Comoros - Useful information for your trip

Comoros are an island country in Eastern Africa, situated on the northernmost point of Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. The nation is made up of three volcanic islands, Grande Comore, Moheli and Anjouan, while Mayotte island has refused the independence from France. The capital city is Moroni.

The land of the islands is characterized by steep mountains and low hills. Grand Comore is home to Karthala active volcano (2316 m). Comoros do not have rivers. The climate is tropical and the rainy season goes from November to May. Comoros are situated on the belt of tropical cyclones, which form from November to May, more frequently from the end of December to the middle of April.

Like many islands of the same area, Comoros boast many endemic species, such as Livingstone's fruit bats, lemurs, scolopendras, geckos and turtles. None of the huge African animals is present on the islands, despite their being quite close to the mainland. Comoros are home to different tropical ecosystems, which change depending on altitude. Numerous tropical plants are found here, many of which are endemic. The environment is largely threatened  by deforestation and soil degradation. 

The economy on Comoros is based on fishing and agriculture. Cassava, potatoes and rice are grown for domestic use, even if most of the food is imported. On the contrary, ylang ylang, vanilla, copra, sisal and coffee are exported. The scarce forests produce little timber for construction. 

During your stay at the Comoros you can trek to the crater of Karthala volcano, visit lake Lac Sal in Grande Comore, watch dolphins on Hahaya coast and Livingstone's bats in Moheli or the giant sea turtles laying their eggs again in Moheli.