Things to Do in Grande Comore

Grande Comore, Comoros - Complete Travel Guide

Grande Comore, the largest island in the Comoros archipelago, feels like one of those places the world hasn't quite caught up with yet. The island wraps around Mount Karthala, an active volcano that dominates the landscape and occasionally reminds everyone it's still very much alive with gentle rumblings and steam vents. Moroni, the capital, sprawls along the western coast with its mix of Arab, African, and French colonial influences creating a genuinely unique atmosphere you won't find replicated elsewhere. What strikes most visitors is how unhurried everything feels here. The medina quarters still operate on traditional rhythms, where the call to prayer mingles with the sound of dhows being pulled up onto volcanic sand beaches. The island operates on what locals call 'Comorian time' - things happen when they happen, and honestly, you'll probably find yourself slowing down to match the pace within a day or two.

Top Things to Do in Grande Comore

Mount Karthala Volcano Trek

The trek to Karthala's crater rim is genuinely one of the most rewarding volcano hikes you can do without needing serious mountaineering skills. The trail winds through cloud forest that feels almost prehistoric, and the crater itself - when it's not shrouded in mist - offers views that make the early morning start worthwhile. You'll likely encounter some of the island's endemic birds along the way, and the volcanic formations near the summit are surprisingly diverse.

Booking Tip: Local guides charge around $30-50 for the full-day trek, and you absolutely need one since the trails aren't marked. Book through your hotel or ask around in Moroni - most guides are reliable, but look for someone who speaks your language reasonably well since they'll be sharing a lot about the local ecology.

Moroni Medina Walking

The old quarter of Moroni actually rewards slow wandering more than any structured tour. The narrow streets are lined with traditional Comorian houses featuring intricate wooden doors and carved balconies that show clear Swahili and Arab influences. You'll stumble across tiny mosques, spice vendors, and workshops where craftsmen still make traditional items by hand.

Booking Tip: This is perfect for independent exploration, though hiring a local guide for 2-3 hours (around $15-20) can provide context you'd miss otherwise. Morning hours tend to be best when the light is good for photos and shops are opening up.

Itsandra Beach and Fishing Villages

The beaches north of Moroni offer some of the most authentic interactions with local life you'll find on the island. Itsandra village is where traditional dhow fishing still happens daily, and you can often join fishermen heading out in the early morning or late afternoon. The volcanic sand beaches here are surprisingly beautiful, with clear water that's perfect for swimming when the conditions are right.

Booking Tip: Rather than formal booking, just show up at the beach around 6 AM or 4 PM when boats are going out. Fishermen typically charge $10-15 for a few hours on the water, and it's one of those experiences that feels completely authentic because it is.

Lac Salé Salt Lake

This crater lake sits in an extinct volcanic cone and has an otherworldly quality that photographs never quite capture properly. The water is indeed salty - fed by underground connections to the sea - and the surrounding landscape feels almost lunar. It's particularly striking in late afternoon when the light hits the mineral deposits around the edges.

Booking Tip: The lake is about 45 minutes from Moroni by taxi, which should cost around $25-30 for the round trip including waiting time. Some drivers double as informal guides and can provide interesting background about the geological formation.

Traditional Ylang-Ylang Distillery Tours

Grande Comore produces some of the world's finest ylang-ylang essential oil, and several small distilleries still operate using traditional methods that haven't changed much in decades. The process is fascinating to watch, and the aromatic intensity in the distillation rooms is almost overwhelming in the best possible way. You'll learn about the harvesting timing - flowers must be picked before dawn - and see how the oil separation actually works.

Booking Tip: The distillery at Bambao is the most accessible and charges around $5-10 for tours. They operate seasonally (roughly November through April), so timing matters. Call ahead or ask your hotel to check if they're currently processing flowers.

Getting There

Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport handles most international traffic, with flights from Paris, Nairobi, Dubai, and other regional hubs. Air Austral and Kenya Airways are the most reliable carriers, though schedules can be somewhat unpredictable during certain seasons. The airport sits about 20 minutes north of Moroni, and taxis charge a fairly standard $15-20 for the trip into town. Worth noting that flight connections often require overnight stops in Nairobi or Réunion, so factor that into your planning.

Getting Around

Taxis are the most practical option for getting around, though 'taxi' here often means shared rides in aging Peugeots that follow semi-regular routes. Private hire for a day typically runs $40-60 depending on distance and your negotiating skills. Local buses exist but operate on schedules that seem to shift based on passenger demand and driver mood. For shorter distances in Moroni, walking is actually quite pleasant, and many attractions in the medina are close enough together that you won't need wheels.

Where to Stay

Moroni city center

Itsandra coastal area

Maloudja beachfront

Iconi village

Mitsamiouli northern coast

Fomboni central region

Food & Dining

The food scene centers around Comorian cuisine, which blends Arab, African, and French influences in ways that actually work remarkably well together. Langouste (spiny lobster) appears on most menus and is genuinely excellent when prepared simply. Rice dishes flavored with cardamom and cinnamon are staples, often served with grilled fish or goat. Street food tends to cluster around the main market in Moroni - sambusas and various fried items that make good quick meals. Hotel restaurants often offer the most consistent quality, though seeking out family-run places in residential areas can lead to some memorable meals.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Comoros

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Cafe Villamor

4.8 /5

(182 reviews) 2

bakery cafe store

View on Map Website

When to Visit

The dry season from May through October offers the most reliable weather, with less humidity and minimal rainfall that might interfere with outdoor activities. That said, this is also when ylang-ylang harvesting happens (November through April), so if seeing the distilleries in operation matters to you, you'll need to accept some rain. Cyclone season technically runs December through March, though direct hits are relatively rare. The shoulder months of April and November often provide good compromises - decent weather with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Friday afternoons tend to slow down significantly as people prepare for prayers, so plan accordingly if you need to get things done or catch transport.

The local currency situation can be tricky - euros are widely accepted, but having some Comorian francs for smaller purchases and tips makes life easier.

Volcanic activity is monitored, but eruptions can happen with relatively little warning - check current status if you're planning the Karthala trek during your visit.