Grand Comore

Grand Comore is the largest island in the East African island nation of Comoros, and location of the capital. == Cities and villages == 1 Moroni - the capital 2 Iconi – One of the oldest settlements on Grand Comore. A short taxi ride south of Moroni. Medina-style town center. Sea cliffs from which women leapt to their deaths in the early 19th century rather than being kidnapped by Malagasy pirates and sold into slavery. Parasitic volcanic crater. 3 Mbachile – A small village a 1/2-hour walk along the coast south of Iconi. Quiet beaches, pretty village == Other destinations == 1 Mount Karthala – One of the largest and most dangerous volcanoes in the world because of the possibility that water inside the volcano could explode resulting in rock raining down. When the volcano is calm it is a hiking destination, though supposedly a difficult two-day climb to the top. 2 Coelacanth Marine Park – The second marine park in the Comoros is on the southern coast adjacent to coelocanth habitat (steep underwater cliffs). == Understand == Being a volcanic island of harsh black rock, and the most populated island in the nation, tourists often get negative first impressions of Grand Comore, or Ngazidja as the locals call it. But if you can look past the crowded roads, the piles of garbage, and expensive food, transport and accommodation, you can enjoy an authentic island with a handful of world-class beaches which hardly any other tourists visit. == Get in == You can reach the island by plane at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH IATA) near Moroni, from a handful of African cities and the French islands of Réunion and Mayotte. Freighters accepting passengers from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam (in Tanzania), Mahajanga (in Madagascar) and the other Comorian islands also arrive to Moroni. == Get around == === By shared taxi === Shared taxis are nearly always available (except late at night and during a taxi strike) around Moroni. Rates start at CF200 per person (Comoros francs) for a ride within a town, and CF250 for nearby towns like Moroni to Iconi. Taxis between Hahaya (the airport) and Moroni cost no more than CF500 (~€1). Tourists have been asked for €30. Taxis also run to nearly everywhere on the island, with varying frequency. Be careful when going to southern, northern, and especially eastern destinations as taxis may stop running as early as 15:00. Everything slows down on Sundays and holidays, so taxis are less frequent. === By bus === Buses between Moroni and different villages in the island run only during the morning. There is no schedule as buses depart "when full", although there seem to be enough passengers to not make you wait long. For better luck, head to the station early in the morning when there is more activity. Vehicles fit about 20 people, four per row, so expect an uncomfortable, squashed, and hot ride, though interesting. You may need to be assertive and dive in at your first chance if there are a lot of people waiting for the bus. === By car === If you wish to rent a car (self-driving), expect to pay around €40 for a small car and €50 for a 4WD per day, fuel not included. The big tour around the island can be done in one day, and the road is not too bad. The section between the airport and Mitsamiouli was being paved in October 2018. Hitch-hiking is very easy and very safe on Grand Comore. Wave your hand rather than putting out a thumb. Locals do it frequently and you always meet friendly people. Of course, some people may try to charge you for the ride, so be sure you specify that you are seeking an "auto-stop". == See == 1 Lac Salé. Also known as Lake Niamawi. A saltwater crater lake on the northern coast (updated Nov 2023) East Coast. Difficult access (be aware of when taxis stop running) with beautiful coastline close to Mt Karthala. Chomoni is a local tourist site with a white sand beach and huts on the beach for picnics. (updated Jan 2026) Volo Volo market in Moroni is the largest market on the island; you can buy food, clothing, electronics, and other goods there; it is in the center of town near many other shops, a few pharmacies, restaurants, and the hospital where you can get malaria testing done for CF1000. Medina section of Moroni is near the port and the Friday Mosque. It is composed of winding alleys between ancient buildings and provides a fascinating glimpse into local life. The closeness of the buildings also provides shade from the hot sun. Badjanani Mosque (Moroni Mosque) in Moroni, is ne of the oldest mosques in the Comoros and is religiously important to Comorians for its age and size (the more people pray together in one place, the more powerful the prayer). It sits on the harbor adjacent to a shipyard and the medina. == Do == Don't forget to hit the beach, being mindful of Comoros social decorum (see Respect under main Comoros page). What the island lacks in quantity of beaches it makes up for in quality; these beaches are equal to anything in the more popular Seychelles, while being far less touristed. 1 Buuni Beach, east side of island. (updated Jul 2020) 2 Ivoini Beach, northern tip of island. (updated Jul 2020) Itsandra has a white sand beach and medina neighborhood. Restaurant on beach. A short taxi ride north of Moroni == Eat == Chez Babou restaurant, Oasis district, north of Volo Volo. Quality Indian food and ice cream. Cafe de la Paix, Ambassadeur district, south of the hospital in Moroni. A large menu of Indian ocean cuisine. It is better to ask what is available than to order from the menu. For local food in the day time, try any of the small restaurants around Volo Volo market or near the Friday mosque in Gobadjou district. The best time to eat in Moroni is after the sun goes down. small bungalows along the coast make meat kebabs (mshakiki) for CF50. Local custom is to order them ten at a time along with grilled bananas, cassava, or breadfruit. 1 Chez Nini, Sima-Maloudja, Mitsamiouli, Grande Comore (From the RN 1 in Mitsamiouli, follow the dirt path near the beach toward the wedding hall until you reach the restaurant.), ☏ +269 430 05 15. Tu-Th 17:00-22:00, F Su 11:00-22:00, Sa 11:00-00:00, closed Monday. A bit hidden from the main road in Mitsamiouli but on the way to the best beach in town, Chez Nini offers seafood, chicken, traditional local vegetable dishes, desserts, and alcohol. They also hold different events and parties for special occasions like the New Year, so keep an eye on their Facebook page around days like that to see if anything exciting is going on. From Tuesday to Thursday only the bar is open and food will not be served. €6-12. (updated May 2020) == Drink == Club des Amis. A night club in Iconi, more relaxed and larger than Le Rose Noir. == Sleep == Tourist infrastructure is limited. Options range from basic guesthouses to the Golden Tulip, the island’s only resort. Rooms can be dated, and amenities vary widely. === Budget === CNAC (Itsandra) Hotel des Iles de Paradis (near Volo Volo) Pension Fatima (Moroni) Comoros Del Toro === Splurge === Hotel Moroni (Moroni) Galwa Hotel (near Mitsamiouli) Golden Tulip == Stay safe == In 2025, a Colombian traveller died of malaria 6 months after contracting it during his stay on Grand Comore. Don't let yourself become a statistic. Take precautions. == Go next == Anjouan Mayotte Speedboats to Moheli leave from Chindini on the southern coast