The Republique Federale et Islamique des Comores consists of three islands:
Ngazidja (Grande Comore),
Ndzuani (Anjouan) and
Mwali (Moheli or Moili).
Geographically, Mayotte is a fourth island that forms part of this area, but at this stage it is a Collectivite Territoriale of France and not part of the Republic.
There is a saying in the Comores: "Moheli sleeps, Anjouan works, Mayotte plays and Grande Comore complains." While each island has its own distinct character, all offer a variety of appealing opportunities for visitors, ranging from exquisite and memorable mountain trails leading to crater lakes and spectacular waterfalls, to both white sand and black lava beaches where marine turtles lay their eggs, to remote maze-like villages and markets reminiscent of Zanzibar. Superimposed on all this is the mysterious appeal of the Swahili culture, derived from the Arab, Persian, African and Portuguese seafarers and traders who plied these coasts five to ten centuries ago.
For many visitors the main attraction of the Comores is scuba diving. With its reputation as one of the best diving spots in the world, Bonne Adventure reef, about 40km south-west of Grande Comore, is a must for all serious scuba divers. For beginners the best place to start out is in the waters off north-western Grande Comore where there is enough submarine life to encourage most newcomers to pursue scuba diving.
Organised tours are the way 90% of all visitors see the Comoros. There are definite advantages to joining an organised tour, especially if you prefer not to travel to remote areas on your own or in local transport. While numerous unofficial tour guides may approach you at Hahaya or in the harbours, there are only two official professional tour operators: Tourism Services Comoros and Royal Transit Express. Both operators run trips and tours to all the Comorian islands. If you have reserved a tour with them, they will send transport to fetch you from the airport, take you to your hotel and drive you back on your departure.
