The story of Comoros
The Comoros archipelago, scattered across the northern Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the African mainland, was settled during the first millennium AD by seafaring peoples from Africa and, likely, Austronesian voyagers linked to the settlement of Madagascar. Arab and Persian traders arrived over the following centuries, and Islam took deep root. The islands became part of the Swahili trading world, exchanging spices, ivory and enslaved people across the Indian Ocean.
By the 15th and 16th centuries, local sultanates – often attributed to Shirazi lineages – ruled walled towns such as Mutsamudu on Anjouan and Iconi on Grande Comore. Rival sultans competed for power, and the islands were raided by fleets from Madagascar. European ships used the islands as a stopping point on routes to India, but colonial control came later.
Read the full history
France took Mayotte in 1841 and placed the other islands under protectorate status in 1886, turning much land into plantations of vanilla, cloves and ylang-ylang, whose scent still drifts through the countryside. In 1974 a referendum was held, and on 6 July 1975 the Comoros declared independence; Mayotte voted to remain French, a disagreement that continues. The young nation went through a long period of political instability, including several coups and the secession attempts of Anjouan and Mohéli in 1997.
A 2001 constitution created the Union of the Comoros, giving each island considerable autonomy. Today, the country remains one of the least-visited in Africa, which is part of its charm. Travellers find old stone medinas, Friday mosques, the active Karthala volcano, coral reefs, nesting turtles and a Comorian culture blending African, Arab and French influences, with the elaborate 'grand mariage' wedding at its social heart.
Timeline
- c. 800-1000 ADIslands settled by African and seafaring Indian Ocean peoples
- c. 1500Sultanates rule walled coastal towns
- 1841France takes control of Mayotte
- 1886French protectorate over Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli
- 1975Independence declared on 6 July; Mayotte stays French
- 1997Anjouan and Mohéli attempt secession
- 2001New constitution creates the Union of the Comoros
Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.
Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:
- Visa policy of the Comoros (Wikipedia) ↗
- IATA Travel Centre – passport, visa & health rules ↗
- U.S. passport holders – State Department country pages ↗
- UK passport holders – GOV.UK travel advice ↗
The latest visa and entry news for Comoros appears below as soon as publishers report it.
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Things to do in Comoros
- Climb Mount KarthalaTrek up one of the world's largest active volcano craters on Grande Comore with a local guide.
- Wander Moroni's medinaGet lost in the narrow alleys behind the old harbour and the white Friday Mosque.
- See turtles at ItsamiaWatch green turtles nest on Mohéli's beaches, among the most important nesting sites in the region.
- Snorkel Mohéli Marine ParkExplore coral reefs and look for dolphins and whales in season around the islets.
- Explore MutsamuduWalk the old citadel and winding lanes of Anjouan's historic capital.
- Smell the ylang-ylangVisit a distillery on Anjouan to see how the perfume essence is extracted.
- Swim at ChomoniRelax on a black-and-white sand beach on Grande Comore's east coast.
- Visit Lac SaléPeer into a striking saltwater crater lake near the northern tip of Grande Comore.
Exercise normal precautionSummary not available
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Where to go in Comoros
- MoroniGrande Comore · capitalThe small capital with an atmospheric old town, Friday Mosque and busy market.
- Mount KarthalaGrande Comore · volcanoA massive active volcano with forests and a vast summit crater for adventurous hikers.
- 📍Mohéli Marine ParkMohéli · reefs & turtlesThe smallest island's protected waters shelter coral, turtles and seasonal whales.
- MutsamuduAnjouan · historic townA dense medina town topped by a citadel overlooking the sea.
- 📍Mitsamiouli and Lac SaléNorthern Grande Comore · beachesWhite-sand coves and a volcanic salt lake near the island's tip.
- 📍IconiGrande Comore · old sultanate townOne of the oldest towns on the island, with ruins and a history of resisting raiders.
- Hike to the crater of Mount Karthala
- Watch green turtles nest on Mohéli
- Tour ylang-ylang and vanilla plantations
- Wander the old medina of Moroni
- Langouste à la vanille – lobster in vanilla sauce
- Mataba – cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk
- Pilaou – spiced rice with meat
- Ndrovi – green bananas with fish or coconut sauce
Best time to visit Comoros
The Comoros have a tropical maritime climate, warm year-round with a wet season from November to April. Mountain slopes, especially on Karthala, are cooler and wetter than the coasts.
Typical daytime highs and rain in Moroni (approximate averages).
- JulyIndependence DayParades and celebrations mark independence on 6 July.
- July-AugustGrand Mariage seasonLavish traditional weddings with music, dancing and processions peak in the dry season.
- Varies (Islamic calendar)Eid al-FitrThe end of Ramadan is celebrated with prayers, visits and feasts.
- Varies (Islamic calendar)MawlidThe Prophet's birthday is marked with religious chanting and gatherings.
How many days in Comoros?
Days 1-2 explore Moroni's medina, Iconi and the market. Day 3 hike Karthala or visit Lac Salé and Mitsamiouli's beaches. Days 4-5 relax at Chomoni and explore the east coast villages.
Days 1-4 on Grande Comore for Moroni, Karthala and beaches. Days 5-7 fly to Mohéli for the marine park and turtles at Itsamia. Days 8-10 continue to Anjouan for Mutsamudu and the ylang-ylang distilleries.
Backpacker budget: about $40–60 a day
- Shared taxis and minibuses run along coastal roads on each island – cheap but slow and leaving when full.
- Accommodation is mostly simple guesthouses; book ahead and ask hosts to arrange transfers.
- Inter-island flights and boats are irregular, so build flexibility into your plans.
- Eat at local stalls for grilled fish, rice, cassava and spicy sauces.
- Learning a few words of French or Comorian helps enormously, as English is rarely spoken.
Stay safe
- Petty crime is relatively low, but political tensions can flare – check your government's travel advice before going.
- Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
- Inter-island boats can be overcrowded and unsafe; flights are usually the safer option.
- Dress modestly and respect Ramadan customs in this conservative Muslim country.
Money
- The Comorian franc is the currency and is pegged to the euro; euros are often accepted.
- ATMs are few and may not accept foreign cards, so bring enough euros in cash.
- Tipping is not expected but small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.
Emergency: 17 police · 18 fire
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport near Moroni on Grande Comore is the main gateway, with flights from East Africa, Madagascar and the Gulf; domestic flights and boats link the islands.
✈️ Cheap flights to Comoros: airports, flight times & best time to fly →
- The coelacanth, a fish once thought extinct for millions of years, lives in deep waters off the Comoros.
- The Comoros are among the world's largest producers of ylang-ylang, a key perfume ingredient.
- Mount Karthala's crater is among the largest of any active volcano.
- Mayotte, geographically part of the archipelago, remains a French department.
- The 'grand mariage' is so prestigious that families may save for years to hold one.
Comoros travel questions
Is the Comoros safe for tourists?
Everyday crime is fairly low, but political instability has affected the country. Check your government's latest travel advice and avoid protests.
When is the best time to visit the Comoros?
May to October is the best season, with drier weather and cooler temperatures. January to April is hot, wet and cyclone-prone.
How many days do you need in the Comoros?
Five days lets you see Grande Comore, while ten days allows a visit to Mohéli and Anjouan as well.
Do I need a visa for the Comoros?
It depends on your passport and the rules can change. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.
What language is spoken in the Comoros?
Comorian (Shikomori), French and Arabic are official. French is the most useful language for travellers.
Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).
Short flights and boats link the islands. On land, shared taxis run between villages.
- Old Friday Mosque of Moroni – Historic white mosque on Moroni's harbour
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
- Be respectful around mosques and during Ramadan
- Ask before photographing people
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