Visit a ylang-ylang distillery
Comoros produces a significant share of the world's ylang-ylang essential oil, and distillery visits explain the flower-to-fragrance process central to the country's 'Perfume Islands' nickname.
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East Africa
Things to do in Comoros
An Indian Ocean archipelago nicknamed the 'Perfume Islands' for its production of the world's most sought-after ylang-ylang, an active volcano holding one of the largest craters on Earth, and a genuinely under-the-radar destination.
Explore Comoros on the map →Budget$$
Best for7-9 days
CapitalMoroni
VisaVisa on arrival available for most nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, typically allowing stays up to 45 days.
CurrencyComorian franc (KMF)
LanguagesComorian, Arabic, and French (all official)
InternetGood on Grande Comore, more limited on the outer islands
Typical lodging$30–$85/night
Driving sideRight
Power & voltage230V / 50Hz (Type C/E plug)
Time zoneUTC+3
Emergency numberVaries. Save your hotel or embassy’s number on arrival.
Dialing code+269
★★★★★ Adventure★★★★★ Beaches★★★★★ Culture
Visa rules and emergency numbers can change without notice. Confirm the specifics for your nationality and dates before you travel.
Travel smart
Bottled or purified water only. 10% at restaurants; guides and drivers appreciate a daily tip.
Comoros produces a significant share of the world's ylang-ylang, an essential oil central to the perfume industry, earning the archipelago its nickname the 'Perfume Islands' and giving it an outsized role in global luxury fragrance production relative to its tiny size. Mount Karthala, an active volcano on the main island of Grande Comore, holds one of the largest volcanic craters on Earth, and its periodic eruptions have shaped both the island's dramatic landscape and its communities' long-standing relationship with the mountain.
When to go
Dry, cool seasonMay–October
The most popular and comfortable window nationally, with lower humidity and calmer seas for island travel.
Warm, wet seasonNovember–April
Warmer and more humid with regular rain, including the Indian Ocean cyclone risk window.
Cyclone risk windowJanuary–March
The highest tropical cyclone risk period, monitor forecasts closely if traveling in this window.
Transition periodsApril, October–November
Shoulder months balancing decent weather with fewer crowds between the two main seasons.
20 things to do
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Culture & history
6Explore Moroni's old town and Friday Mosque
The Comorian capital's historic quarter centers on a striking whitewashed mosque overlooking the sea, reflecting the islands' Swahili and Arab trading heritage.
Visit the historic sultanate palaces of Anjouan
Anjouan island holds ruins and remnants of the Comoros' pre-colonial sultanate era, reflecting the archipelago's complex political history.
Visit the ruins of the old Sultan's Palace in Moroni
Remnants of Comoros' pre-colonial governance, offering context on the islands' history before French colonization.
Visit a traditional Comorian wedding celebration (respectfully, where accessible)
The 'grand marriage' (anda) is a genuine and significant Comorian cultural institution involving elaborate, sometimes multi-day celebrations.
Explore the fishing villages of Mohéli's coastline
Small traditional fishing communities on Comoros' least-developed main island offer a genuine, unhurried look at everyday island life.
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Adventure & outdoors
3Climb Mount Karthala, an active volcano$20–40
One of the largest volcanic craters on Earth, on the main island of Grande Comore, with guided treks to the dramatic summit.
Snorkel or dive the reefs around Mohéli Marine Park
Comoros' first national park, protecting coral reefs, sea turtles, and dugongs in some of the archipelago's clearest water.
Snorkel the reefs off Anjouan's coast
Anjouan offers less-developed but genuinely rewarding reef snorkeling, a quieter alternative to Mohéli's more established marine park.
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Wildlife
2Watch sea turtles nest on Mohéli's beaches
Mohéli Marine Park protects significant green sea turtle nesting sites, with guided night viewing available during the nesting season.
Snorkel with dugongs near Mohéli
Mohéli's protected waters hold one of the last significant dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean, a genuinely rare wildlife encounter.
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Food & drink
5Eat Comorian langouste grillée, grilled lobster
Fresh grilled lobster reflects the islands' abundant seafood, often prepared simply with local spices at beachside restaurants.
Try Comorian pilaou, a spiced rice dish
A spiced rice dish reflecting the islands' Swahili, Arab, and French culinary influences, often prepared for celebrations.
Try Comorian coconut-based fish curry
Fresh fish simmered in coconut milk with local spices, reflecting the islands' Indian Ocean and East African culinary crossroads.
Explore the spice plantations of Grande Comore
Beyond ylang-ylang, Comoros grows vanilla and cloves, with plantation visits offering a broader picture of the islands' agricultural exports.
Try Comorian mkatra foutra, a layered pancake bread
A flaky, layered bread similar to dishes found across the Indian Ocean and East African coast, a genuine Comorian breakfast staple.
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Beaches
2Relax on the beaches of Itsandra near Moroni
A popular beach close to the capital, offering calm water and a relaxed introduction to Comorian coastal life.
Explore the Chomoni Beach on Grande Comore
A striking black volcanic sand beach on the main island, offering a distinctly different coastal experience from the archipelago's white-sand beaches.
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Nature & scenery
2Explore the volcanic landscape of Grande Comore's Karthala foothills$20–40
Lava fields and volcanic terrain surround Mount Karthala, offering dramatic scenery for hikers exploring beyond the summit trek itself.
Hike to the Lac Salé crater lake on Grande Comore
A saltwater crater lake near the coast, formed by volcanic activity, offering a short and rewarding hike with striking scenery.
Common questions
▾Do I need a visa for Comoros?
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens, can get a visa on arrival, typically allowing stays up to 45 days.
▾Why are the Comoros called the 'Perfume Islands'?
The archipelago produces a significant share of the world's ylang-ylang, an essential oil central to the perfume industry, giving it an outsized role in global luxury fragrance production.
▾Can I climb Mount Karthala?
Yes. The active volcano on Grande Comore holds one of the largest craters on Earth, and guided treks to the summit offer a genuinely dramatic volcanic landscape.
▾How many days does Comoros need?
7-9 days lets you combine Grande Comore's volcano and capital with a trip to Mohéli or Anjouan's quieter beaches and reefs, given inter-island travel requires small boats or flights.
▾Is Comoros affected by cyclones?
Yes, particularly January through March, the peak Indian Ocean cyclone risk window. Check current forecasts if traveling during this period.
▾How much does it cost to climb Mount Karthala?
There's no formal park entrance fee, but a mandatory local guide for the active volcano trek typically costs $20-40 USD per day. Comoros sees very little organized tourism, so arranging guides and logistics in advance through a local contact is essential rather than optional.
