COMOROS: WILDLIFE EXPEDITION

This morning, head north into rugged and jagged geographical formations, created through millions of years of volcanic activity. Your guide will share local myths about the ancient origins of these striking land features, including Dos du Dragon, Lac Salé, the Miraculous Mosque and Trou du Prophete. At this last stop, lunch is served at Miki’s, a rustic lean-to “restaurant” under a baobab tree next to the sea. If Miki is around, he’ll be happy to offer his colourful commentary on life in Comoros at no extra charge. After lunch, kick off your shoes and stroll to Maloudja Beach, where you can relax among the coconut palms or go for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

After breakfast, catch a ferry to the island of Moheli. In 2020, this island and its surrounding waters were designated by UNESCO as the Mwali Biosphere Reserve, helping protect its rich biodiversity.

Enjoy a scenic drive to your beachfront accommodation, passing through tropical rainforests and along stunning turquoise coastline views (travel time approximately 3.5 hours).

Upon arrival, have lunch before heading out on a village walk. Meet local residents and gain insight into daily life in this remote fishing community. Continue to a ylang-ylang plantation and distillery, where your guide will explain how essential oil is extracted from this tropical plant—one of Comoros’ main exports and a key ingredient in famous fragrances like Chanel No. 5. (Please note that the distillery may not be operating during your visit.)

While in Moheli, you may notice activities such as feeding lemurs or “swimming with whales” being offered. In line with our Responsible Travel policy, we encourage viewing wildlife in their natural habitats with minimal disturbance and ask travellers to avoid these activities.

This morning, you’ll take to the blue-green waters for some island hopping and snorkelling! These waters are part of the biosphere reserve and are home to the second-highest marine diversity in the world. See the cliffs and frigatebirds of Magnougni Island before hopping off the boat on the uninhabited Ouenefou Island. Pop on your flippers and mask for some snorkelling across vibrant coral reefs with an array of colourful tropical fish. Enjoy a barbecue picnic lunch cooked for you there on the deserted island, then board your boat to return to the lodge. The afternoon is yours to explore and soak up island life however you’d like. Wander the grounds to spot the family of lemurs that often visits, or head for a swim in the lagoon frequented by hawksbill turtles.
Early this evening, sit down with a National Park Ranger and learn about the local biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts of the Moheli National Park.

 Head back out on the water after breakfast, this time in search of dolphins! Spinner and tropical spotted dolphins are often seen in these waters year-round, making for an incredible wildlife encounter. From mid-July to October, humpback whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters around Mohéli to give birth, and if you’re travelling during this season, you may even spot mothers with their calves. Back at the lodge, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing at your leisure. It’s often possible to closely observe Seychelles fruit bats, which can grow to up to 80 cm from wing to wing, within the lodge grounds.

This morning, travel approximately 30 minutes to the trailhead and hike into the subtropical rainforest to see one of the world’s largest bats—the Livingstone’s flying fox. With a wingspan of up to 1.4 metres, this critically endangered species is found only on Moheli and neighbouring Anjouan Island.

Follow a stream towards the mountains as your guide points out local medicinal trees, spices, coffee and fruit trees. The hike from the start point to the bat viewing area takes approximately 2 hours, and some sections can be quite steep and wet. At the top, you’ll be able to spot these giant bats sunning themselves in the trees and circling their roosts on the morning thermals.

After the hike, return to the lodge for lunch, and the afternoon is free for you to relax after your morning adventure. We recommend insect repellent, long trousers, and sturdy trail shoes or hiking shoes for this activity.

Today, travel to the other side of Moheli to the village of Itsamia, a major sea turtle nesting hub. Begin with a presentation by one of the national park’s eco-guards to learn about the village, its history, the turtles, and how conservation efforts are connected. Every year, more than 20,000 green turtles nest on these beaches, making this stretch one of the highest density nesting sites in the world. Nesting turtles can be found on this beach almost every night.

In the afternoon, explore the village on a walk and then visit the beach to spot turtle nests. You may witness up to 100 baby turtles emerging from the sand and making their way to the water. After dinner, return to the beach to try to catch a glimpse of adult turtles arriving, lugging their 150-kg bodies up the sand to find the perfect nesting spot.

You will stay in simple beachside bungalows built and operated by the local community as an economic development project. A community volunteer will prepare dinner for you. The accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms featuring bucket showers, running water, electricity, mosquito nets, and fans. The turtles follow their own schedule and may nest any time between about 8pm and 4am, depending on tides (they prefer high tide). Your guide will advise when it’s best to head out.

Say goodbye to Moheli as you catch a ferry back to the main island, Grand Comore. Enjoy lunch at a local resident’s home, where you can see how meals are prepared and take part in the cooking process.

After lunch, visit the ancient sultan’s capital of Iconi, a historic village nestled at the base of a steep volcanic cone. In the 1880s, many women tragically jumped to their deaths here to avoid enslavement by Malagasy pirates. On a village walk, see the sultan’s palace, Kaviri Djewe, built from coral limestone in the town centre, and the historic bangwes, open spaces where men still gather to debate and make community decisions.

Back in Moroni, stroll along the oceanfront with stunning views of the Old Friday Mosque, which has stood here since the 15th century. Wander through the narrow alleys of the old town, admiring carved doors and moss-covered walls, and finish your city tour at the bustling town market, alive with spices, seafood, and colourful clothing.

In the evening, celebrate the end of your adventure over dinner with your travel companions at a local beachside restaurant. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned.

A complimentary transfer is included. Please confirm your departure flight details at least 14 days before travel.