Moroni
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Comoros
- Region
- Grande Comore
- Population
- 60,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Moroni Prince Said Ibrahim International (HAH)
- Coordinates
- 11.70°S, 43.26°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Moroni, capital of the Comoros, sits on the west coast of Grande Comore, the largest island of this volcanic archipelago between Mozambique and Madagascar. Its old medina of narrow alleys and carved doorways wraps around a small harbour, watched over by the white Friday Mosque.
Life moves slowly here, shaped by Swahili, Arab and French influences. Above the town looms Mount Karthala, one of the world's largest active volcanoes, and black lava coasts alternate with white sand beaches.
Things to see
-
Photo: Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 pl Old Friday Mosque
The arcaded white mosque on the harbour front is the city's emblem, best seen at sunset.
-
Photo: Radosław Botev, CC BY 3.0 pl The medina
Wander the maze of lanes behind the harbour, with old stone houses and finely carved wooden doors.
-
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Volo Volo market
The main market, piled with spices, vanilla, fruit, fish and colourful cloth.
-
Photo: Radosław Botev, CC BY-SA 4.0 Itsandra beach
A white sand beach just north of the city, overlooked by the ruins of an old sultan's fort.
Things to do
-
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Climb Mount Karthala
A tough two-day trek with a guide through forest to the vast summit crater of the active volcano.
-
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 Visit Lac Salé
A saltwater crater lake near the north coast, surrounded by black lava and sea views.
-
Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 3.0 Learn about ylang-ylang
The Comoros is a major producer of this perfume flower; local distilleries show how its essential oil is made.
Where to stay
Moroni centre
Close to the medina, market and harbour, with simple hotels and guesthouses.
Hotels in Moroni centreItsandra
Beachside and quieter, a short drive north of the city.
Hotels in Itsandra
Getting around
Shared taxis and minibuses run around the city and the island; hiring a car and driver is easiest for day trips.
The airport is about 30 minutes' drive north of the city by taxi.
When to go
May to October is the cooler, drier season and the best time to visit. November to April is hot and humid, with cyclones possible in the wettest months. Dress modestly, as the Comoros is a conservative Muslim country.
Plan your trip to Moroni
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.