Things to Do in Mohéli

Mohéli, Comoros - Complete Travel Guide

Mohéli stands as the smallest and most untouched of the three main Comoro Islands, offering a glimpse into what the Indian Ocean might have looked like decades ago. The island feels refreshingly unhurried - you'll find fishing villages where life moves at the pace of the tides, and beaches where your footprints might be the only ones for hours. What makes Mohéli particularly special is its commitment to conservation, with the island serving as a vital nesting ground for green turtles and home to some of the region's most pristine coral reefs. The landscape here is genuinely diverse for such a small island. Dense tropical forests give way to dramatic coastlines, while traditional villages dot the interior where ylang-ylang and vanilla still grow wild. It's the kind of place where you might find yourself completely disconnected from the outside world - and oddly grateful for it. The locals tend to be incredibly welcoming, though you'll want to brush up on your French or Comorian since English isn't widely spoken.

Top Things to Do in Mohéli

Marine Park Snorkeling and Diving

Mohéli Marine Park protects some of the Indian Ocean's most pristine coral reefs, teeming with tropical fish, rays, and occasional whale sharks. The underwater visibility here is typically excellent, and the coral formations remain largely untouched by mass tourism. You'll likely encounter green turtles, which nest on the island's beaches from October to February.

Booking Tip: Local dive operators charge around $40-60 per dive, with snorkeling trips starting at $25. Book directly with operators in Fomboni or through your accommodation - they know the best spots based on current conditions and can arrange equipment rental.

Turtle Nesting Beach Walks

From October through February, green turtles come ashore at night to nest on Mohéli's protected beaches. Guided walks allow you to witness this ancient ritual while ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles. The experience of watching a massive turtle lay her eggs under starlight is genuinely moving and unforgettable.

Booking Tip: Night turtle walks cost around $15-25 per person and must be arranged through certified guides to protect the nesting sites. Contact the Marine Park office in Fomboni or ask your accommodation to arrange - they'll know the current nesting activity levels.

Village Cultural Immersion

Traditional villages like Nioumachoua and Hoani offer authentic glimpses into Comorian island life, where fishing and farming rhythms haven't changed much in generations. You'll see traditional dhow boats being built, women weaving baskets from palm fronds, and might be invited to share tea and stories. The hospitality here is remarkable, though language barriers add to the adventure.

Booking Tip: Village visits are best arranged through local guides who can facilitate introductions and translate - expect to pay $20-30 for a half-day cultural tour. Bring small gifts like tea or school supplies, and always ask permission before photographing people.

Forest Hiking and Birdwatching

Mohéli's interior forests harbor endemic bird species and offer excellent hiking through dense tropical vegetation. The trails wind through ylang-ylang groves and vanilla plantations, leading to viewpoints with sweeping island vistas. You might spot the Mohéli scops owl or Humblot's flycatcher, both found nowhere else on earth.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides through the Marine Park office for $15-20 per day - they know the trail conditions and wildlife spotting locations. Bring sturdy shoes and rain gear as paths can be muddy, especially during the wet season from November to April.

Traditional Dhow Sailing

Local fishermen still use traditional dhow boats for daily fishing and inter-island transport, and many are happy to take visitors on sailing trips along the coast. These wooden boats with their distinctive triangular sails offer a peaceful way to appreciate Mohéli's coastline while learning about traditional maritime skills that have been passed down for centuries.

Booking Tip: Dhow trips can be arranged directly with fishermen for $30-50 per day, depending on the length and destination. Ask at the harbor in Fomboni or Nioumachoua - morning departures are typically best for calmer seas and better fishing opportunities.

Getting There

Mohéli is accessible primarily through Inter-Îles Air, which operates small aircraft from Grande Comore (about 20 minutes) and occasionally from Anjouan. The flights are weather-dependent and schedules can be fluid, so flexibility is essential. Alternatively, cargo boats and dhows make the crossing from the other islands, though these journeys can take several hours and comfort levels vary significantly. Most international travelers fly into Moroni on Grande Comore first, then connect to Mohéli - it's worth noting that the airstrip here is quite basic, adding to the adventure of arrival.

Getting Around

Transportation on Mohéli is refreshingly simple, mainly because there isn't much of it. A few dirt roads connect the main villages, and taxi-brousse (shared minibuses) run irregular routes between settlements for a few dollars. Many visitors find walking or hiring a local guide with a motorbike to be the most reliable options. The island is small enough that you can walk from coast to coast in a few hours, and the pace naturally slows to match the surroundings. For longer distances or beach access, arranging transport through your accommodation tends to work better than trying to flag down passing vehicles.

Where to Stay

Fomboni town center

Nioumachoua village

Itsamia beachfront

Hoani fishing village

Marine Park vicinity

Interior forest lodges

Food & Dining

The dining scene on Mohéli revolves around incredibly fresh seafood and traditional Comorian flavors, though options are limited and wonderfully authentic. Most meals feature the day's catch - often red snapper, tuna, or lobster - prepared with coconut, vanilla, and local spices. You'll find small family-run restaurants in Fomboni and the villages, where meals are typically prepared to order and cost $5-15. Rice and cassava form the base of most dishes, often accompanied by tropical fruits that grow abundantly on the island. Don't miss trying the local vanilla, which grows wild and appears in both sweet and savory preparations.

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 comfortable weather, with lower humidity and minimal rainfall making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. However, turtle nesting season from October through February provides a unique wildlife experience that many consider worth the increased heat and humidity. The wet season from November to April can be quite rainy, but the island is lush and green, and you'll have fewer tourists around. Cyclone season runs roughly from January to March, though direct hits are relatively rare. For diving and snorkeling, visibility tends to be best during the drier months, though the marine life is active year-round.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in Comorian francs or euros - there are no ATMs on the island and card payments are virtually impossible

Pack a good flashlight and extra batteries as power outages are common, especially in smaller villages

Learn basic French phrases as English is rarely spoken, and showing effort to communicate in the local language opens many doors