declared president of the newly entitled Union of Comoros. The handover of power to his successor in 2006 was the first peaceful change of leadership in the countrys history.
Did you know?
- Since independence the Comoros Islands have averaged a coup every 22 months, giving it the nickname ‘cloud coup coup land’.
- The Comoros are considered one of only two electoral democracies in the Arab world.
- Geographically and historically part of the Comoros, the island of Mayotte voted to remain part of France. It is one of the European Union’s outermost regions.
Comoros Culture
Religion in Comoros
Muslim (mostly Sunni) with Roman Catholic minority.
Social Conventions in Comoros
Religious customs associated with Islam should be respected. Although Comorans are tolerant towards other cultures (for instance, alcohol is not banned and is available in hotels and restaurants), they expect moderate behaviour from Non Muslim visitors, such as no consumption of alcohol in public places and modest dress in public.
Language in Comoros
The official languages are French, Arabic and Comorian, a blend of Arabic and Swahili.
Geography & weather
Best time to visit
The climate is tropical and very warm. Coastal areas are hot and very humid, interspaced with rains and seasonal cyclones (January to April). The upland areas are cooler, particularly at night, and have higher rainfall. The rainy season is from November to April.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofing during the rainy season. Warmer garments and rainwear are needed for the mountains.
Geography
The Comoro archipelago is situated in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar. It consists of four main islands of volcanic origin, which are surrounded by coral reefs: Ngazidja (formerly Grande Comore), Nzwani (formerly Anjouan), Mwali (formerly Moheli) and Mahore (Mayotte). The latter is administered by France, but is claimed by the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros. Land can only support subsistence agriculture, but the surrounding seas are rich in marine life.
Business Opportunities
Lightweight suit or shirt and tie required. Business is conducted in French or Arabic; English is seldom spoken.
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 0730-1430, Fri 0730-1130, Sat 0730-1200.
Economy
The bulk of the working population is employed in agriculture, which produces vanilla and cloves (the main exports), basil, ylang-ylang (an essence extracted from trees) and copra. There is a small fishing industry and a minimal industrial base devoted mainly to processing vanilla.
The tourism industry has grown rapidly during the last 10 years to the extent that the service sector as a whole now accounts for almost 60% of total domestic output: chronic political instability on the islands has, however, probably prevented the industry from reaching its full potential. Moreover, the agricultural economy is vulnerable to low world commodity prices.
Substantial French aid remains essential. France is also the country’s major trading partner, providing almost half of the Comoros’ imports and taking two-thirds of its exports. China, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar are the other major importers into the islands.
Per capita income is estimated at US$720. The economy grew slowly at 1.3% in 2005.
GDP
US$394.4 million (2005).
Main exports
Vanilla, cloves, ylang-ylang (perfume oil) and copra.
Main imports
Rice and petroleum products.
Main trading partners
Exports to: France, USA, Singapore and Germany; Imports from: France, South Africa, Japans Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and China.
Keeping in Touch in Comoros
Telephone
Outgoing international calls must be made through the international operator.
Mobile Phone
Limited coverage.
Internet
A few hotels have Internet access.
Media
There is no single national newspaper. Although several private newspapers criticise the government, self-censorship is reportedly common. Local radio and TV stations operate without overt government interference. The main (weekly) papers are Al Watwan (state-owned), published on Grand Comore, Kuesi, published on the French island of Mayotte, and La Gazette des Comores (independent); L’Archipel (independent) is published monthly. There are no English-language newspapers. There is a national radio station, Radio Comoros, and a national TV service. RFO Mayotte, run by French public radio and TV, broadcasts French and locally-produced radio and TV programmes from the French island of Mayotte, and can be received in parts of the archipelago.
Post
Mail to Western Europe takes at least one week.
Plan your trip
Comoros’s Journey
Airlines operating to the Comoros include Air Madagascar (www.airmadagascar.com) and Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com).
Airport Guides
Moroni Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport
Code HAH
Location Telephone Address
Flight times
From London – 13 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
None.
Travelling to Comoros by Rail
Driving to Comoros
Getting to Comoros by boat
Ferry operators
There are irregular sailings from East Africa (Mombasa, Kenya), Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion or Zanzibar to Moroni or Mutsamudu. These are mostly cargo ships which might carry passengers.
Staying the
Hotels
Although accommodation on the Comoros is being upgraded, there are only a few hotels and pensions, located mostly in Moroni and Mutsamudu, which handle the needs of travelling businesspeople, Government officials and other visitors. Room sharing is quite common. There are simple shelters (gites)on the slopes of Karthala (an active volcano).
Camping
Other accommodation
While you’re there
Places to see & things to do
Climb Mount Karthala
If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of Mount Karthala, the Comoros’ highest point at 2,260m (7,750ft), and then descend into the crater of this still active volcano. The vast crater, which is 4km (2.5 miles) wide in places, is said to be the largest of any active volcano in the world.
Come face to face with turtles on Moheli
Known for its undisturbed natural beauty and tranquillity, Moheli is the smallest of the Comoros Islands. Home to the nation’s first protected area, the Parc Mann de Moheli, it is a favourite with nature lovers for its populations of green turtle, dolphins, whales and exotic birds.
Explore Nzwani’s Swahili architecture
Nzwani (Anjouan) Island is notable for its waterfalls and abundant vegetation. The main town of Mutsamudu is built in Swahili-Shirazi style, complete with 17th-century houses with carved doors, twisting alleyways, mosques and a citadel. The ancient capital of Domoni is also worth a visit. The best beaches are in the Bimbini area, while perfume distilleries are found at Bambao.
Go scuba-diving in crystalline waters
With limpid waters and pristine coral reefs, diving opportunities abound throughout the archipelago. The Trou du Prophete in Misamiouli on Ngazidja, Niumashuwa Bay on Mwali and Pamanzi off Mahore are particularly fine sites, often visited by grey reef sharks, barracuda and even manta rays.
Hike to Dziani Boundouni
Dziani Boundouni is a sulphurous crater-lake at the centre of sparsely populated Moheli, which can be reached on day-walks from the island capital of Fomboni. Popular with birdwatchers, a hike here also throws up the chance of catching sight of rare mongoose lemurs in the nearby rainforests.
Hit the beach
There are many excellent beaches on the islands and Galawa Beach on Grande Comore has a diving school for those who get bored bathing. Other good beaches include Bouni, Chomoni (near a sheltered bay), Itsandra and the palm-fringed Planet Plage. Traditional canoe races are occasionally staged in the lagoon that surrounds Mahore, while visitors can watch dhows (Arab sail boats) being built on the beach at Fomboni.
Kick back in Mitsamiouli
A town in the north of Grande Comore, Mitsamiouli has a number of beaches of white sand popular with tourists, and the remains of a Royal Palace dating back to the era of the Sultans. The town is known both for its good diving facilities and for having the best Comoran dancers.
Stop off at the French island of Mahore (Mayotte)
This French-administered island is surrounded by coral reefs and has good beaches and excellent scuba-diving facilities. The town of Dzaoudzi contains some old fortifications worth visiting. Nature lovers will enjoy the forested island of Pamanzi, 5km (3 miles), as well as the waterfall at Sulu, which plunges straight into the sea.
Take in the laidback capital, Moroni
The national capital, Moroni, is situated on Ngazidja (Grande Comore). A charming town, it contains a few broad squares and modern government buildings as well as the old, narrow, winding streets and market place. There are numerous fine mosques including the Friday Mosque, the top of which offers attractive views over the town and ocean.
While away the day in Itsandra
This fishing village, 6km (4 miles) from Moroni on Grande Comore, has a fine beach and opportunities to see traditional dances performed by the local men. The town was once the ancient capital of the island, complete with royal tombs and a fortress built in the 17th century.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Comoros
Corcoran products can be purchased at Moroni on Ngazidja (Grande Comore). These include gold, pearl and shell jewellery, woven cloth, embroidered skull-caps (koffia) and slippers, carved chests, panels and portes–croix (lecterns), pottery and basketry. Most items can be bought in the villages where they are made.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0830-1200 and 1500-1830 (often shops remain open until later).
Meals & Beverages
Comorian cuisine owes a lot to both Arab and French influences, creating a fusion of European classics with a Middle Eastern or East African twist that sees sauces spiced with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and even vanilla poured over rice-based dishes.
Coconut milk is an important staple, alongside traditional African ingredients such as plantain, bananas and cassava. A typical Comorian meal will also include meat or fish. Goat is a popular meat, with beef reserved for special occasions. Locally-caught cod, crab and lobster, are all widely eaten.
Specialties
Langouste’s vanilla: Lobster boiled in a rich vanilla sauce.
Mkatra foutra: Fried unleavened bread made with coconut water. Pilaou: Highly-spiced meat and rice dish.
Ambrevades au curry: Pigeon pea curry flavoured with cardamom. lunsolola: Fish and green plantains stewed in coconut milk.
Achard aux legumes: Lightly pickled vegetable salad.
Ntrovi ya nazi: Fried or steamed fish with cooking bananas and coconut stew. Poutou: Hot sauce made with chilli peppers, tomato, onion and lemon.
Ladu: Balls of sweetened and spiced ground rice.
Mataba: Cassava leaves, used a little like spinach.
Roti ya ya Houma pampa: Cod with tomato and onion.
Things to know
There may be restrictions on drink within Muslim circles
Tipping
Normally 1096.
Drinking age
18.
Getting Around
Air
Each island has an airfield and there are services between the islands in the region.
Road
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
All the islands have tarred roads, but 4-wheel drive vehicles are advisable for the outlying islands and in the interior, especially in the rainy season. Roads are narrow and domestic animals often roam free, so you should drive slowly.
Car Hire
Available on Ngazidja (Grande Comore).
Taxi
Bush taxis (taxis–brousses), hired vehicles or private cars are the only forms of transport on the islands.
Documentation
An International Driving Permit is valid for up to three months.
Rail
Water
The islands are linked by regular ferry services. Travellers can hire motorboats, sailing craft and canoes in port villages and towns. A boat can be especially useful for Mwali (Moheli) where the road system is rudimentary.
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| British | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required | Visa Required Yes |
| Yes | |||
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
To enter the Comoros islands, nationals referred to in the chart above must present a passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry.
Visas
All nationals referred to in the chart above require visas to enter the Comoros islands.
Visas are issued on arrival. An onward ticket is required.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Transit visa: free; tourist visa on arrival: €30; long-stay visa: €255.
Validity
Transit visa: 24 hours; tourist visa on arrival: 45 days; long-stay visa: valid for stays of over 45 days.
Application to
Visas are issued on arrival.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British High Commission in Mauritius
There is no British Embassy or Honorary Consul in Comoros.
Telephone: (230) 202 9400.
Website: http://www.ukinmauritius.fco.gov.uk/en
Address: PO Box 1063, 7th Floor, Les Cascades Building, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis,
times:
Mon-Thurs 0745-1545; Friday 0745-1330. Mon-Thurs 1100-1300, Fri 0900-1100 (visa services).
Comoros Islands Honorary Consulate in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7722 1146.
Website:
Address: , Flat 6, 24-26 Avenue Road, London, NW8 6DU, Opening times:
Embassy of the Comoros in France
Telephone: (01) 4067 9054.
Website:
Address: , 20 rue Marbeau, Paris, 75116, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-1600.
Healthcare
| Title | Special precautions |
| Yellow Fever | No |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
Health Care
Medical facilities are basic and most are private. In order to secure even basic medical care, visitors are strongly advised to take out comprehensive health insurance.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be
boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat
well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and
fruit peeled
Other Risks
Hepatitis E is widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Vaccination against tuberculosis is sometimes advised.
Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays in Comoros
Anniversary of the Death of President Said Mohamed
Cheikh
18 March 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 26 May 2020
Independence Day
06 July 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020 to 01 August 2020
Muharram (Islamic New Year)
20 August 2020
Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated S days later for Shi’a.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Duty free & Currency
Currency information
Comoros Franc (KMF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of KMF10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of KMF20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 20 centimes. The Comoros Franc is part of the French Monetary Area and Euros and US Dollars are also commonly used. The Comoros Franc is fled to the Euro.
Credit cards
There is limited acceptance of most international credit cards (mainly in hotels). Some hotels and restaurants will accept foreign currencies, mostly Euros and US Dollars. Change may be given in local currency.
Travellers cheques
The Banque d’Industrie et Commerce (131C) (also known as the Banque Internationale des Comores) is the only bank that will change traveller’s cheques. There is no blanket policy on hotels accepting traveller’s cheques and travellers are advised to contact hotels individually.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros.
Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0730-1300; Fri 0730-1100.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks in the towns. Banking facilities are very limited on the other islands.
Comoros duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into the Comoros by travellers 18 years of age and over without incurring customs duty:
- 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- 1 bottle of alcoholic beverage.
- 1 bottle of perfume.
Banned Imports
Plants or soil, except on presentation of an import permit issued from the Comoros Agriculture Department, together with a phytosanitary certificate of the place of origin.
