Grand Comore

Grand Comore is the largest island in the East African island nation of Comoros, and location of the capital.

Cities

 * - the capital

Get in
You can reach the island by plane at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport near Moroni, from both international destinations and the other Comorian islands.

Freighters accepting passengers from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam (in Tanzania), Mahajanga (in Madagascar) and the other Comorian islands also arrive to Moroni.

Speedboats to Moheli leave from Chindini on the southern coast.

By shared taxi
Shared taxis are nearly always available (except late at night and during a taxi strike) around Moroni. Rates start at CF200 per person (Comoros francs) for a ride within a town, and CF250 for nearby towns like Moroni to Iconi. Taxis between Hahaya (the airport) and Moroni cost no more than CF500 (~€1). Tourists have been asked for €20.

Taxis also run to nearly everywhere on the island, with varying frequency. Be careful when going to southern, northern, and eastern destinations (especially eastern) as taxis may stop running as early as 15:00. Everything slows down on Sundays and holidays, so taxis are less frequent.

By bus
Buses between Moroni and different villages in the island run only during the morning. There is no schedule as buses depart "when full", although there seem to be enough passengers to not make you wait long. For better luck, head to the station early in the morning when there is more activity.

Vehicles fit about 20 people, four per row, so expect an uncomfortable, squashed, and hot ride, though interesting. You may need to be assertive and dive in at your first chance if there are a lot of people waiting for the bus.

By car
If you wish to rent a car (self-driving), expect to pay around €40 for a small car and €50 for a 4WD per day, fuel not included. The big tour around the island can be done in one day, and the road is not too bad. The section between the airport and Mitsamiouli was being paved in October 2018.

Hitch-hiking is very easy and very safe on Grand Comore. Wave your hand rather than putting out a thumb. Locals do it frequently and you always meet friendly people. Of course, some people may try to charge you for the ride, so be sure you specify that you are seeking an "auto-stop".

Do
Don't forget to hit the beach, being mindful of Comoros social decorum (see Respect under main Comoros page):



Eat
Chez Babou restaurant, Oasis district, north of Volo Volo. Quality Indian food and ice cream.

Cafe de la Paix, Ambassadeur district, south of the hospital in Moroni. A large menu of Indian ocean cuisine. It is better to ask what is available than to order from the menu.

For local food in the day time, try any of the small restaurants around Volo Volo market or near the Friday mosque in Gobadjou district. The best time to eat in Moroni is after the sun goes down. small bungalows along the coast make meat kebabs (mshakiki) for CF50. Local custom is to order 10 at a time along with grilled bananas, cassava, or bread fruit.

Sleep
A great hotel is Comoros Del Toro

Budget

 * CNAC (Itsandra)
 * Hotel des Iles de Paradis (near Volo Volo)
 * Pension Fatima (Moroni)

Splurge

 * Hotel Moroni (Moroni)
 * Galwa Hotel (near Mitsamiouli on Grand Comore)

Go next
Anjouan

Mayotte

Moheli