Comoros

Comoros is a cluster of volcanic islands scented, quite literally, by the ylang-ylang plantations that supply much of the world's perfume industry. Mount Karthala's smoking crater looms over Grande Comore, while the coastlines offer coral reefs and clear water with almost none of the crowds found elsewhere in the Indian Ocean. Tourism infrastructure is minimal and travel can be slow-paced and improvisational, which suits visitors drawn to a genuinely undiscovered island atmosphere.

Why go thereIslands Beaches Volcanoes Diving & snorkelling Nature & landscapes Culture & heritage Wildlife Rural traditions

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Langouste à la vanille

Spiny lobster in a vanilla and coconut cream sauce, the islands' signature plate.

Mataba

Pounded cassava leaves cooked with coconut milk and salted fish.

Mtsolola

Green banana, cassava and fish stewed in coconut milk into a thick one-pot meal.

Food & drink to try

Langouste à la vanille

Spiny lobster in a vanilla and coconut cream sauce, the islands' signature plate.

Mataba

Pounded cassava leaves cooked with coconut milk and salted fish.

Mtsolola

Green banana, cassava and fish stewed in coconut milk into a thick one-pot meal.

Pilao

Rice cooked with meat, cardamom and clove, served at weddings in vast platters.

Mkatra foutra

Coconut flatbread cooked on a griddle, eaten with tea or beside a stew.

Sambusa

Fried triangular pastries of spiced meat or fish, sold in the street at dusk.

Ladu

Rice-flour and coconut sweets rolled into balls and scented with cardamom.

Poulet au coco

Chicken simmered in coconut milk with tomato, onion and island spice.

Vanille des Comores

Vanilla and ylang-ylang grown on the same slopes, scenting the food and the air.

Jus de coco

Refreshing coconut juice straight from the fresh nut, naturally sweet and hydrating.

Entry & health

Set your passport

en.wikipedia.org power-plugs-sockets.com worldstandards.eu

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping is not obligatory but is customary and appreciated; in restaurants leaving roughly 5–10% is common when a service charge isn't already included, and small tips are given to hotel staff, drivers and guides.

Comoros is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees) and be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
Handshakes are common greetings; conservative and respectful behaviour is expected, especially in public spaces.
Friday is the main day of rest, with offices typically operating Monday to Thursday and Saturday.
Ask permission before photographing local people, especially women, and be discreet with cameras around religious sites.
Cash is king outside major towns since ATMs are limited (mainly in Moroni and Mutsamudu) and unreliable, and cards incur 3–5% surcharges even where accepted.
Alcohol is available in some tourist hotels/restaurants but is not part of everyday local life — be discreet about drinking in public.

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for Comoros — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA