Where to Stay in Comoros
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Comoros
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The capital region offers the archipelago's widest accommodation selection, from budget guesthouses in Moroni's medina to beachfront hotels along the black sand coast. This area serves as the primary entry point for most visitors and provides the best infrastructure, restaurants, and services. The coastal strip north and south of Moroni features several mid-range and upscale properties with ocean views.
The northern tip of Grande Comore features dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and some of the island's most scenic coastal accommodation. This quieter region attracts travelers seeking isolation and natural beauty, with properties ranging from simple beach bungalows to small eco-lodges. The area offers excellent access to Mount Karthala volcano and traditional villages.
The southern region of Grande Comore offers a more traditional Comorian experience with fewer tourists and simpler accommodation options. This area is characterized by fishing villages, volcanic rock formations, and authentic cultural encounters. Lodging consists mainly of basic guesthouses and homestays that provide genuine insight into local island life.
Anjouan's capital region features charming colonial architecture and hillside guesthouses with spectacular views over the town and harbor. The accommodation here reflects the island's historical character, with several properties occupying restored buildings from the sultanate era. This area offers the best base for exploring Anjouan's mountainous interior and aromatic plantations.
The southern coast of Anjouan offers the island's best beaches and a handful of small beachfront properties catering to travelers seeking coastal relaxation. This less-visited region provides a quieter alternative to Mutsamudu, with accommodation options that emphasize seaside settings and access to snorkeling spots. The area remains largely undeveloped for tourism.
The southern coast of Mohéli, home to the country's premier marine protected area, offers the archipelago's best diving and wildlife-watching accommodation. Properties here are small-scale and eco-focused, ranging from rustic beach bungalows to slightly more comfortable lodges. This is the primary destination for seeing sea turtles, dolphins, and pristine coral reefs, with accommodation designed for nature enthusiasts.
Mohéli's small capital and surrounding central region offer the island's most accessible accommodation with basic guesthouses and simple hotels. While less scenic than the marine park area, this region provides a practical base for exploring the entire island and experiencing everyday Comorian life. Accommodation is straightforward and budget-oriented.
The highland areas surrounding Comoros' active volcano offer limited but unique accommodation options for trekkers and adventure travelers. A few basic guesthouses in villages along the mountain's slopes provide starting points for volcano hikes. These accommodations are extremely simple but offer cool mountain air and access to cloud forests and volcanic landscapes.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Comoros
International hotel chains are entirely absent from Comoros. The closest to a chain presence are a few small regional Indian Ocean hospitality groups with single properties on Grande Comore. The accommodation sector is dominated by independent operators, family businesses, and small local entrepreneurs. This creates an authentic experience but also means standards and amenities vary significantly even within the same price category.
Local accommodation options reflect the archipelago's Swahili-Arab heritage and French colonial influence. Family-run guesthouses (pensions) are the most common lodging type, often occupying traditional stone houses with inner courtyards. These typically include breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruit, coconut bread, and strong coffee. Many properties are operated by Comorian families who provide meals prepared with local ingredients including fresh seafood, cassava, and ylang-ylang-scented dishes. Direct communication with owners is often necessary, and flexibility regarding check-in times and services is expected.
Comoros offers several unique accommodation experiences reflecting its island culture. Beachfront bungalows with traditional makuti (palm thatch) roofs provide authentic coastal living, particularly on Mohéli. Some properties occupy restored Arab-style stone houses with carved wooden doors and rooftop terraces overlooking the ocean. A few eco-lodges emphasize sustainability and integration with local communities, offering cultural activities like vanilla plantation visits and traditional fishing experiences. On Anjouan, several guesthouses occupy former colonial mansions with period architecture and tropical gardens filled with fragrant ylang-ylang and clove trees.
Booking Tips for Comoros
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Many Comorian accommodations have limited or no presence on international booking platforms. Contacting properties directly via email, WhatsApp, or phone often yields better rates and more flexibility. French language skills are highly beneficial for these communications, as English is rarely spoken. Be prepared for slower response times and confirm reservations multiple times before arrival.
If staying on multiple islands, coordinate accommodation bookings with inter-island flight schedules or boat services, which can be irregular. Many properties, especially on Mohéli and Anjouan, will assist with arranging transfers from airports or ports if notified in advance. Building extra time into your itinerary accounts for potential transportation delays between islands.
Many accommodations, particularly outside Moroni, operate on a cash-only basis in Comorian francs or euros. ATMs are unreliable and often empty, so bring sufficient cash. Some mid-range and upscale properties accept credit cards but may add surcharges of 5-10%. Always clarify payment methods when booking and bring backup cash reserves.
Even properties advertising air conditioning, hot water, or Wi-Fi may experience frequent outages due to electricity supply issues. Power cuts are common throughout the archipelago, and backup generators are not universal. Pack accordingly with headlamps, power banks, and patience. What accommodations lack in reliability, they often compensate for with stunning locations and genuine hospitality.
Many properties, especially beach lodges and eco-resorts, offer half-board or full-board packages that provide excellent value given the limited restaurant options outside main towns. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Comorian specialties prepared on-site often represent the best dining experiences available. These packages also simplify meal planning in remote areas.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Comoros
For travel during the May-October dry season, book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance, particularly for properties on Mohéli near the marine park and popular diving areas. The limited number of quality rooms means desirable properties fill quickly during these months. French holiday periods (July-August) require even earlier booking.
During April and November transition months, booking 4-6 weeks ahead provides adequate selection while still allowing flexibility. Weather can be variable during these periods, but accommodation availability improves significantly and rates often drop 15-25% compared to peak season.
The November-March rainy season offers maximum availability and lowest prices, though some smaller properties on Mohéli may close temporarily. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead is generally sufficient, and last-minute arrangements are often possible. However, heavy rains can make some areas less accessible and outdoor activities weather-dependent.
Given Comoros' developing tourism infrastructure and limited accommodation inventory, booking earlier than you might for more established destinations is advisable. For any season, securing accommodation before arranging flights is recommended, as options are genuinely limited. Building flexibility into your itinerary helps accommodate the inevitable logistical surprises of island travel in a frontier destination.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Comoros