Moroni

Moroni has been the capital of the Comoros since 1962. It is on the western coast of Grande Comore island.

• 1 Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH  ^IATA) (20 km north of the city, in the village of Hahaia). The airport receives a number of international flights, including frequent direct flights from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Nosy Be in Madagascar. There are also internal flights to Moheli and Anjouan, with prices around €50. Flights are often cancelled, delayed or even depart earlier than the expected time.  

The easiest way to get there is by taxi. You can either stop an empty one heading north on the corniche or take one at the taxi stop opposite Volo Volo market. The ride to the airport costs no more than CF500.

Moroni is connected by boat to every other island in Comoros, to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and to Mahajanga in Madagascar.

There are no official passenger services beyond the Comoros archipelago, but travelling in a cargo vessel is doable. There are boats of different sizes and normally they don't have cabins, so you will need to find a place to lay down if your trip is overnight. This can be a seat or bench if you are lucky or even the merchandise the boat is transporting. It is always wise to ask to see the boat before buying the ticket. Basic meals are served on international routes, but again, ask first.

There are at least two frequent international routes, one to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and another one to Mahajanga in Madagascar.

• For Mahajanga, the transport agency in charge is called Agency Hishma. It is on Itsambuni street, very close to the port. Departures are once per week and it takes 2 or 3 days, depending on the boat. One-way ticket costs €140 (the same trip leaving from Mahajanga costs €100).
• To travel to Dar Es Salaam, there are different agencies in charge. There is one in place Europe behind the gas station, and several in Bacha neighbourhood — just opposite the port — including Agency Massive, Ismaili Boat and Hidaya Shipping. They all seem to be just different agents fir the same boat, though. To find them, leave the port from the workers gate and head to the street behind the KomoCash Centre supermarket. Tickets cost around €100 and travel time is 2-3 days.

To travel among the islands, you have several options.

The company Maria Galanta travels to Moutsamoudou in Anjouan (and further to Mayotte) twice per week. As of October 2018, it leaves Moroni Thursdays and Sundays, and returns Wednesdays and Saturdays. It takes 5 hours to reach Anjouan and it costs €36 one way.

There are at least three different bus stations with services to different points on the island. There is no fixed schedule, but most buses run only in the morning. If there is no bus, you can probably catch a taxi there, although it might be more expensive. The stations are:

Travellers heading to Mitsamihuli, or further, should head to the Gare du Nord to take a taxi, to the neighbourhood of Salimamoud direction Hamahamet or to the Volo Volo Market stop if travelling to Mbude.

Those people travelling to Mdé, Iconi, Selea or Hambou should take a taxi in the stop of Gobadjou near Bambao. Otherwise, travellers going to Mbadijini, Fomboni, Chindini or Male can take a taxi in Karthala (do not confuse this with Hotel Karthala, which is much further east).

In order to get to Oichilli or Dimani take a taxi in the roundabout in Culée. Travellers aiming for Chomoni can find taxis in the stop of Chalma.

There is no bus service in Moroni; everyone travels within the city by shared taxi. You can stop a taxi anywhere in the city and ask if your destination matches with the driver's route. A ride within the city costs CF200 per person, CF250 for further destinations like Iconi or Itsandra and no more than CF500 to the airport.

• 1 Volo Volo Market. Mon-Sat from sunrise to sunset. Volo Volo market is the biggest in the city, and the island. It will give you an insight into local culture and life. It's better to visit in the morning when it is bursting with energy. Maybe put some eucalyptus or sniffing salts under your nose. (updated Nov 2018)
• Public Beach, north of the city (behind the Blue Lagoon restaurant). Don't miss the opportunity to visit it after work time or Sundays, when it gets full of locals looking for fun and relaxation. (updated Nov 2018)
• 2 Old Friday Mosque (Ancienne Mosquée du Vendredi) (facing the sea). A popular tourist spot.  (updated Nov 2018)
• Medina. La Medina of Moroni is the perfect off-the-beaten track attraction. The old Arabic town is rich in unrestored carved wooden doors and you can also find the vestiges of the old bangwe. Bangwees are public discussion places, everyday men used to meet here to discuss about life or play boardgames. One can say that the bangwee is the homologue of the agora. The labyrinth of narrow and paved streets will give you the feeling of having travelled back in time. The architecture and fountains will shelter you from the sun. (updated Nov 2018)
• 3 National Museum of the Comoros (Le musée national des Comores). Mon-Thu 07:30-12:30, 13:30-16:45; Fri 07:30-11:00; Sat 08:00-12:00. Established in 1989, this national museum has four exhibit rooms devoted to the preservation of Comoros' cultural heritage. Exhibit halls include history, archeology, art, and religion; social anthropology and culture; oceanography and natural sciences; and volcanology and earth sciences. 

• 1 Itsandra. White sand beach and medina neighborhood. Restaurant on beach. A short taxi ride north of Moroni  

There are plenty of options to eat in Moroni, although it is a bit more expensive than other places in the island or even in the country still it is possible to stay on a budget.

To have an inexpensive lunch the best options is the Volo Volo market; in the heart of the market you will find small and simple restaurants. The usual menu is either fried fish and bananas or rice with meat, it costs less than CF1000 per meal.

When the sun sets it is easy to find street barbecues with brochettes, chicken wings, sweet potatoes, bananas and mandioc. Particularly the barbecues proliferate around Volo Volo market, but for a better ambiance during dinner head to Karthala, officially called place du Mahoriens, or River Gauche. River Gauche in the Corniche is named after the beauty shop in front of it; the views over the port and the families that meet there make it all a nice experience.

• Wasta fast food, in the neighbourhood of Asgaraly (next to the Mag supermarket). open from breakfast until 01:00. Fast food is served all day long. (updated Nov 2018)
• Coraya Express (just on the side of L'école Abdulhamid). Kitchen always open. It offers hamburgers, crepes, pizzas, very good sandwiches and all kind of fast food. Hamburgers around CF3000. (updated Nov 2018)

• 1 Le Coraya Express, Boulevard de la République Populaire de China, Moroni (across the street from the Sawa Prix supermarket and the École Française Henri Matisse, a few blocks down from the French Embassy), ☏ . 10:30-22:00. A smaller version of Le Coraya with limited hours, a smaller menu, and a much less spectacular view. Especially known for its pizza and sandwiches. Another Le Coraya Express location is also inside the Hahaya airport. €4-9. (updated May 2020)
• 2 Le Coraya, Bandamadji, Itsandra, Grande Comore, ☏ . Mon-Thu 08:00-23:30, Fri Sat 08:00-01:00, Sun 09:00-23:45. It is in the village of Itsandra just north of Moroni, Le Coraya offers everything from burgers to pizza to pasta to seafood, as well as alcohol and hookah. Enjoy a relaxing meal as well as some of the best restaurant views in Comoros, as it sits right on the Indian Ocean next to the beach. €6-20 for a main. (updated May 2020)
• 3 New Mumbai, Rue de la Corniche, Hankounou, Moroni (across from the Alliance Française sits a gas station and a travel agency, with the entrance to the restaurant sandwiched in-between), ☏ . A quaint little restaurant serving Indian and Chinese food right by the ocean. Sitting by the ocean gives you the best sea breeze, but you also run the risk of seeing local men bathing naked in the water nearby. To get here from Moroni, tell a taxi driver you're going to Alliance Française, otherwise they likely won't know where to go. Mains €6-10. (updated May 2020)
• 4 L'Escale, Rue de la Corniche, Moroni (across the street from the medical lab), ☏ . Sun-Thu 11:00-22:30, closed Fri. Classy restaurant featuring more traditional Comorian food and a lot of seafood, as well as sporadic live entertainment. As of spring 2020, bungalows are being constructed on the grounds. €6-12. (updated May 2020)
• 5 Wasta, Caltex, Moroni (on Rue Itsambuni, turn onto the side street that intersects directly across from the former airport), ☏ . 07:00-23:00. The closest thing to fast food you'll find in Comoros, Wasta has cheeseburgers, pizza, burritos, fries, and even birthday cakes. €3-10. (updated May 2020)
• 6 MoCafe, Matelec Oasis, Moroni (up the street from the Alliance Française or down the street from the end of Volovolo), ☏ . Mon-Sat 07:00-23:00, Sun 07:00-12:00. A stylish little cafe featuring lots of Comorian and French baked goods, as well as sandwiches, tea, sodas, and fresh juice. €2-6 for bread or a sandwich. (updated May 2020)
• 7 Nassib, Volovolo Market, Moroni (walking down the street through Volovolo it's about halfway through). 06:00-22:00. A combination cafe and restaurant in the middle of Volovolo, the porch outside is the best place to sit for a tea and traditional bread in the morning or a delicious burger and fries in the afternoon. Other Nassib franchises are located in a few other locations in Moroni.It has delicious pain au chocolat, sandwiches, pizza, decent coffee, and porch seating where you can people-watch. (updated Dec 2025)
• 8 Tennis Club (Club House), Rue de la Corniche, Moroni, ☏ . Combination restaurant, bar, and actual tennis club. Serves some of the best Western cuisine in Comoros, as well as some of the best wine. Sit down for a nice meal or go to play a game of tennis on their courts. It's has a number of signature dishes one can try including the spaghetti and smoked swordfish. It's also one of the few places to get alcohol in Moroni. (updated Oct 2022)
• The New Select, Place des Banques. This popular place has a terrace from which you can contemplate people passing by. It opens early in the morning for breakfast. Around CF1500, and keeps open for lunch/dinner mains from CF4000. (updated Nov 2018)
• Cafe de la Medina, Badjanani (in front of the mosque, inside the medina). Only opens for breakfast time. Small café with a welcoming environment: the locals enjoy talking to tourists. CF1500. (updated Nov 2018)
• Zara Restaurant, Rue de l'Union Africaine (just in front of Auberge Palace). It is more popular during lunch time and more quiet at dinner, but an excellent choice in both cases. Mains around CF3000. (updated Nov 2018)
• Le Jardin de la Paix. The restaurant hotel offers a high quality of meals, with a menu including delicious fresh fish and seafood, prepared in the Comoros fusion style. There are also a couple of Western dishes. Mains from CF4500. (updated Nov 2018)
• Le Lagon Blue (the Din Sim), Rue Ahmed Djoumoi (halfway to Itsandra). Beach restaurant Mains from CF4500. (updated Nov 2018)

Moroni may not look like a place to party but there are more than a couple of clubs to dance all night long. The party starts late after midnight and finishes with the sunrise. What most locals do to be full of energy is have a long nap before going clubbing. Drinking alcohol is not generally accepted in Comoros, although it is commonly seen in clubs.

• VIP club, Route de la Corniche. Fri and Sat nights. The basement of this unfinished building host a dance floor in which dancing begins late. Outside there is also a bar and a patio to take a breath. The entrance fee gets you an armband and a drink at the bar. Entrance fee KMF5000. (updated Oct 2022)
• Le Rose Noir, Route de la Corniche. Open every Sat night. A night club in Moroni. Very European, the club-goers are not inhibited by Muslim values: there are scantily clad women, men and women dancing together, and locals drinking. Entrance fee applicable. (updated Nov 2018)

There are two main markets, Volo Volo and Chalma, where you can find anything you may wish, particularly fruit and vegetables that are often missing in supermarkets.

Supermarkets are open until at least 21:00 and are well supplied, and there are also many convenience stores (épiceries) all around the city.

Accommodation is expensive in Moroni. If you plan to stay for more than couple of days renting an apartment may be a better option. But if you look for a hotel or pension to stay just couple of nights you still can find a wide range of possibilities:

• 1 Karthala International Hotel, Mvouni, Grande Comore (on the street connecting the suburban villages of Mkazi and Mvouni, right next to the University of the Comoros), ☏ . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. USD60. (updated May 2020)
• 2 Golden Tulip Resort (formerly Hotel Itsandra), RN 1, Voidjou, Moroni, ☏ . On the borders between Moroni and the neighbouring villages of Itsandra and Ntsoudjini, Golden Tulip offers luxurious rooms and bungalows, air conditioning, Wifi, a kitchen and bar, and a private beach with a €4 entrance fee. US$104 for a double room. (updated May 2020)
• 3 Retaj, Avenue Soilihi, Moroni (at the roundabout down the street from the Sawa Prix supermarket, turn right and Retaj is located at the end of the street), ☏ . Probably one of the nicest hotels in Comoros, Retaj is often host to Comorian expats, foreign tourists and international businessman. Features a gym, access to the ocean, some of the best pizza in Comoros, a free breakfast buffet for guests (€6 for non-guests) and ylang ylang-scented shampoo in the rooms. US$60 for a double room. (updated May 2020)
• 4 Moifaka Hotel, Zilimadjou, Moroni, ☏ , hotelmoifaka@yahoo.fr. One of the few "budget" hotels in Comoros located not too far from the Retaj. You definitely won't be staying here for the amenities: simple rooms, air conditioning, Wifi, limited TV, small free breakfast and a kitchen for guests, nice airy enclosed balconies on two floors and a large rooftop with nice views of Karthala. US$26 for a double room. (updated May 2020)
• 5 Hôtel Les Arcades, Rue de la Corniche, Moroni (down the street from the end of Volovolo and not far from restaurants on Rue de la Corniche.), ☏ , hotel_les_arcades@hotmail.fr. More conveniently located than its fancier counterparts Retaj and Golden Tulip, Les Arcades offers simple rooms with air conditioning, Wifi, free breakfast, a gym, meeting rooms and a beautiful garden. US$40-50 for a double room. (updated May 2020)
• Pension Faida (Route de l’Alliance Française). Family guesthouse, clean and comfortable. With an open patio in the back to chill. No internet connection Rooms CF12,500 fan, CF15,000 air-conditioned. (updated Nov 2018)
• Pension Le Gambussi (Route de l’Alliance Française). Small pension, rooms are a bit dark. No internet connection. Rooms CF10, 000 shared toilet, CF12,500 en suite. (updated Nov 2018)
• Farida Lodge. Breakfast not included. Farida has three rooms in her place to sublet. Internet works just near the router. The room with sea views, €44, has shared toilet. You can book from Airbnb, Booking or Agoda. Rooms €30-44. (updated Nov 2018)
• Retaj Moroni Hotel (Soihili), ☏ . This is a really good deal. Breakfast included, good internet connection and really friendly and helpful staff. Rooms €40. 
• Jardin de la Paix (Ahmed Djoumoi, Quartier Ambassadeur), info@comores-jardindelapaix.com. Great value. Jardin de la Paix is a charming place to stay, nicely decorated it gives always good feelings. Breakfasts included, good internet connection, very friendly staff and beautiful rooms. The restaurant serves excellent meals. Rooms from €30. (updated Nov 2018)

• Embassy of France, Boulevard de Strasbourg, BP 465, Moroni, ☏ . Mon-Thu 07:45-12:30, 14:00-17:30, Fri 07:45-13:30, Closed Sat Sun.  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Coulée de Lave No. C109, Moroni, ☏ , CHINAEMB_KM@MFA.GOV.CN.  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of Libya, Rue de la Corniche, BP 1787, Moroni (across the street from the presidential palace, Beit-Salam, in the very north of the city. Hard to find as its map locations are outdated), ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Cable De Leon, Moroni, ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of South Africa, Voidjou, Moroni, ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of Sudan, Zilimadjou, Moroni, ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of Tanzania, Oasis, BP 8141, Moroni, ☏ , moroni@nje.go.tz.  (updated May 2020)
• Honorary Consulate of Turkey (TİKA - Moroni Program Coordination Office), Paramboini, Route Beit Salam, BP 2492, Moroni, ☏ , moroni@tika.gov.tr.  (updated May 2020)

For foreign visitors who do not hold one of the above nationalities, the following select embassies will provide assistance while you're in Comoros.

• Embassy of the United States of America in Madagascar, Lot 207 A - Andranoro - Antehiroka, 105 Antananarivo, ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• British High Commission to Mauritius, 7th floor, Cascades Building, Edith Cavell Street, P.O. box 1063, Port Louis, ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• Australian High Commission to Mauritius, 2nd Floor, Rogers House, 5 President Kennedy Street, Port Louis, ☏ , ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au.  (updated May 2020)
• High Commission of Canada to Tanzania, 38 Mirambo Street / Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, ☏ , DSLAMCS@international.gc.ca.  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of Brazil in Tanzania, Coco Plaza Office Complex - 2nd Floor - Rooms 201/202 Plot nr. 254, Toure Drive, Msasani Peninsula PO Box 105818 - 14111, Dar es Salaam, ☏ .  (updated May 2020)
• Embassy of Japan in Madagascar, Villa Chrysanthème III, Ambohijatovo-Analamahitsy, 101 Antananarivo (B.P.3863), ☏ .  (updated May 2020)