The Comoros are some of the world’s most beautiful islands, with scores of empty, spectacular beaches and a mysterious ambience reminiscent of Zanzibar. You will find picturesque old Arab towns, unique wildlife, luxuriant vegetation including vanilla and ylang-ylang plantations, an active volcano and lots of great walking opportunities.

Grande Comoro, known as Ngazidja by the Comorians, is the largest, and geologically the youngest of the Comoros Islands. Grande Comore is also home to the Islands only international airport, which is linked by regular flights from Tanzania.

The island’s most prominent geographical feature is 2361-meter high Mt. Karthala, the active volcano that bubbles at the roof of the island. The coast is mostly raw black lava with semi-submerged coral on the outer edge. Most of the island’s population and activity is concentrated on the marginally level west coast, whilst the sparsely populated and dramatically beautiful east coast remains quiet and traditional, with only a few tiny thatched-hut villages.

Of the approximately 2000 native plant species, including 175 ferns and 72 species of orchids, 33 percent are endemic to the Comoros. Most of the flora on these islands has affinities with those of Africa and Madagascar; however, a small percentage is more closely related to that of Asia. There are 8 species of native terrestrial mammals found on the islands; three species of fruit bats, 3 insectivorous bat species and two lemurs. There are 25 species of terrestrial reptiles and two species of sea turtle, including the green turtle that nest on the beaches of the islands, and hawksbill turtles, which are seen in the waters around the islands.

As well as Grande Comoro our Discovery tour includes a side-trip to Mohéli, reached by a short flight. Described by many travellers as a superbly tranquil destination and a lost paradise, the island is a highlight of your visit. It is the smallest, wildest, least populated and developed island of the Union. The island’s south coast, coral reefs and dramatically craggy offshore islets are protected by the Comoros’ only national park, the Parc Marin de Mohéli, which protects dolphins, whales and sea turtles.