Comoros Travel Marketplace: The Centralized Directory for the Perfume Islands of the Indian Ocean

Comoros as a Destination: The Perfume Islands

The Comoros archipelago produces more ylang-ylang per capita than anywhere else in the world — the sweet, floral essence used as a base note in Chanel No. 5 and hundreds of other iconic perfumes. Vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon are also cultivated extensively, giving the islands an olfactory identity as distinctive as their visual landscape. Comoros is sometimes called “The Perfume Islands,” a name that captures both its agricultural heritage and its quality of life aspiration.

Geologically, the islands are volcanic. Karthala on Grande Comore is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with a 3 km × 4 km caldera and eruptions recorded in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012. The ascent to its summit (2,361 m) is one of the more challenging and rewarding hikes in the Indian Ocean region. Mohéli, the smallest island, remains the wildest — its marine park is home to hawksbill and green turtle nesting beaches, humpback whale calving grounds, and manta ray aggregations.

Key Destinations

Mount Karthala — Active Volcano Trek

The two-day ascent to Karthala’s summit crater departs from villages on Grande Comore’s western flank. The hike passes through forest, then montane heath, to the vast active caldera at the top. Local guides are essential — the route requires navigation and current volcano activity monitoring. Check with Comoros tourism authorities for current activity status before attempting the climb.

Mohéli Marine Park

Established in 2001, Mohéli Marine Park is Comoros’ only marine protected area and one of the Indian Ocean’s best-preserved reef systems. The park protects humpback whale calving grounds (June–September), green and hawksbill turtle nesting beaches (particularly Itsamia Beach), manta ray aggregations, and exceptional reef fish diversity. Accommodation on Mohéli is basic — this is a genuine off-the-beaten-track experience.

Moroni Medina

Moroni’s old medina — anchored by the Friday Mosque of Badjanani (built 1427) and its distinctive Yemeni minaret — is one of the best-preserved Arab-Swahili urban environments in the Indian Ocean. The covered market (Volo Volo), the old port with its traditional outrigger canoes (galawa), and the labyrinthine alleys of the ancient quarter offer a slice of authentic Comorian urban life rarely encountered by mass tourism.