Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport, settle into your hotel, and begin exploring the historic capital on foot.
Morning
Arrival and Transfer
Arrive at HAH airport. Take a pre-arranged taxi or hotel transfer to your accommodation in
Moroni. Settle in and exchange currency at a bank in the city center.
1-2 hours
$15-20 (taxi)
Pre-arrange a transfer with your hotel for ease.
Lunch
Restaurant Al Amal
Comorian & Indian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore the Medina (Old Town)
Wander the labyrinthine streets of the medina. Key sights include the iconic Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi (Old Friday Mosque) on the waterfront and the active Volo Volo market. Soak in the atmosphere of carved wooden doors and lively local commerce.
2-3 hours
Free (market purchases extra)
Evening
Waterfront Dinner & Sunset
Enjoy dinner at Le Coraya or a similar seafront spot. Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean with views of Mount Karthala.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moroni Centre or near the Medina (Hotel like Retaj Moroni or similar)
Central location for exploring the capital on foot and easy access to restaurants.
For the best photos of the Old Friday Mosque, go in the late afternoon when the light is soft and the tide is out.
Day 1 Budget: $90
A scenic drive to the island's south to witness a lunar-like landscape and a sacred saltwater lake.
Morning
Drive to Lac Salé
Hire a 4x4 with driver-guide for the day. Journey south along the coast, passing through villages and lava fields, to the extraordinary Lac Salé. This volcanic crater lake near the village of Singani is a sacred site with stark, beautiful scenery.
2 hours drive
$80-100 (for vehicle/driver for the day)
Arrange through your hotel; ensure the vehicle is a 4x4.
Lunch
Picnic at Lac Salé or simple local fare in Singani
Local/Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Chindini Black Sand Beach & Return
On the return journey, stop at Chindini, a dramatic black sand beach with powerful waves. Visit a local ylang-ylang distillery in the area to see how the islands' famous perfume essence is extracted.
2-3 hours
Included in driver cost; distillery visit may have small fee ($2-5)
Evening
Relaxed Dinner
Try grilled fish and pilao rice at a local eatery like Chez Babou.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moroni (Same as previous night)
Using Moroni as a base for Grande Comore explorations is most practical.
Respect local customs at Lac Salé; it's a spiritual place. Dress modestly and ask your guide about appropriate behavior.
Day 2 Budget: $110
Discover the calmer northern coast, its white-sand beaches, and the historic ruins of Iconi and the Sultan's Palace.
Morning
Visit Iconi & Itsoudzou Beach
Drive north to the historic town of Iconi, an ancient capital. See the ruins overlooking the sea. Continue to the impressive Itsoudzou Beach (also known as Bouni Beach) for a swim in turquoise, protected waters.
3 hours
$50-70 (taxi for half-day)
Negotiate a half-day rate with a taxi driver from your hotel.
Lunch
Beachside at Itsoudzou
Fresh grilled seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Sultan's Palace of Itsandra (M'Badjini)
Visit the restored Sultan's Palace (Beit es Salaam) in the village of Itsandra. This 19th-century structure offers insight into the island's royal history and provides fantastic photo opportunities.
1-2 hours
$2 entry fee
Evening
Dinner at La Grillade for excellent meats and Comorian stews.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moroni (Same hotel)
Consistent base for exploring the island.
At Itsoudzou Beach, you can rent snorkel gear from local vendors to explore the small reef close to shore.
Day 3 Budget: $95
Take a short domestic flight to the smallest and most pristine island, Mohéli. Settle into a beach bungalow and unwind.
Morning
Flight to Mohéli
Take an early Inter Iles Air flight from HAH to Mohéli Airport (NWA). The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the islands. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation on the coast near Nioumachoua or Itsamia.
Flight: 30 min; Transfer: 30-60 min
$100-120 (flight)
Book flights well in advance as they have limited capacity.
Lunch
At your lodge or a local village cafe in Nioumachoua
Simple Comorian
Budget
Afternoon
Beach Relaxation & Snorkel
After settling in, spend the afternoon relaxing on the pristine, often deserted beach right outside your lodge. Take a first snorkel in the clear, shallow waters of the Marine Park.
2-3 hours
Free (if snorkel gear is provided by lodge)
Evening
Sundowner & Lodge Dinner
Enjoy a quiet evening at your eco-lodge, dining on fresh-caught fish under the stars.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nioumachoua or Itsamia (Eco-lodge like Laka Lodge or similar)
Proximity to the Mohéli Marine Park and turtle nesting sites.
Pack a small torch/flashlight. Evenings at the eco-lodges are magical but pathways are not brightly lit.
Day 4 Budget: $140
A full day on the water, searching for humpback whales (in season) and snorkeling in the lively coral gardens of the Marine Park.
Morning
Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal: Jul-Oct)
Start a guided boat tour from Nioumachoua to spot humpback whales. Operators are trained in responsible whale watching. Outside of season, this becomes a dedicated snorkeling and island tour.
3-4 hours
$50-70 per person
Book through your lodge the day before.
Lunch
Picnic on a Sandbank or Island
Picnic lunch provided on tour
Included
Afternoon
Snorkeling at the Marine Park
Continue the boat tour to prime snorkeling spots within the Mohéli Marine Park, such as around the islets of Nioumachoua. Expect healthy coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and sometimes dolphins.
2-3 hours
Included in tour price
Evening
Village Visit & Dinner
Take a short walk into Nioumachoua village to see daily life. Dinner back at your lodge.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nioumachoua (Same eco-lodge)
Perfect base for marine activities.
If visiting outside whale season, request the boat tour to include a visit to the small island of Noumachoua for a beautiful, secluded beach.
Day 5 Budget: $110
Visit a world-well-known turtle nesting site and take a short hike for panoramic island views.
Morning
Itsamia Turtle Sanctuary
Travel to the village of Itsamia, home to one of the Indian Ocean's most important green turtle nesting sites. Visit the community-run conservation center to learn about their work. You may see tracks or (with a guided night tour) nesting turtles.
2-3 hours
$5-10 donation to the center
Arrange a guide through the center; night tours must be booked in advance.
Lunch
Local homestyle lunch in Itsamia
Comorian home cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Hike to Miringoni Peak
Take a guided hike (moderate difficulty) up to Miringoni Peak. The reward is a impressive 360-degree view over Mohéli, its surrounding islets, and the sea. The trail passes through fragrant forests.
3-4 hours round trip
$15-25 (guide fee)
Arrange a guide through your lodge; bring good hiking shoes and water.
Evening
Optional Turtle Night Watch
If you pre-booked, return to Itsamia with a guide after dark to witness turtles laying eggs on the beach (strict rules apply).
Where to Stay Tonight
Near Nioumachoua (Same eco-lodge)
Central location for exploring the island.
If doing the night turtle watch, wear dark clothing, follow the guide's instructions meticulously, and never use flash photography.
Day 6 Budget: $80
Fly to the dramatic, mountainous island of Anjouan. Explore the captivating capital, Mutsamudu.
Morning
Flight to Anjouan
Take a morning flight from Mohéli (NWA) to Anjouan's Ouani Airport (AJN). The flight is short and scenic. Transfer to your hotel in Mutsamudu, the island's historic capital.
Flight: 20 min; Transfer: 20 min
$80-100 (flight)
Again, book domestic flights early.
Lunch
Hotel Restaurant or Cafe du Port
Comorian/French
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Mutsamudu's Medina & Port
Dive into the crowded, atmospheric medina of Mutsamudu. Explore its narrow streets, ancient gateways (like the Boboni Gate), and crowded markets. Walk along the lively port to watch the coming and going of traditional dhows.
2-3 hours
Free
A local guide is recommended for the medina to navigate and explain its history ($10-15).
Evening
Dinner with a View
Dine at your hotel or a restaurant with views over the city and harbor, such as Al Qamar.
Where to Stay Tonight
Mutsamudu (Hotel like Hotel Al Amal or similar)
Best location for exploring the capital and accessing guides for inland trips.
In the Mutsamudu medina, look for small shops selling essential oils – ylang-ylang, jasmine, and basil – for which Anjouan is famous.
Day 7 Budget: $110
A full-day 4x4 excursion into the lush, mountainous heart of Anjouan to discover impressive waterfalls and fragrant plantations.
Morning
Drive to Dzialandzé Waterfall
Hire a 4x4 with driver-guide for the day. Journey into the interior, passing through villages and steep terraced hillsides. Hike (easy-moderate) through dense forest to the magnificent Dzialandzé (or Dziani) Waterfall for a refreshing swim in its pool.
3 hours (including drive and hike)
$80-100 (for vehicle/driver)
Arrange through your hotel; ensure the trip includes the waterfall hike.
Lunch
Picnic at the waterfall or local lunch in a village
Picnic/Local
Budget
Afternoon
Clove & Ylang-Ylang Plantation Tour
Visit a family-run plantation in the region. Learn about the cultivation and distillation processes of cloves and ylang-ylang, the backbone of the island's economy and perfume industry. See the traditional stills and smell the incredible aromas.
2 hours
Small donation or purchase expected ($5-10)
Your driver-guide will know specific plantations to visit.
Evening
Return to Mutsamudu
Enjoy a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying the Anjouan specialty, 'langouste a la vanille' (vanilla lobster).
Where to Stay Tonight
Mutsamudu (Same hotel)
Consistent base for exploring the island.
Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and muddy for the waterfall hike. Pack a swimsuit and towel.
Day 8 Budget: $115
Discover the island's most beautiful beach and the charming old capital of Sima.
Morning
Journey to Tratringa Beach
Drive south along the scenic coast to the impressive Tratringa Beach. This long stretch of white sand backed by coconut palms is considered one of the finest in Comoros. Relax, swim, and snorkel in the clear lagoon.
1.5 hours drive
$50-70 (taxi for half-day)
Negotiate a round-trip fare with waiting time.
Lunch
Beachside at Tratringa
Simple grilled fish and rice
Budget
Afternoon
Visit Sima & Domoni
On the return journey, stop in Sima, the old capital, to see its historic buildings and mosque. Continue to Domoni, the island's second city, to explore its lively market and the mausoleum of President Ahmed Abdallah.
2 hours
Free (taxi waiting time included)
Evening
Sunset in Mutsamudu
Return to Mutsamudu for a final evening. Have dinner at a port-side cafe.
Where to Stay Tonight
Mutsamudu (Same hotel)
Remaining in Mutsamudu is most convenient.
Buy fresh tropical fruits like lychees, mangoes, or jackfruit from the roadside stalls on the way to Tratringa for a perfect beach snack.
Day 9 Budget: $90
Fly back to Grande Comore and transfer to a relaxed beach resort on the northern coast for some well-deserved downtime.
Morning
Flight to Grande Comore & Transfer North
Take a morning flight from Anjouan back to
Moroni's HAH airport. Upon arrival, bypass the city and take a pre-arranged taxi directly to your beach accommodation on the northern coast (e.g., near Maloudja or Chomoni).
Flight: 30 min; Transfer: 45-60 min
$100-120 (flight) + $30 (taxi)
Pre-book your northern beach hotel and arrange a pickup.
Lunch
At your beach hotel or a nearby local restaurant
Seafood/International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach Relaxation
Unwind after your inter-island travels. Enjoy the facilities of your beach hotel, swim in the pool or ocean, read a book in a hammock, and soak up the sun on the soft sand.
Free afternoon
Free
Evening
Resort Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at your resort, often featuring a buffet or set menu with fresh local ingredients.
Where to Stay Tonight
North Coast (e.g., near Maloudja/Chomoni) (Beach resort like L'Horizon Resort or similar)
To experience Grande Comore's best beaches and have a relaxing finale to the trip.
The northern coast beaches like Maloudja have calmer, more lagoon-like waters than the wilder southern coasts, ideal for swimming.
Day 10 Budget: $150
A day dedicated to marine exploration and pure relaxation on the beach.
Morning
Boat Trip & Snorkeling
Organize a local boat trip from your hotel's beach. Visit nearby coral reefs and snorkel spots. Many trips include a visit to a small sandbank or nearby islet. The waters here are rich with marine life.
3 hours
$30-50 per person
Book directly through your hotel's activity desk.
Lunch
Beach BBQ or Hotel Restaurant
Grilled fish/BBQ
Mid-range
Afternoon
Free Time & Optional Spa
Continue relaxing at the resort. Consider a traditional massage or spa treatment using local ylang-ylang oils. Alternatively, take a walk along the long, scenic beach.
2-3 hours
$30-60 (for spa)
Evening
Sunset Cocktails & Dinner
Savor sunset cocktails on the beach followed by another delicious dinner at the resort.
Where to Stay Tonight
North Coast (Same beach resort)
Perfect for uninterrupted relaxation.
If you want a change of scenery, take a short taxi ride to the nearby Chomoni beach area for a different view and maybe a drink at another hotel.
Day 11 Budget: $120
Explore the agricultural heartland of the island and visit a vanilla plantation.
Morning
Visit a Vanilla Plantation
Take a taxi or guided tour to a vanilla plantation in the fertile eastern region of the island. Learn about the labor-intensive process of building and curing vanilla, one of Comoros' key exports. See the vanilla vines growing under shade trees.
2-3 hours
$40-60 (tour/taxi)
Your hotel can arrange this tour.
Lunch
Local restaurant in Mitsamiouli or nearby village
Comorian
Budget
Afternoon
Coastal Drive & Mitsamiouli Beach
Drive along the scenic east coast. Stop at Mitsamiouli, a large fishing village with a beautiful long beach. See the traditional pirogues and, if it's a Friday, witness the lively weekly market.
2 hours
Included in taxi/tour cost
Evening
Return to Resort
Return to your north coast resort for a final relaxing evening.
Where to Stay Tonight
North Coast (Same beach resort)
Remaining at the beach resort provides comfort and consistency.
Buy some high-quality Comorian vanilla beans directly from the plantation as a fantastic souvenir. They are far superior to most supermarket varieties.
Day 12 Budget: $100
Return to the capital for last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner.
Morning
Transfer to
Moroni & Last-Minute Shopping
Check out of your beach resort and take a taxi back to
Moroni. Check into a hotel near the city or airport. Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs at the Volo Volo market or in specialty shops for spices, essential oils, and local crafts.
2-3 hours
$30 (taxi) + shopping budget
Pre-book your final night's hotel, ideally near the airport for convenience.
Lunch
Le Cedre or a similar restaurant in
Moroni
Lebanese/Comorian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Relax at Hotel or Final Explorations
Relax by your hotel pool or take a final stroll through the medina. Visit the CNDRS National Museum if time permits to learn about Comorian history and culture.
2 hours
$2-5 (museum entry)
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a special final dinner at a top restaurant like La Grillade or Le Coraya, reminiscing about your island adventures.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moroni or near HAH Airport (Hotel like Itsandra Hotel or similar (near airport))
Convenience for your early morning international departure.
Bargain politely but firmly at the market. A good starting point is 50-60% of the initial asking price. Have small bills ready.
Day 13 Budget: $110
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Morning
Airport Transfer & Departure
After a final Comorian breakfast, take your pre-arranged transfer to Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH). Complete check-in and departure formalities, carrying with you memories of the Perfume Isles.
1-2 hours
$10-15 (taxi)
Confirm your airport transfer time with the hotel the night before.
Lunch
At the airport cafe or on the plane
International
Mid-range
Afternoon
In transit
Flight home.
N/A
N/A
Evening
In transit/Arrival
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Double-check your luggage for any prohibited exports like shells from protected marine areas or live plants.
Day 14 Budget: $30