| country: | Comoros |
| departures: | Private departures throughout the year, although the Mt Karthala climb is only recommended during the dry season (April-November) |
| price: | From £1300 (12 days) excluding flights, based on a minimum of two clients. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
The Comoros islands are wrapped in a fragrant blend of ylang-ylang oil, Arabic aesthetics, African warmth and French chic. Not only this, but they have a colourful history of Sultans and soothsayers, plantation owners and eloping princesses.
Following a visit by the team our tour now includes an extended stay at the excellent Laka Lodge. Located on the beautiful island of Mohéli we were very impressed with the Lodge's accommodation and the National Marine Park location. With comfortable beach front bungalows, good food and service and the most amazing of settings we know our clients will be equally impressed. Why not ask us about a tailormade itinerary, with a longer stay on Mohéli.
Alternatively we can easily combine your trip to the Comoros with a stopover in Tanzania or Kenya. Whether you fancy a few days to discover the Spice Island of Zanzibar, or for the perfect adventure, why not add in a safari. Just let us know what you have in mind and we will do the rest.
Following a visit by the team our tour now includes an extended stay at the excellent Laka Lodge. Located on the beautiful island of Mohéli we were very impressed with the Lodge's accommodation and the National Marine Park location. With comfortable beach front bungalows, good food and service and the most amazing of settings we know our clients will be equally impressed. Why not ask us about a tailormade itinerary, with a longer stay on Mohéli.
Alternatively we can easily combine your trip to the Comoros with a stopover in Tanzania or Kenya. Whether you fancy a few days to discover the Spice Island of Zanzibar, or for the perfect adventure, why not add in a safari. Just let us know what you have in mind and we will do the rest.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrival. UK to Moroni, Grande Comore, via Nairobi arriving the next day. |
| Day 2: | Moroni. Transfer to hotel. |
| Day 3: | Moroni. Full day tour of Grande Comore with private car/driver and English speaking guide, including visits to Mitsaniouli village, a Ylang-Ylang plantation, Lac Salé (salt lake) and Chomoni with its excellent beach Overnight Le Moroni Hotel (BL) |
| Day 4: | Moroni to Anjouan. Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Anjouan. On arrival you will be met and taken on a guided tour of the island, widely accepted as the most beautiful of the three islands which make up the Union of the Comoros. Overnight Al Amal Hotel (BL) |
| Day 5: | Free Day Anjouan. A free day to simply relax or independently explore the island’s capital, Mutsamudu. Overnight Al Amal Hotel (B) |
| Day 6: | Anjouan to Mohéli. Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Mohéli. Depending on the airlines’ schedule a connection may be required in Moroni. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the lodge. Overnight Laka Lodge (Panoramic Suite) (HB) |
| Day 7: | Mohéli. A full day to enjoy the island. We have not pre-arranged any sightseeing or activities as Mohéli is very easy to explore independently or optional excursions can be arranged directly with the lodge. Relax and enjoy the different pace of life and meet the friendly local people. If you are feeling a little more energetic, you can arrange a guided hike across the island on tracks of virgin rainforest. Alternatively you can cycle around the island, on virtually empty roads. Then of course there are the beaches. Two of the most beautiful are Sambadjou and Nioumachoua. You can also snorkel to discover the rich marine life or even go whale and dolphin watching. Finally at certain times of the year you may be lucky enough to see giant turtles lay their eggs at night on Itsamia beaches. Overnight Laka Lodge (Panoramic Suite) (HB) |
| Day 8: | Mohéli. Another full day to enjoy the island. Overnight Laka Lodge (Panoramic Suite) (HB) |
| Day 9: | Mohéli to Moroni. Transfer airport to hotel. Return to Moroni by mid-morning flight. Transfer airport to the Hotel Royal Itsandra. Overnight Royal Itsandra Hotel (BB) |
| Day 10: | Free day in Moroni or Mt Karthala climb . Today you have the option of leaving Moroni for a climb to the summit of Mt Karthala (2,361m). Although it is possible to do the climb in just one long day, we recommend that you camp at the summit in the crater itself and return the next day. The climb can be challenging and should only be attempted if you are reasonably fit. It will take about seven hours depending on your personal fitness. Although the slopes are normally blanketed in thick mist for much of the day, the summit and crater are frequently clear, rewarding you with the most spectacular of early morning sunrises. It should be noted that we only recommend attempting the climb during the dry season (between April and November). We will arrange for all camping equipment and supplies to be provided as well as a porter. For those not wishing to make the climb, you will have today and the next day to relax or perhaps enquire locally about the options to dive. Overnight Mt Karthala camping (FB) or Hotel Royal Itsandra (BB) |
| Day 11: | Moroni. Your last day in the Comoros to either relax and unwind or take the opportunity to explore more of Grande Comore. Overnight Hotel Royal Itsandra (BB) |
| Day 12: | Moroni, Grande Comore to UK. Hotel to airport transfer for lunch time departure to Nairobi, connecting in the evening with an overnight flight to the UK, arriving the next day. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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We are proud of our involvement in Comoros; a forgotten corner of the Indian Ocean. Tourism in the Comoros is virtually unknown, but we believe it is crucial to the country’s development. With high levels of unemployment and little in the way of foreign trade we want you to know that your trip will make a difference.
Our tour visit’s the country’s first National Park, ‘Parc Marin de Mohéli’, an area which protects dolphins, whales and sea turtles. In the park accommodation is lodge based, constructed from local materials and built by local craftsmen. Power is supplied by solar panels and all your food is locally sourced. The difference you make on this holiday is through the positive economic benefits to the local community. You are also supporting the efforts of the local people towards protecting the natural beauty of their islands. One of the attractions of the Comoros Islands is the country’s unique cultural mix, a blend of African, French and Arabian. Today the official religion is a moderate form of Islam and you will be informed before travel on local customs and traditions in order that you are able to fully respect these beliefs. We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. We believe that locals know best. Our local operators only use locally owned accommodation. This means your money stays in the area to benefit the local community. When possible we use local transport, (i.e. rail or bus) and we always use local restaurants, markets and shops. In doing this your travels are supporting and encouraging the development of local services. We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Furthermore, in order to allow our clients to make an informed decision on where a greater proportion of their money should be spent, we avoid including pre-paid full board meals where possible. Local restaurants and cafes then benefit. Our groups average only six clients, and many tours operate on a private basis with just two travellers. This has much less impact when travelling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects. Finally, to emphasis our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travellers Code of Conduct with their travel documents. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |












We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Furthermore, in order to allow our clients to make an informed decision on where a greater proportion of their money should be spent, we avoid including pre-paid full board meals where possible. Local restaurants and cafes then benefit. Our groups average only six clients, and many tours operate on a private basis with just two travellers. This has much less impact when travelling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects.