Comoros Flag
"Islands of the Moon"
Why visit Comoros?
Affluent traveler seeking a unspoiled paradise destination with beaches, boating, culture, fishing, hiking, lagoon, markets, relaxation, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and volcanos.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Cloves, embroidery, perfume, silver jewelry, vanilla beans and wood carvings.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Lobster a la Vanille.
Fun Facts
- In 1503, Portuguese arrived.
- During 18th Century (1701-1800), warriors arrived destroying crops and killing.
- In 1975, became independent.
- From 1997-2001, public education did not exist following loss of funds upon independence.
- Has a claim on Mayotte Island.
- Native women wear a whitish yellow (paste) beauty mask to improve their skin.
- Leading producer of essential oil commonly used in perfume from tropical star shaped flowers (Ylang Ylang).
- Home to the rarest Comoro Flying Fox (Livingstone's Fruit Bat) only found on Anjouan and Mohéli Islands.
- Deep ocean waters once housed the rare fish of Coelacanth (66 million year old species) known to weigh over 6 feet long and 200 pounds (last caught in 1975).
- Only Arab country located in the Southern Hemisphere.
- A myth, a spirit dropped a jewel creating Karthala volcano (Grande Comoro).
- Historically, supplied goods to ships enroute to India.
- Triangular shape of Ndzuani Island is caused by mountain chains.
- Home to one of the most active volcanoes (Mount Karthala) in the world.
- Exports cinnamon, cloves and vanilla.
- Only majority Muslim country in Southern Africa.
- Marriage tradition consists of the "little marriage" a intimate and simple legal marriage with inexpensive bride dowry. "Customary" is within the village on a grandiose scale over two weeks with enormous bridal dowry.
- Has four major islands: Anjouan, Grande Comore, Mayotte and Moheli.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Cheikh Al Maarouf Day, Labour Day, National Day, Maore Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday and Prophet's Ascension.
Good to Know
- Heavily dependent on foreign grants.
- Dress conservatively, avoid shorts or short sleeves.
- Official languages are Arabic, Comorian and French.
- Restaurant sanizations are commonly below our standards.
- Healthcare and medical facilities are below our standards.
- VISA obtained at the airport are only payable in Comorian Francs or Euros.
- Same-sex sexual acts are illegal and punisbable up to five years in prison and a $2,300USD fine.
- Currents and beach riptides can be strong.
- Credit cards are not widely accepted.
- Power outages are common.
- Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria and Rabies are present.
- Roads tends to be curvy and narrow.
- International Driving Permit required. Drivers and front seat passengers required to wear a seatbelt.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required, available upon arrival.
Monsoon Season is December - April.
- Best Time to Visit: May - October
- Coolest Month: July - September
- Hottest Months: January - February
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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