Things to Do in Anjouan, Comores Komori جزر القمر

Anjouan, known locally as Nzwani, is the second-largest island in the Comoros archipelago and often considered the most beautiful. This volcanic island rises dramatically from the Indian Ocean with lush green mountains, pristine beaches, and traditional villages that showcase authentic Comorian culture. The island's capital, Mutsamudu, features narrow streets lined with Arab-influenced architecture, ancient mosques, and bustling markets filled with ylang-ylang flowers and spices. Despite being less developed for tourism than many Indian Ocean destinations, Anjouan offers an authentic and unspoiled experience for adventurous travelers. The island is famous for its ylang-ylang production, beautiful hiking trails through tropical forests, and excellent diving opportunities in coral-rich waters. Visitors can explore centuries-old sultans' palaces, relax on secluded beaches, and experience the unique blend of African, Arab, and French cultures that defines the Comoros.

Top Things to Do in Anjouan

Hiking Mount Ntingui

Trek to the highest peak on Anjouan at 1,595 meters for spectacular panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean. The challenging hike takes you through dense tropical forests, past vanilla and ylang-ylang plantations, and offers opportunities to spot endemic birds and plants.

Booking Tip: Hire a local guide for $20-30 per day through your hotel or local tour operators. Best attempted in dry season (May-October) with early morning starts. Bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots.

Exploring Mutsamudu Old Town

Wander through the historic capital's narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Swahili architecture, ancient mosques, and the former Sultan's palace. The old town showcases centuries of Arab, Persian, and African influences with its carved wooden doors, stone buildings, and vibrant local markets.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but hiring a local guide for $15-20 enhances the experience with historical insights. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Respect local customs when photographing.

Ylang-Ylang Plantation Visit

Tour the fragrant ylang-ylang plantations that make Anjouan famous worldwide for producing this essential oil used in high-end perfumes. Learn about traditional distillation processes and the island's agricultural heritage while walking through aromatic flower fields.

Booking Tip: Arrange visits through local hotels or directly with plantation owners for $10-15 per person. Best visited during flowering season (November-June). Some plantations offer essential oil purchases directly from producers.

Diving and Snorkeling

Explore pristine coral reefs surrounding Anjouan with excellent visibility and diverse marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional dolphin sightings. The island's remote location means uncrowded dive sites with healthy coral systems.

Booking Tip: Book with local dive operators for $40-60 per dive including equipment. Best conditions April-November with calmer seas. Verify equipment quality and operator certifications. Snorkeling gear rental available for $10-15 daily.

Beach Hopping

Discover secluded white sand beaches like Moya Beach and Bimbini Beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. Most beaches remain undeveloped and offer peaceful retreats with stunning sunset views over the Mozambique Channel.

Booking Tip: Rent a car or hire a taxi driver for the day ($30-50) to access multiple beaches. Bring your own food and drinks as facilities are limited. Best visited on weekdays for maximum solitude.

Getting There

Anjouan is accessible via Ouani Airport, which receives flights from Moroni (Grande Comore) and occasionally from Mayotte. Most international travelers fly into Moroni's Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport first, then take a short domestic flight to Anjouan. Inter-island boats also connect Anjouan with other Comoros islands, though schedules can be irregular and weather-dependent. Some visitors arrive via chartered boats from Mayotte or Madagascar.

Getting Around

Transportation on Anjouan is limited but manageable with planning. Shared taxis (taxi-brousse) are the most common form of public transport, connecting major towns and villages for very low costs. Car rental is available through hotels or local operators for around $40-60 per day, though roads can be challenging and fuel expensive. Motorcycle taxis are popular for short distances, while walking remains the best way to explore town centers and reach some remote beaches and hiking trails.

Where to Stay

Mutsamudu city center

Domoni historic area

Moya Beach vicinity

Ouani near airport

Sima coastal region

Bambao mountain villages

Food & Dining

Anjouan's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Comorian specialties influenced by Arab, African, and French cuisines. Local restaurants serve grilled fish, octopus curry, pilaf rice dishes, and tropical fruit juices made from mangoes, passion fruit, and coconuts. Most dining options are simple local establishments rather than formal restaurants, with the best food often found at family-run places in Mutsamudu and Domoni. Hotel restaurants provide more familiar international options, while markets offer fresh produce, spices, and street food snacks throughout the day.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Anjouan is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities. This period offers the best conditions for hiking, diving, and exploring the island with less humidity and clearer skies. The wet season from November to April brings higher temperatures, humidity, and frequent rainfall, though this is also when ylang-ylang flowers bloom most abundantly. Cyclone season runs from January to March, so travelers should avoid these months for safety reasons.

Insider Tips

Learn basic French and a few Comorian phrases as English is rarely spoken outside of hotels

Bring cash (Comorian francs or euros) as ATMs are scarce and credit cards rarely accepted

Respect local Islamic customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural villages

Things to Do in Anjouan