Well, you’re starting to get the itch to travel, but you’re not really interested in going on just any old boring package junket with those lame all-in-one resorts you see advertised on TV these days. You want adventure. You would like to see greenery around you, birds singing, the sound of the waves, and perhaps a little bit of a working sweat when you are walking through a jungle. Comoros is a perfect destination for ecotourists looking for a site that is not overcrowded with tourists. Lying off the southeast coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique, it’s not just another tropical paradise but an unspoiled wilderness that will satisfy the cravings of the most dedicated nature tourism enthusiasts.
First things first: you won’t be landing in Comoros waiting to see bright lights, hoards of people, or any of the trappings of tourist delights. What you will get is a picture postcard glimpse of the Philippines: ylang-ylang scent, salty sea air, and being rewarded with stepping into a living Southern Pacific Island postcard. It is nevertheless definitely worth visiting, for the islands themselves, with those thick jungles and all that rock-strewn coast, positively invite adventures at the least inviting of openness. You know how Comoros is asking to be a hot friend, as in, “Are you ready for some fun tonight?” Spoiler: you are.
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Starting off with mountain Karthala, which is still an active volcano situated on Grande-Comore, the largest of the three islands. This is not your regular walk in the park as it may sound. No, my friend, Karthala is the kind of trek that makes you think you did something to get that mind-blowing view at the top. And oh, what a view it is! The young caldera is built under your feet, and you can somewhat feel the force of the Earth as well as the stupid footwear decision you made in the morning.
But the matter does not end with the top of the mountain. En route, there are great rainforests rich in birds and the occasional sign of living things moving on the forest floor. If you are that type of tourist who is interested in bird viewing, then you have great news because there are several bird types in Comoros that you will feel like seeing in a magazine, except it’s real life.
But if you are not inclined to mountains or are just tired from climbing Karthala, you see that the Indian Ocean itself invites you with its blue-green water. Out of all the destinations to snorkel and dive, the waters around Comoros are undoubtedly some of the richest in marine life. Picture this: slipping neatly into clear waters and waking to a city full of fish, turtles, and corals busy with activity.
You can’t talk about the Comoros’ marine attractions without mentioning the highlight of Moheli Marine Park. It’s also the first national park in the country – and one of the best places to get close to sea turtles throughout their unhurried day of shuffling, which only serves to remind us that ‘slow and steady’ doesn’t always need redefining. I really tell you, swimming beside a turtle or watching a pod of dolphins definitely makes you forget any pending emails back home.
If you are bored, let’s make a switch – visit the island of Anjouan, also known as the Green Pearl of the Comoros. This is the island for waterfalls, streams, and forests that are so thick that they seem mythical. While trekking in the woods, you can almost feel like you are going to meet the fairies, or at most, you can consider it. The light must-see destination is the Dziancoundre Waterfall. Even listening to the mere sound of gushing water lets one be in an eco hypnosis. Wade through the waters a bit—this is a nature prescription that you didn’t think would be possible.
Ylang-ylang is unique to Comoros and is actually the main agricultural product of these islands; the scent is omnipresent, as if the islands can’t survive without it. If you are interested in perfumery or even do not have any interest in it but have a fascination for the smell of something as flowery and exotic as ylang-ylang then a visit to the plantation is a real feast. S ee farmers in that region getting the oil out of those star-shaped yellow flowers is fascinating, and the process might leave you marveling at how such an unassuming plant can produce a fragrance so captivating. Plus, you'll go home with a fun fact to drop at dinner parties: "Did you know that ylang-ylang oil is a base note in most high-end perfumes?" Cue the impressed nods.
Nature isn’t just about the wild and untamed; it’s also about the people who live harmoniously with it. Comoros is home to small, traditional villages that have stayed true to their roots. Wandering through these communities, you’ll meet locals who greet you with a warm smile and are eager to share stories, crafts, and a bite of something delicious (usually coconut-based, because what isn’t in Comoros?). There’s a quiet, grounded rhythm to village life here that makes you realize how rushed modern living can be. Watching artisans weave baskets or carve wooden trinkets feels like stepping into a slower, more intentional way of life.
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Comoros is a biodiversity hotspot, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s packed with more unique plant and animal species than your average plot of land. The coelacanth, for example, is a fish that was thought to be extinct for millions of years until it popped up here like, “Surprise!” If you’re lucky, you might even spot one on a diving expedition (okay, maybe a very lucky day).
The islands’ forests are filled with plant species that look like they were plucked straight out of Jurassic Park. And who knows? Maybe they were. The Baobab trees, with their massive trunks and branch configurations that look like they’re reaching for the stars, are a sight to behold. Standing next to one feels like meeting an ancient guardian of the forest.
To round out your eco-adventure, finding a place to rest that doesn’t undo all your “one with nature” vibes is crucial. Luckily, Comoros has a few eco-lodges that are cozy without being indulgent. Picture this: falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean while nestled in a small bungalow that was built using sustainable materials. You wake up with the sun peeking over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the waves, and you think, “Yeah, I could get used to this.” Even better, many of these accommodations are run by locals, so your stay contributes directly to the community. Plus, you may learn local cuisine etiquette.
Sure, Comoros might not be the first destination that pops up when you think of nature travel, but maybe that’s what makes it so special. It’s not trying to impress you with over-the-top attractions or polished resorts. Instead, it offers something more genuine—a chance to connect with the natural world in a way that’s unpretentious, immersive, and unexpectedly moving.
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