Mutsamudu
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Comoros
- Region
- Anjouan
- Population
- 30,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Anjouan Ouani (AJN)
- Coordinates
- 12.17°S, 44.40°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Mutsamudu is the main town and port of Anjouan, a steep, green island in the Comoros. Its old medina climbs from the harbour in a tangle of narrow alleys and stone houses, overlooked by an old citadel.
Visitors are few, and the town is best enjoyed slowly. Beyond it, Anjouan's interior is a landscape of forested peaks, waterfalls and terraced fields, with clove and ylang-ylang plantations scenting the air.
Things to see
-
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 The citadel
An old fortress above the town, built to defend against raiders, with views over the harbour and medina.
-
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0 The medina
A labyrinth of narrow lanes, mosques and old houses with carved wooden doors climbing from the waterfront.
-
Photo: Peioma, CC BY-SA 3.0 Harbour front
Watch boats come and go from the busy port, the island's link with the rest of the Comoros.
Things to do
-
Photo: Peioma, Public domain Hike to Lake Dzialandzé
A crater lake in the misty forested highlands, a beautiful walk with a local guide.
-
Climb Mount Ntingui
Anjouan's highest peak offers views across the island and out to sea on a clear day.
-
Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 3.0 See the ylang-ylang distilleries
Anjouan is known for ylang-ylang and cloves; small distilleries show how the perfume oil is made.
Where to stay
Old town
Guesthouses near the medina and harbour, ideal for exploring on foot.
Hotels in Old townCoast outside town
A few small hotels along the shore offer quieter surroundings and sea views.
Hotels in Coast outside town
Getting around
Shared taxis link Mutsamudu with the rest of the island. Hire a guide and driver for highland hikes.
Ouani airport is a short drive from town, with flights to Moroni; ferries also connect the islands.
When to go
May to October is cooler and drier, the best season for hiking. November to April is hot and wet, with cyclones possible. Dress modestly in this conservative Muslim island.
Plan your trip to Mutsamudu
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.