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Comoros holidays

country:Comoros
departures:Private departures throughout the year on Fridays, although the Mt Karthala climb is only recommended during the dry season (April-November)
price:From £1100 (9 days) excluding flights, based on a minimum of two clients. We can arrange flights from the UK
 
the amazing things you'll be doing
The Comoros are one of Africa’s biggest surprises. They're 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.

Our tour begins on Grande Comoro, known as Ngazidja by the Comorians, the largest and geologically the youngest of the Comoros Islands. The island’s most prominent geographical feature is the 2361m high Mt Karthala, an active volcano that bubbles at the roof of the island. The coast is mostly raw black lava edged with semi-submerged coral.

As well as Grande Comoro our tour includes a trip to Mohéli, reached by a short flight. It has been described as a super-tranquil destination, a lost paradise. It is the smallest, wildest, least populated and least developed island of the Union. Mohéli’s southern coast of coral reefs and dramatically craggy offshore islets are part of Comoros’ only national park, the Parc Marin de Mohéli, which protects dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:Arrival. UK to Moroni, Grande Comore, via Dar es Salaam, arriving the next day.
Day 2:Moroni. Transfer to hotel.
Day 3:Moroni. Half day city tour, including a visit to the Arad Quarter (Old Town), bazaar, covered market and museum.
Day 4:North West Grande Comore. A full day tour of the north west of the island, including visits to Mitsaniouli village, a Ylang-Ylang plantation, Lac Salé (salt lake), Chomoni with its excellent beach, where you will take lunch before visiting a traditional Comorian house in M’beni.
Day 5:Moroni to Mohéli. Transfer to airport for scheduled 25-minute flight to Mohéli. Transfer to hotel then remainder of the day free to explore the island.
Day 6: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. Relax and enjoy the different pace of life and meet the friendly local people. However, 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 with a local guide. Finally at certain times of the year you may be lucky enough to see giant turtles lay their eggs at night on Itsamia beaches.
Day 7:Mohéli to Moroni. Transfer to airport for mid-morning flight to Moroni then transfer to hotel.
Day 8:Southern Grande Comore. A full day tour of the south of the island. Includes a visit to the village of Singani, sight of an eruption of Mt Karthala in 1977, when locals spoke of the ‘sky turning red like sunset’. The tour continues to the southern most point of Grande Comore and the beach of Chindini where lunch will be enjoyed while taking in the superb views of the island.
Day 9:Free day in Moroni or Mt Karthala climb. Today you have the option of leaving for a climb to the summit of Mt Karthala. 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 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 (April-November). We can 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 the next few days to relax or perhaps enquire locally about the options to dive. Overnight Mt Karthala camping or hotel.
Day 10:Moroni. A free day.
Day 11:Moroni. Your last day in the Comoros to either relax and chill or take the opportunity to explore more of Grande Comore.
Day 12:Moroni to Dar es Salaam. Transfer to airport for lunch time departure to Dar es Salaam.
Day 13:Dar es Salaam to UK.
how this holiday makes a difference
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.

Scenery on Comoros holidayWe 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.

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