Moroni is the capital and largest city of the Union of the Comoros, set on the west coast of the island of Grande Comore (Ngazidja) at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean, at the foot of the Karthala volcano. For centuries the town was a port of call for Arab, Persian and Swahili traders; the country, which won independence from France in 1975, is overwhelmingly Muslim, and Comorian, French and Arabic are heard side by side in daily life. The heart of Moroni is the stone medina of narrow lanes around the old harbour; the white Friday mosque, the Volo Volo market and the quay where the fishing boats return in the late afternoon are the urban side of a visit. The crater of Karthala, the salt lake in the north and the beaches between the lava rocks are the island's nature side.
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See flights to Moroni →When to visit Moroni
May to October is the easiest period: the dry and relatively cool season, when the southern winds bring the humidity down, the trails to Karthala are dry and the sea is calm. From July to October humpback whales pass around the islands. November to April is the hot, wet season; humidity rises, downpours are frequent and heavy, and from January to March there is a risk of cyclones in the Indian Ocean. During Ramadan daytime life in the town slows down and the evenings come alive.
Things to do in Moroni
Old Friday Mosque (Badjanani)
The white mosque in the Badjanani quarter, right on the edge of Moroni's old harbour, was built in 1427, and its minaret was added in 1921. Its arched two storey facade is seen from the sea and the quay as the emblem of the town and speaks of the same era of wealth as the Swahili cities of the East African coast. It is where the town gathers for Friday prayers and Eid; outside prayer times, with covered arms and legs and permission, visitors can go inside. The medina lanes and carved wooden doors behind it fit into the same walk.
Mount Karthala
The 2,361 metre active shield volcano covering the south of Grande Comore is the highest point in the country; its eruptions of 2005 showered ash on Moroni and its latest activity was in 2007. The climb usually starts from the village of M'Vouni just east of Moroni and is a long walk from rainforest to heath and lava fields; most people spread it over two days with a camp near the top, and a local guide is needed. The wide crater at the summit is one of the large active craters in the world. It is done in the dry season with an early start.
Itsandra beach
Itsandra, just north of Moroni, is the nearest beach to the town: a small white sand cove framed by black lava rocks, with the village of Itsandra, one of the island's old sultanate seats, behind it. It is a few minutes by car from the centre, which is why Moroni's residents come here to swim at weekends. The hotel and restaurants on the shore suit a seaside lunch. The sun sets over the bay.
Chomoni beach
Chomoni on the east coast of Grande Comore is one of the most photographed beaches on the island: white sand and a shallow turquoise cove between black volcanic rocks. It is about 16 kilometres from Moroni as the crow flies, but the road winds across the island and takes close to an hour by car. The simple bungalows and grilled fish restaurants on the shore are enough for a day out. On weekdays it is almost empty.
Lac Salé crater lake
In a deep volcanic crater right beside the sea near the village of Bangoi-Kouni, at the northern tip of the island, the salt lake shifts from dark emerald green to milky turquoise depending on the light and the algae. The rim of the crater is lined with black and rust coloured lava rocks, and from above the lake and the ocean appear in the same frame. It is a little over an hour north of Moroni along the coast road, and Mitsamiouli and the Trou du Prophète fit into the same day.
Volo Volo Market
Moroni's largest market sets up every day with stalls from all over the island: vanilla, cloves, tropical fruit, fish and brightly coloured Comorian fabrics. The Comoros are among the world's leading producers of ylang ylang and vanilla, and this is where those scents are at their freshest. The morning hours are the liveliest and the coolest; asking before taking photographs is expected. Bargaining is normal.
Flights from Turkey to Moroni
Turkish Airlines flies to Moroni from Istanbul Airport; the route is seasonal, the weekly frequency and the routing vary by period, and in some periods the service makes an intermediate stop. The total journey takes about 8 to 9 hours. When Turkish Airlines is not flying, connections via Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam are used. There is no time difference. Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport is at Hahaya, about 20 kilometres north of the town; a taxi along the coast road reaches the centre in around half an hour, the fare is agreed in advance and most hotels send a pick up car.
Moroni FAQ
How many days do you need in Moroni?
A day for the medina, the Friday mosque and the Volo Volo market, a day for Lac Salé, the Trou du Prophète and Mitsamiouli in the north and half a day for Chomoni are enough; the Karthala climb takes two days. Plan four or five nights for Grande Comore alone and ten days with the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport is in the village of Hahaya, about 20 kilometres north of Moroni. A taxi along the coast road takes around half an hour; taxis have no meters and the fare is agreed before getting in. For night arrivals the hotel's pick up car is the better choice.
Do you need a visa for the Comoros?
The Comoros issues visas on arrival to citizens of all countries; with a Turkish passport the visa is obtained for a fee on arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim Airport and is valid for up to 45 days. The passport must be valid for at least six months, and a return ticket and accommodation details should be at hand. Malaria precautions and whether a yellow fever vaccination is needed are discussed with a doctor before travel.
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