Things to Do in Fomboni, Comores Komori جزر القمر

Fomboni is the capital and largest town of Mohéli, the smallest of the three main islands in the Comoros archipelago. This charming coastal settlement serves as the administrative center of the island while maintaining its authentic village atmosphere, with traditional Comorian architecture, bustling local markets, and a picturesque harbor overlooking the Mozambique Channel. The town offers visitors a genuine glimpse into Comorian island life, far from the crowds of more developed destinations. As the gateway to Mohéli's incredible natural attractions, Fomboni provides easy access to pristine beaches, coral reefs, and the famous Mohéli Marine Park where humpback whales and dolphins can be observed. The town itself features colorful colonial buildings, narrow streets filled with the aroma of ylang-ylang and spices, and friendly locals who maintain strong cultural traditions including traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Top Things to Do in Fomboni

Mohéli Marine Park Exploration

Discover one of the Indian Ocean's most pristine marine sanctuaries, home to sea turtles, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales. The park encompasses coral reefs, mangrove forests, and nesting beaches that offer incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. Local guides provide boat tours that combine wildlife watching with visits to traditional fishing villages.

Booking Tip: Book tours through local operators in Fomboni for $30-50 per person. Best visited during dry season (May-October) for calmer seas. Look for operators who support conservation efforts and employ local guides.

Traditional Village Tours

Explore authentic Comorian villages around Fomboni where traditional life continues unchanged for generations. Visit local artisans creating intricate woodcarvings, witness traditional fishing methods, and experience warm hospitality in family compounds. These tours provide insight into Comorian culture, Islamic traditions, and sustainable living practices.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides for $15-25 per person. Morning visits are best to see daily activities. Choose guides who speak your language and have cultural knowledge, not just transportation.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Experience unforgettable encounters with humpback whales during their migration season (July-November) and year-round dolphin pods in the waters around Mohéli. Local fishermen-turned-guides use traditional boats to approach these magnificent creatures respectfully. The clear waters and abundant marine life make this one of the Indian Ocean's best whale watching destinations.

Booking Tip: Season runs July-November, costing $40-60 per person. Book with experienced local boat operators who know whale behavior. Early morning departures offer best conditions and wildlife activity.

Ylang-Ylang Plantation Visits

Tour the fragrant ylang-ylang plantations that make the Comoros famous worldwide for producing this precious essential oil. Learn about the traditional distillation process, walk through aromatic groves, and understand how this flower-based industry supports local communities. Many plantations offer hands-on experiences in flower picking and oil extraction.

Booking Tip: Visit during flowering season (October-June) for $10-20 per person. Contact plantations directly or through Fomboni hotels. Morning visits are best when flowers are freshly picked for distillation.

Beach and Snorkeling Excursions

Discover Mohéli's pristine beaches with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs just offshore. Popular spots include Itsamia Beach and Hoani Beach, where excellent snorkeling reveals colorful fish, sea turtles, and pristine coral formations. Many beaches remain completely undeveloped, offering a true tropical paradise experience.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $20-35 including boat transport and snorkeling gear. Visit during calm weather (May-October). Look for operators providing quality snorkeling equipment and local knowledge of best reef spots.

Getting There

Fomboni is accessible via Mohéli Bandar Es Eslam Airport, which receives regular flights from Moroni (Grand Comore) and Mutsamudu (Anjouan) operated by AB Aviation. International travelers typically fly into Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport in Moroni first, then take a domestic connection. Inter-island boats also connect Fomboni to other Comorian islands, though schedules can be irregular and dependent on weather conditions. The journey from the airport to Fomboni town center takes about 15 minutes by taxi or local transport.

Getting Around

Transportation in Fomboni relies primarily on walking, as the town center is compact and most attractions are within easy reach. Local taxis and shared minibuses (called 'taxi-brousse') connect different parts of the island, though services can be infrequent. Many visitors rent motorcycles or bicycles for exploring the island independently. For marine activities and beach visits, local boat operators provide transportation, and most hotels can arrange guided tours and transfers to various attractions around Mohéli.

Where to Stay

Fomboni Town Center

Itsamia Beach Area

Hoani Coastal Zone

Mohéli Marine Park Vicinity

Traditional Village Guesthouses

Eco-lodges Near Nature Reserves

Food & Dining

Fomboni's dining scene centers around fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Comorian cuisine influenced by African, Arab, and French flavors. Local restaurants serve grilled fish, octopus curry, coconut rice, and tropical fruit juices in casual, family-run establishments. The town market offers fresh produce, spices, and street food including samosas and grilled meat skewers. Most accommodations provide meals featuring local ingredients, and some offer cooking classes to learn traditional Comorian recipes. Dining is generally informal and affordable, with most meals costing $5-15 per person.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Fomboni is during the dry season from May to October, when weather is cooler, rainfall is minimal, and seas are calmer for marine activities. This period coincides with whale watching season (July-November) and offers the best conditions for snorkeling, diving, and boat excursions. The wet season (November-April) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional cyclones, though it's also when ylang-ylang flowers are most abundant. Temperatures remain tropical year-round, ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F).

Insider Tips

Learn basic French or Arabic phrases as English is not widely spoken, and locals appreciate the effort to communicate in familiar languages

Bring cash (Comorian francs) as ATMs are limited and credit cards are rarely accepted outside of some hotels

Respect local Islamic customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting villages or during religious periods like Ramadan

Things to Do in Fomboni