Comoros Travel Information

The Comoros Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, offer a unique blend of stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and an array of outdoor activities. Here are the top 10 things to do in Comoros with details on each item:

1. Visit Mount Karthala

The largest active volcano in the world, Mount Karthala, is one of the must-visit sites in Comoros. Visitors can hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Indian Ocean. The hike itself is challenging, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

2. Explore the Moroni Historic District

The historic district of Moroni, the capital city of Comoros, is a must-visit destination for those interested in the country's history and culture. Visitors can explore the narrow, winding streets, and visit the Ancienne Mosquée Omarienne, one of the oldest mosques in the country, which dates back to the 12th century. The mosque is a great example of traditional Comoran architecture, and is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in the country.

3. Visit the Poé Beach

This beautiful beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Comoros, and offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear blue waters, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the ocean. Poé Beach is also a great place for snorkeling, as the coral reefs surrounding the beach are home to a variety of marine life.

4. Visit the Dziancoundre Waterfall

This stunning waterfall is located in the lush forests of the Grande Comore island, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can take a hike through the lush forest to reach the waterfall, and enjoy a refreshing swim in its pools.

5. Explore the La Grille Beach

This serene beach is located on the remote island of Moheli, and is a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, and explore the surrounding coral reefs.

6. Visit the Ancienne Mosquée Omarienne

This historic mosque, located in the heart of Moroni, is one of the oldest in the country and is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in Comoros. Visitors can explore the mosque's intricate architecture and learn about its rich history.

7. Visit the National Museum of Comoros

This museum, located in Moroni, is a great place to learn about the country's rich history and culture. Visitors can view exhibits on the country's cultural heritage, natural history, and more.

8. Explore the Laka Lodge Forest

This lush forest, located on the island of Moheli, is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare bird species and monkeys. Visitors can take a hike through the forest to experience its beauty and wildlife.

9. Visit the Saziley Island

This secluded island is located off the coast of Moheli, and is a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. Visitors can enjoy the island's pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life.

10. Take a boat tour around the islands

Comoros is made up of four islands, each with its own unique landscapes and attractions. Visitors can take a boat tour around the islands to explore the various beaches, forests, waterfalls, and more.

Climate

Comoros is located near the equator in the western Indian Ocean, which results in a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F) year-round. There are two main seasons: a hot and humid rainy season from November to May, and a dry and relatively cooler season from June to October.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Comoros is from June to October, during the dry season, when temperatures are slightly cooler and there is less rainfall. This time of year is also the best for outdoor activities and visiting the country's beaches and marine parks. However, it is important to note that even during the dry season, the humidity can be high and the heat can be intense.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Comoros is a developing nation and as such, the accommodation options are limited. However, there are a variety of options available for travelers, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels.

Budget Accommodation

Budget travelers can find guesthouses and small local hotels for a low cost. These options are often basic and may not have all the amenities of more expensive options, but they provide a safe and clean place to sleep.

Mid-Range Accommodation

Mid-range accommodation options in Comoros include hotels and lodges. These options provide more amenities and comfort, but are still relatively affordable.

Luxury Accommodation

Luxury accommodation options are limited in Comoros, but there are a few high-end hotels and resorts in the larger cities. These options provide a higher level of comfort and luxury, but are more expensive.

Regardless of the accommodation option chosen, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Getting around Comoros can be a challenge for travelers, as the transportation infrastructure is limited. However, there are a variety of options available for getting from place to place, including:

Domestic Flights

The easiest way to travel between the islands of Comoros is by air. There are several domestic airlines that offer flights between the different islands.

Taxis and Car Rentals

Taxis and car rentals are available in Comoros, but it is recommended to only use reputable companies and negotiate the price in advance. Driving in Comoros can be challenging due to poor road conditions and limited signage.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options in Comoros include minibuses and shared taxis. These options are cheap, but can be overcrowded and not very comfortable.

Ferries

Ferries are available for traveling between the different islands of Comoros. These options are slow but provide a scenic way to see the islands.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.