Comoros - the forgotten islands

Photo: Contributed

The Comoros Islands form an archipelago of volcanic islands covering a total area of 2034 km² situated off the south-east coast of Africa, to the east of Mozambique and north-west of Madagascar. They consist of four islands and several islets in the western Indian Ocean. Each of the islands: Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Mwali (Moheli), Nzwani (Anjouan), and Mayotte. They have been involved in the ancient maritime trade of the Indian Ocean for many centuries and this is reflected in the makeup of the island's population's. This is primarily a mixture of peoples from Africa, Arabia, Asia, and Madagascar. During the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries, large numbers of European and American ships visited the islands. American whalers and pirates, including the infamous Captain Kidd, would anchor in Comorian waters to restock water and food. The island of Nzwani, in particular, was a favourite stopover for re-provisioning. Often, ships would take aboard islanders as crew. It was also a place where ships entering the Indian Ocean could trade mail with those preparing to return to the U.S. With the demise of the whaling industry, the introduction of steamships, and the opening of the Suez Canal, the Comoros ceased to be an important port of call in the Indian Ocean. They soon became the "Forgotten Islands" of the western world.

Since 2002 Comoros has once again started to see an increase in its economy and tourism. The most popular feature appealing to this new influx of tourism is the awesome power of local volcanoes. Although all of the islands are volcanic, Karthala is the only active volcano and is said to be the world’s largest. Only a day’s hike from Moroni on Grande Comore, it has a crater accessible to travelers. There is a shelter at the top where visitors can overnight. This is a one of a kind adventure for the inquisitive hiker. Or how about a visit to a sulphurous crater lake, Dziani Boundouni; located in the middle of Mwali island and a day’s hike from Fomboni, the capital of the island.

Prefer water over fire? Fantastic diving is to be had in the clear water off Comoros. Galawa Beach, on Grande Comore, has an excellent diving school and Mayotte is surrounded by a coral reef that is home to many exotic species of fish, including the rare and exotic Coelacanth, a species once thought by scientists to have been extinct. It was discovered in 1938 that they still exist and in the 1950's that local fishermen still catch Coelacanths in Comoro Islands waters. Several specimens have since been caught, preserved, and sent to museums around the world. The snorkelling off the islands is world class where you can find everything from whales, sharks, manta rays, sailfish and sunfish, to lobsters, crabs and shrimp.
 
Looking for a exotic beach holiday? The beaches in Comoros are superb, with white sand and clear water. Each island has its own beach hot spots, but the beaches on Mohéli are considered the best. Alongside these miles of sandy beaches, run fresh water streams and shoreline springs to enjoy while on a walk or bike ride.
 
Dhows are a type of Arab sailboat that was seen around Comoros more often in ancient times. Travelers can still see them under construction on the beach at Fomboni. Why not rent one for the day and get carried away in the waves for a day?  Take a visit to Anjouan which has some of the best examples of Swahili architecture, with its 17th century homes and carved doors. The island is also known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking waterfalls.
 
Comorian is the most commonly spoken language, but a different dialect is spoken on each island. Most of the country also speaks Arabic, and a large portion speaks French. The majority of the population practices Islam, and there is a small Roman Catholic minority. The legal system combines French and Islamic law so many practices that are common in Western culture are outlawed in Comoros, such as the consumption of alcohol. Each island has an airport. There is air and ferry service between the islands; the FAA has not evaluated the aviation authority of Comoros for safety, however. An international airport sits just outside the capital, Moroni. Taxis are available to take travelers around in the cities and into the rural parts of Comoros and are in frequent use as there are no busses or rail. Sometimes it may be easier and quicker to travel by boat though gasoline shortages cause occasional difficulties.
 
Holidaying in the Comoros isn’t for everyone as it teaches lessons in patience, humility, acceptance and resilience. Everything goes at a slower, more relaxed pace and tourism facilities are far from posh. Islam, and all its traditions, is evident everywhere. Women are expected to show modesty and cover up, and alcohol is a strict NO. But if your idea of the perfect holiday is less about luxury, and more about long, lazy days sipping tea and talking politics with the locals, then a safari in the exotic Comoros will probably be the kind of unpredictable local adventure you’ve been dreaming of. Far removed from the clutter that comes with conventional paradises – sprawling hotels, neon discos – the Comoros islands offer a truly unique and rustic travel experience. Talk to your travel agent for more information on these hidden islands waiting to be discovered.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.