Map of Comoros: Wildlife Expedition including Comoros

A remote African island paradise bursting with biodiversity

Join the few lucky souls who have ever visited Comoros, a small archipelagic country off Africa’s east coast. On this 9-day wildlife expedition, split your time between two islands and encounter the many sea and land critters that call these islands home, including green sea turtles, Livingstone bats, humpback whales, lemurs, sharks, tropical fish, manta rays and more. Learn from local guides, wildlife experts and national park eco-guards who reveal insights into ongoing conservation efforts and how island communities and their visitors play a role in protecting these fragile ecosystems. Along the way, you’ll meet Comorians eager to share the vibrancy of these remote islands, leaving you to wonder why it took you so long to discover this hidden gem.


Start
Moroni, Comoros
Finish
Moroni, Comoros
Destination
Comoros
Style
Original
Theme
Expedition, Wildlife
Code
YCSO
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the Mwali UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to the second highest marine diversity in the world. Spot humpback whales and spinner dolphins; snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, parrot fish, manta rays, wrasses, fusiliers, reef sharks and maybe even dugongs.

  • Take a short a hiking experience in the subtropical tropical rain forest to observe one of the world’s largest bats, the critically endangered Livingstone flying fox.

  • Stay in community operated beachside bungalows in Itsamia, visit one of the largest Green turtle nesting sites of the world where Turtles nest year-round and learn from various local wildlife experts about ongoing conservation efforts.

  • Enjoy a seafood lunch served in a giant clam shell at Miki’s Place, cooked for you by Miki himself, a colourful local Rastafarian, in his lean-to “restaurant” under a baobab next to the sea.

  • Walk among homesteads, meeting villagers with beautiful welcoming smiles, and stroll through the surrounding gardens to see how local foods are produced.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is an expedition trip and is new to our range this year. Despite rigorous planning and research, new itineraries and destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a welcome surprise, but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • The country is relatively untouched by tourism which in many ways is a good thing, but it also means that you’ll need to have a little more patience and flexibility. Don't expect this to be your traditional touring experience.

  • Medical facilities are limited, particularly on Moheli and the smaller islands. During this journey the group will spend time in remote areas without home comforts or easy access to medical facilities. You will need to have excellent physical health to join this trip and consult with your doctor before travelling if you have any ongoing illnesses or injuries.

Itinerary

Karibu! Welcome to Comoros! On arrival at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6pm with an important welcome meeting. Then perhaps enjoy dinner in the oasis of the hotel grounds and learn more about this fascinating country from your local leader.

A complimentary shared group transfer is included if you're arriving today.
Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel.
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. 

Your hotel tonight has many amenities including a restaurant. Please note that there are very limited restaurant options and little to no tourism infrastructure outside of the hotel.
After breakfast, catch a short flight to the island of Moheli. In 2020, this island and its surrounding waters were designated by UNESCO as Mwali Biosphere Reserve in an effort to protect its rich diversity. You'll take a scenic drive to your beachfront accommodation, passing through tropical rainforests and alongside turquoise ocean views. Upon arrival, have lunch and head out on a village walk among homesteads and gardens, meeting villagers and learning about the history of the village and how local foods are made. This afternoon, visit a ylang-ylang farm and learn all about how essential oil is extracted from this tropical plant that forms the basis of Chanel No. 5 perfume and other famous fragrances.
Included Activities
  • Moheli - Ylang-Ylang Farm Visit
  • Moheli - Village walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Flight time today is just 30 minutes.There are currently no reliable passenger ferry options to the island, which is why opt to fly for this leg of the journey.
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 among tropical fish and manta rays. Back at the lodge, the afternoon is yours to explore and soak up island life however you’d like. Wander the grounds to spot the many lemurs that often visit, or head for a swim in the lagoon often frequented by hawksbill turtles.
Early this evening sit down with a National Park Ranger and learn about the local biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts.
Included Activities
  • Moheli Marine Park - Snorkelling & Islands Tour
  • Moheli - Park Ranger Conservation Presentation
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Head back out on the water after breakfast today, this time in search of whales! Humpback whales migrate thousands of miles to the warm, shallow waters around Mohéli to give birth. If you’re lucky, you may spot some mothers with their new calves. Keep your eyes peeled for spinner and tropical spotted dolphins, too! 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.
Included Activities
  • Moheli - Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Lace up and head into the subtropical rainforest on a fruit bat forest walk. Livingstone’s flying fox is one of the world’s largest bats, with a wingspan of up to 1.4 metres, but they’re a critically endangered species, found only on this island and neighbouring Anjouan Island. Follow a stream towards the mountains as your expert wildlife guide points out local medicinal trees, spices, coffee and fruit trees. After a short climb, you’ll be able to spot these giant bats sunning themselves in the trees and circling their roosts on the morning thermals. After lunch back at the lodge, the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
Included Activities
  • Moheli - Forest Hike and Livingstone Bat Observation
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Today you're off to the other side of Moheli to the village of Itsamia, a major sea turtle traffic hub! First up, learn about the village, its history, its turtles and how it all connects at a presentation by one of the national park’s eco-guards. Every year more than 20,000 green turtles nest on these beaches, making this stretch of sand one of the highest density nesting sites in the world. There are nesting turtles on this beach almost every night.

This afternoon, explore the village of Itsamia on a village walk and then hit the beach to spot turtle nests, where you might witness up to 100 baby turtles emerging from the sand and scurrying down to the water. After dinner, head back to the beach to try to catch a glimpse of momma turtles arriving back on the beach, lugging their 150-kg bodies up the sand in search of the perfect spot to nest and rest.

As for you, you’ll rest up in simple beachside bungalows built and operated by the local community as an economic development project. A volunteer from the community will be preparing dinner for you as well.
Included Activities
  • Itsamia - Turtle Nesting Observation
  • Itsamia - National Park Eco-guard Conservation Presentation
Optional Activities
  • Moheli - Forest Hike to Waterfall - Free
  • Moheli - Kayak Rental - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight's bungalow accommodation is simple but clean and comfortable with private bathrooms with bucket showers, running water, electricity, mosquito nets and fans.

The turtles set their own schedules and, depending on tides, may nest any time between about 8pm and 4am (they prefer to nest at high tide). Your guide will let you know when you should be ready to head out.
Say goodbye to Moheli as you catch a short flight back to the main island, Grand Comore. 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, meet Miki, a colourful local Rastafarian who will serve up a seafood lunch in giant clam shells at his lean-to “restaurant” under a baobab tree next to the sea. Miki’s colourful commentary on life in Comoros is included 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.
Included Activities
  • Grande Comore - Dos du Dragon Viewpoint
  • Trou du Prophète - Local lunch Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Visit the ancient capital of Comoros, Iconi. This historic village sits in the shadow of a steep volcanic cone, where, in the 1880s, many women jumped to their deaths to avoid enslavement by Malagasy pirates. On a village walk, see the sultan’s palace, Kaviri Djewe, built from coral limestone in the town’s centre, and the historic bangwes, open spaces where men still meet to debate and make decisions for the community. Back in Maroni, walk among the cafes and shops of the old stone town with a man who has lived his entire life in this medina. His grandfather was a noted Sufi mystic who has a small global following that comes to Comoros every year to commemorate the anniversary of his death. You’ll visit in his home, part of which has been donated to allow the expansion of the adjoining Old Friday Mosque, the most photographed monument in Comoros. The afternoon is yours to explore.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Iconi - Walking Tour
  • Moroni - Walking Tour of Medina and Markets
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Your trip comes to an end today and there are no activities planned.

A complimentary shared transfer is included and departs the hotel around 1pm.
If you require a transfer at a different time this can be pre-booked prior to departure. Please speak to your booking agent to arrange this.
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Basic Beach Bungalow (1 night), Lodge (4 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Moheli - Ylang-Ylang Farm Visit
  • Moheli - Village walk
  • Moheli Marine Park - Snorkelling & Islands Tour
  • Moheli - Park Ranger Conservation Presentation
  • Moheli - Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
  • Moheli - Forest Hike and Livingstone Bat Observation
  • Itsamia - Turtle Nesting Observation
  • Itsamia - National Park Eco-guard Conservation Presentation
  • Grande Comore - Dos du Dragon Viewpoint
  • Trou du Prophète - Local lunch Experience
  • Iconi - Walking Tour
  • Moroni - Walking Tour of Medina and Markets
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Comoros: Wildlife Expedition trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. There are only a small number of flights in and out of Moroni and limited transport options so we have included a complimentary group arrival and departure transfer on this trip; valid if you are arriving on Day 1, and departing on Day 9. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. Transfers are available for purchase if you are arriving earlier or departing later.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 6 in the Itsamia Bungalows where you will be in shared village bungalow accommodation.
3. You must provide us with a copy of your passport no later than 60 days before your departure in order for us to book the domestic flights included on this trip. We are unable to book your flights without a passport copy.

Essential trip information

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