So, here's the deal. Comoros, ever heard of it? Most people haven’t honestly, and it’s crazy because it’s got this untouched wild beauty, which is super rare these days. Like one of those places you think you’re going to someone and people blink and they say, "Wait a minute where?" That’s kinda the charm, though, isn’t it? This is that little island nation in the Indian Ocean right between Madagascar and Mozambique. And it’s not a tourist hotspot by any means, which is why you absolutely should go. Time to set sail—here’s a list of a few super cool (off the beaten path) spots you need to see in Comoros.
Alright, first thing first, I will tell you about Lac Salé. This place is kinda surreal. Hence the saltwater lake (a surrendered crater, rest assured) called a saltwater lake, found in an old volcano crater on island of Grande Comore. But here, the water just kinda, sorta, somehow is just there... it just sits there totally still, reflecting a crapton of cliffs and sky like a perfect mirror. You get the feeling that you’re hovering over another dimension. Locals say the lake is bottomless and get this. I mean, how cool is that? It’s a little spooky, but mostly cool.
Lac Salé isn’t exactly an easy place to reach. It’s one of those places that you’ll be hiking through rocky terrain and asking yourself (maybe aloud) why you thought hiking was a good idea in the first place. Then you show up and it’s just you and this out of place lake, maybe some birds if you’re lucky. Not another person in sight. Zero tourists. It’s like having a secret hideout that nature already gave us.
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Now, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, let’s talk about Mount Karthala. This is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. Yeah, you heard me—active. And it basically takes up half of Grande Comore. What’s wild is that even though it’s such a massive deal, not a lot of tourists hike it. Probably because the hike is no joke—it’s tough. 6 to 12 hours, but you can dive in a lot faster if you’re really ambitious (although add that there are a lot of snack breaks to consider, we’re being real here).
It’s pretty rugged — rocky paths, steep inclines — definitely not for the faint-hearted. When you get to the top holy wow, but. The crater is enormous, and the views? Insane. The entire island can be seen, as well as the ocean beyond. Sometimes, if you’re lucky (or unlucky?) you catch some smoke rising from the crater, reminding you that you are actually standing upon an active volcano. No big deal, right? Plus, like probably everyone knows, not a ton of people appreciate the idea of climbing a volcano on vacation.
If you’re in the soak up of local culture vibe and not up conquering volcanoes, then head to Mutsamudu on Anjouan Island. The thing about this place is it’s like stepping into a time machine, but in a good way. Behind capital, Moroni, it's less busy and not as flashy. The whole vibe in Mutsamudu is super chill and Mutsamudu’s got these narrow, winding streets and old stone houses lined up down the streets like they’ve been around forever. You're like, you can just wander around and feel like you're getting a real glimpse of what life is like here not with all the tourist things.
And there is an old citadel from the 17th century overlooking the village. Up there you can see the ocean and surrounding hills, it's a great climb. However, the best part about Mutsamudu is probably just the vibe. It’s super authentic, they're friendly and it’s slow. Step outside and visit the local market (go shopping for the fresh spices, crafts, curry, noodles and more), then just walk, take it all in and chat with the vendors you bump into. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to spend the whole day doing, well, not much, but loving every minute of it.
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Now, if you’re the kind of person who gets more excited about wildlife than fancy resorts (same here), then Moheli Marine Park will blow your mind. It’s on Moheli Island, which is the smallest of the Comoros islands. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in wow. This place is like the definition of untouched. Think crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and, oh yeah, dolphins, whales, sea turtles—the whole crew.
The thing about Moheli Marine Park is that it’s still pretty much a hidden gem, even for the diving crowd. So, if you’re a snorkeler or diver, this is your dream come true. You won’t have to fight crowds or deal with big dive boats like in some of the more popular spots. Nope, here it’s just you, the water, and the fish. And if you time it right, you could see sea turtles nesting on the beaches. It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Even if you’re not a diver, the park’s got plenty of hiking trails that lead to secluded beaches where you can just chill out and pretend you’re on your own private island. Sound good? Yeah, I thought so.
So, back on Grande Comore, there’s this little village called Iconi, and I’ll be honest—it’s the kind of place that doesn’t look like much at first. But then you start exploring, and it’s like peeling back layers of history. Iconi used to be the capital of the Sultanate of Grande Comore, so it’s got all these old ruins and stone buildings that feel frozen in time. There’s even an old palace up on the hill with killer views of the coastline.
And don’t even get me started on the legends. The locals here have some epic stories about warrior queens and ancient battles. It adds this whole other layer of mystery to the place. So, yeah, Iconi might not be flashy, but it’s got soul. Plus, it’s just a quick drive from Moroni, so there’s no excuse not to check it out.
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk beaches. If you’re anything like me, a beach day is non-negotiable when you’re on an island. And while Comoros has its fair share of beautiful spots, Chomoni Beach on Grande Comore is hands down one of the best. It’s this long stretch of white sand with turquoise water so clear it looks fake. And the best part? Hardly anyone goes there.
It’s not your typical touristy beach with loud music and beach bars. Nope. It’s just you, the sand, and the waves. Maybe a few locals, but honestly, it’s mostly deserted, which is exactly what makes it so special. Bring a picnic, grab a good book, and just relax. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are hills nearby where you can hike up and get a killer view of the whole bay. Perfect spot for sunset, by the way.
Okay, technically Mayotte isn’t part of Comoros anymore (it’s a French territory now), but it’s close enough that you’ve got to check it out if you’re in the area. It’s got this weird, but awesome mix of French and Comorian culture. So you’ll find French bakeries next to local markets, and it just works. The island itself is absolutely stunning, with lush rainforests and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. Plus, Mayotte has one of the world’s largest lagoons, which is perfect for diving or just floating around in.
There’s also Saziley National Park, which is full of untouched coral reefs and amazing snorkeling spots. Honestly, Mayotte gives you that perfect mix of wild adventure with a little touch of French flair.
So, there you have it. Comoros is one of those places that’s still flying under the radar, and if you ask me, that’s what makes it so great. Whether you're into hiking up volcanoes, chilling on empty beaches, or just wandering through villages steeped in history, there's something here for everyone. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking to get off the beaten path and discover something totally new. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and go explore one of the world’s last true hidden gems with your Comoros trip.
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