Verdant tropical flora makes up the lush interior of the islands of the Comoros. The islands each offer versatility in the types of geographical features and vegetation available. Each island has features which will engage anyone who adventures to this scenic wonderland. Undeveloped terrain makes for excellent eco-tourism or simple nature appreciation.

Islands

Ngazidja, which is also known as Grande Comore, is the largest of the islands, at sixty-seven km long and twenty-seven km wide; it encompasses an area of 1,146 square km. As of 2006, the population was estimated to be just over 300,000 people. Because this island is the most recent, it has the rockiest soil. Two volcanoes, Karthala and La Grille, make up the stunning backdrop of this island. Katharla is also the highest point on the island and is partially covered by lush rainforest.

Mwali, which is the smallest of the main islands, at only thirty km long and twelve km wide, has its capital at Fomboni. It has a total area of 290 square km. With a population of only about 40,000, this island is the least populated as well. Topographical features include a scenic mountain chain and some remnants of fertile rainforest.

Nzwani, with its capital at Mutsamudu, has a population of over 275,000 people. Known as a triangularly-shaped island, it is home to three mountain chains which originate at a shared peak, which accounts for the unusual shape this place takes. This island has a coral reef located just off shore, which is home to many species of underwater wildlife. Unlike other islands in this country, alcohol is forbidden in accordance with the very strict Islamic law that rules here.

Mahore, the most fertile of the islands, is also the oldest island. At thirty-nine km long and twenty-two km wide, with 375 sq km of space, there is plenty to occupy time on Mahore. A large, gorgeous coral reef encircles the island; it provides a lovely place to see the fish and other species of the area. Who knows, maybe you will spot the mystic coelacanth, once thought to be extinct, which has been spotted around the Comoros Islands.

Tinier islets are sprinkled throughout the waters of the various main islands. These islands make the perfect getaways for private beach excursions. Boating between islands and islets will also prove to be quite amusing.

Nature

Fauna

The tropical glory that is the Comoros can be experienced when one witnesses the wildlife of the archipelago. Obviously, one of the most important species in this region is the coelacanth, which can be dated back to 400 million years ago. It was thought that the creature disappeared from the world about 70 million years ago, but a specimen was captured in 1938 and several have been found since in this area. If you want to witness a “living fossil,” the Comoros is the destination for you.

Other types of sea-dwelling creatures make their home within this region. Whales, sharks, and manta rays patrol the seas around the islands, as do sailfish and crabs. Sunfish, lobsters, and shrimp can also be found along the Comoros Islands. The Dugong, which is related to manatees, is an herbivorous creature that traverses the seas around the islands and is also nearing extinction.

The island also has other species which are found exclusively within the Comoros Islands. Nature and animal lovers will love taking photo safaris of the islands’ fauna and exotic flora. The Macao, which is a protected species of lemur, is found only on Mahore. There are only about 120 Livingston’s fruit bats today; this is an animal which is unique to Nzwani. It was discovered in 1863by David Livingston and its numbers have been reduced significantly since then. This bat is also the largest in the world; it has an incredible two meter wingspan. With twenty-two unique bird species, bird watchers will be enthralled by the experiences and photo opportunities available. The Karthala Scops-owl, Anjouan Scops-owl, Comoro Blue Vanga and Humbolt’s Flycatcher are some examples. Other species include the Grande Comoro Brush-Warbler, Katharla White-Eye, and Grande Comoro Drongo. Many of these species are seriously on the verge of becoming extinct. Eco-tourism could be a viable option for travelers and animals alike.

Mammals of all types make their home on the island, including the Madagascan Shrew, many species of bats (Manavi Long-fingered bat, Anjouan Myotis, and Comoro Rousette, for example). Whales species found in the Comoros include Blainville’s beaked whale, orcas, and dwarf sperm whales.

Overall, the fauna of the islands give visitors many options for photography, exploration, and sightseeing. Most of these animals can be seen nowhere else in the world. For unique vacation memories, these animals will provide all the attraction anyone needs.

Flora

The plant life on the islands is as varied and unique as the animal life. There are many unique species of orchid, which is a fragrant flower that plant lovers will relish in examining. Mangroves are found throughout the islands, as is the Sea Poison Tree, which is found where mangroves are. This plant is poisonous, so beware. Erythrina fusca is a flowering legume tree; common names include bucayo and coral bean. This plant also has poisonous capabilities which one should be aware of. A moss which is found only in the Comoros islands is known as Neckeropsis pocsii; another species unique to the Comoros includes Ravenea hildebrandtii, which is a flowering plant related to palm trees. A truly odd species, Utricularia stellaris is an aquatic carnivorous plant, which means it consumes insects and the like. For one-of-a-kind floral finding adventures, the Comoros Islands has what you need.

Beaches

Galawa Beach, found on Grand Comore (Ngazidja), is well known for being a lovely beach utopia. Enjoy lovely sunsets and sunrises while soaking in the clear waters off the coast of this island oasis. A casino and resort is found on the shores of this beach, so there is much to see and do here. Le Trou du Prophete, or Prophet’s hole, is a quaint little beach found on Grande Comore. It too, features views which will have you breathless. Located on the less developed eastern coast of Grande Comore, is a scenic beach known as Bouni Beach; for private beach romps, this is the spot. Known for being rather small, but charming, is Chomoni Beach, also on Grande Comore. Another resort beach is located at Itsandra; there you can enjoy all the swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation you could possibly want. One last beach that one should see while in the Comoros Island is Planet Plage, which also offers a resort atmosphere.