Discover Moroni

Nestled between Madagascar and the East African coast, Moroni rises from volcanic shores where Arab dhows have sailed for centuries, carrying the spices and stories that shaped this island capital. The white-washed medina cascades toward turquoise waters, its winding alleys echoing with Comorian, French, and Arabic—a linguistic tapestry as layered as the ylang-ylang scents drifting from the hillsides. Here, African, Arab, and Indian Ocean cultures converge in one of the world's least-visited yet most culturally rich capitals, where time moves to the rhythm of prayer calls and ocean tides.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Moroni is during the dry season from May to October, when temperatures hover between 24-28°C and humidity drops significantly, though July-August brings the coolest weather with occasional strong southeast trade winds (Kusi) that can make sea crossings choppy. November through April constitutes the hot, wet season with temperatures climbing to 30-32°C, intense humidity above 80%, and heavy rainfall that peaks in January-February (often 200-300mm monthly), making roads muddy and some attractions less accessible, though this period offers lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Budget travelers should target June-September when flight prices from neighboring islands drop and accommodation rates are lower, but be aware that Ramadan (dates vary by lunar calendar) sees reduced restaurant hours and muted nightlife, while Independence Day celebrations on July 6th bring vibrant cultural displays worth experiencing. The transitional months of May and November offer the best compromise with decreasing rainfall, warm 26-28°C temperatures, and blooming ylang-ylang flowers that perfume the island, though occasional cyclones can threaten the region from December to April, particularly affecting the northwestern coast where Moroni sits. Avoid planning trips during the French summer holidays (July-August) when the Comorian diaspora returns home, causing accommodation shortages and inflated prices despite otherwise favorable weather conditions.

Getting Around

Transportation options vary by location. Consider using local taxis, ride-sharing apps, public transit, or renting a vehicle depending on your itinerary and comfort level.

Top Attractions

Explore the experiences and tours listed above to discover the most popular activities and must-see attractions. Book in advance to secure your spots, especially during peak travel seasons.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Bring euros to exchange for Comorian francs (KMF), as ATMs are unreliable and often out of service; credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels, so plan to operate primarily with cash.
• Friday Prayers and Business Hours: Expect most shops, government offices, and businesses to close on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayers and remain closed or operate on reduced hours; plan your shopping and administrative tasks for Saturday through Thursday.
• Medina Navigation: Explore the old Medina district on foot early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and experience the ancient Arab-Swahili architecture, narrow alleyways, and the iconic carved wooden doors, but hire a local guide to avoid getting lost in the maze-like streets.
• Transport to Neighboring Islands: Book inter-island flights with AB Aviation well in advance as schedules change frequently and boats between islands can be canceled due to rough seas, especially during the rainy season from November to April.

Planning Your Trip

Whether you're here for a quick visit or an extended stay, there's always something new to discover. Browse the curated experiences above to start planning your perfect itinerary.