Overview
Quiet, secluded and alcohol-free, Comoros is a magical and unspoilt retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The vegetation of the Comoros is lush and diverse: 65% of the world’s perfume oils come from here, mainly ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange oil. Spices such as nutmeg, cloves, pepper and vanilla are also grown here on a large scale. Coral reefs surround the Comoros, which are of volcanic origin. Those with an athletic spirit can climb Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Ngazidja Island, or engage in a variety of water sports.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, there are no non-stop flights to the Comoros from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Kenya Airways (KQ) flies non-stop from Nairobi to Moroni. Non-stop flights to Nairobi are operated several times a week from Frankfurt/M. offered by Lufthansa (LH) and from Zurich by Swiss (LX); Austrian Airlines (OS) offers feeder flights from Vienna to Frankfurt/M. and Zurich.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Moroni: 13 hrs 35 mins; Vienna – Moroni: 14 hours 25 minutes; Zurich – Moroni: 12 hrs 30 mins (with stopovers).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by ship
Cargo ships, which sometimes also carry passengers, connect Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius, Zanzibar and Kenya with the Comoros at irregular intervals.
Cruise ships
On their cruises departing from Europe, ships from Phoenix also call at the Comoros.
Ferry provider
The shipping company SGTM connects Mayotte with the Comoros several times a week and daily during the high season.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
AB Aviation (Y6) connects Moroni daily with Mutsamudu on the island of Anjouan and several times a week with Fomboni on Mohéli.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a length of approx. 900 km. Coastal roads circle the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan. On Mohéli there are only a few poorly developed roads.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Approximately 500 km of roads are paved. The road condition is generally rather bad. Four-wheel drive vehicles are appropriate inland and on the more distant islands, especially during the rainy season. Care should be taken when driving as the roads are narrow and livestock can sometimes be seen on the lanes.
Road classification
National roads that run along the coast on Grande Comore are marked with the letters RN and a one-digit number; Inland roads with the letters RR and a three-digit number.
Car rental
Car hire is available in Moroni (Grande Comore).
Taxi
Shared taxis are available almost everywhere on the main island. However, travelers should inquire about travel times. Taxis run fewer on Sundays and public holidays, and to some destinations, especially in the east of the island, they often only run until 3 p.m.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling by ship
Regular ferries connect the islands with each other. Visitors can also rent motor boats, sailing boats and canoes in the seaside villages and towns. A boat is particularly advisable as a means of transport on Mohéli, since the road network is quite poor here.
