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Anjouan
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Explore Anjouan in Comoros for Mutsamudu’s sultanate heritage, volcanic mountain scenery, fragrant plantations and Indian Ocean village life.

Anjouan, known locally as Ndzuwani, is one of the four main islands of the Union of the Comoros in the western Indian Ocean. Its steep volcanic terrain rises from a deeply indented coast towards Mount Ntingui, the island’s highest summit, while narrow valleys descend through plantations, villages and forest. The landscape is more densely settled and cultivated than that of neighbouring Mohéli, with coconut palms, bananas, cloves, vanilla and ylang-ylang contributing to the island’s distinctive agricultural character.
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Mutsamudu, on Anjouan’s north-west coast, is the island’s capital and principal urban centre. Its old town retains winding lanes, stone buildings, mosques and traces of the sultanate that once governed the island. Above the town stands the citadel, a reminder of Anjouan’s strategic position along Indian Ocean trading routes. Domoni, on the south-east coast, is another historically important settlement, associated with sultanate-era architecture and a long maritime tradition. Between these towns, roads cross ridges and valleys where daily life remains closely connected to farming, fishing and family networks.
Anjouan’s natural appeal lies in contrasts rather than a single landmark. Mountain walks lead towards forested uplands and Lake Dzialandzé, while coastal journeys reveal small bays, reefs, fishing villages and cultivated slopes meeting the sea. The island’s terrain can make short distances slow to travel, but it also creates changing views over plantations and the surrounding ocean. Outdoor exploration is best approached with local guidance, particularly on less-developed paths and in upland areas where weather can change quickly.
The island’s culture reflects centuries of interaction between African, Arab, Persian, Malagasy and wider Indian Ocean communities. Comorian, French and Arabic are used in different aspects of public and cultural life, and Islam shapes the rhythm of many communities. Food commonly combines rice with fish, coconut, plantain, cassava and aromatic spices. Visitors should expect modest tourism infrastructure, limited nightlife and changing transport arrangements, but also a destination where historic towns, agricultural landscapes and island hospitality remain closely connected. Anjouan is most rewarding for travellers prepared to move patiently, respect local customs and explore beyond the main harbour and airport.

When is the best time to visit Anjouan?

Best: June–August · 27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30280
February30230
March29180
April29130
May2870
June (best)2730
July (best)2720
August (best)2720
September2740
October2880
November28130
December29180

Getting to and around Anjouan

How to get there

Anjouan is reached primarily by air or sea from the Comorian capital, Moroni, on Grande Comore, and from other islands when services operate. Ouani Airport serves Anjouan and is near Mutsamudu, although flight schedules and available routes can change. Inter-island boats also operate at times from ports such as Mutsamudu, but crossings are highly dependent on weather, vessel availability and local operating arrangements. Travellers arriving internationally will generally need to connect through a regional airport serving the Comoros rather than expect a direct international service to Anjouan.

Transportation

Road travel is the main way to move around Anjouan. Taxis and shared taxis are used in and between populated areas, while private vehicles with a local driver can be useful for visiting dispersed villages, viewpoints and upland landscapes. Roads follow steep coastal and interior routes, and journeys may take considerably longer than map distances suggest. Walking is practical within parts of Mutsamudu and other towns, but rural trails are not always signposted. Boat travel is possible in principle but should be arranged locally and never assumed without confirming the current service and weather conditions.

Top city travel guides in Anjouan

The cities of Anjouan, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Anjouan

Anjouan’s attractions are spread across a compact but rugged volcanic island. Mutsamudu’s old town is the principal cultural starting point, with winding streets, historic mosques, stone buildings and the citadel above the harbour. Domoni offers further insight into the island’s sultanate heritage and coastal history. Outside the towns, the appeal shifts to mountain scenery, plantation landscapes and traditional villages connected by winding roads. Walks towards Mount Ntingui and Lake Dzialandzé provide the island’s most notable inland experiences, although trails and access arrangements should be checked locally. Coastal journeys bring views of fishing communities, reefs and small bays, while the Bimbini area is associated with beaches and marine landscapes. Anjouan is better suited to guided exploration, cultural observation and nature walks than to a highly developed resort holiday. Visitors should expect modest infrastructure, limited interpretation at historical sites and changing access conditions, but the island’s combination of Islamic heritage, sultanate-era towns, fragrant crops and steep green terrain gives its attractions a character distinct from the more urbanised parts of the Comoros.

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Best landmarks in Anjouan

The most recognisable built landmark on Anjouan is the citadel above Mutsamudu, whose defensive position reflects the town’s former importance as a sultanate centre and Indian Ocean port. Below it, the old town’s narrow lanes, stone structures and mosques provide a strong sense of the island’s historic urban fabric, even where individual buildings have been altered over time. Domoni’s historic quarters and religious architecture are also significant reminders of Anjouan’s former sultanates and maritime connections. The island’s principal natural landmark is Mount Ntingui, a high volcanic summit whose forested slopes dominate views across the interior. Nearby Lake Dzialandzé adds a contrasting upland landscape, surrounded by vegetation rather than extensive development. Along the coast, steep volcanic headlands, small bays and views across the Mozambique Channel form a changing natural skyline. These landmarks are valuable not only for visual appeal but because they connect Anjouan’s current communities with its geological formation, Islamic history and long role in regional seaborne exchange.

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Best restaurants in Anjouan

Dining on Anjouan is generally informal and closely connected to household cooking, local markets and small cafés rather than a formal restaurant scene. Rice is commonly served with fish, chicken or meat, while coconut, cassava, plantain, breadfruit and spices provide much of the culinary foundation. Fresh seafood is especially relevant in coastal communities, although availability varies with fishing conditions. Cloves, vanilla and ylang-ylang are important island products and may appear as flavourings, drinks or locally made fragrant goods rather than as ingredients in every meal. In Mutsamudu, visitors can find more varied cafés and simple eateries, while rural food is more likely to be arranged through guesthouses or local contacts. Comorian cooking reflects African, Arab, Malagasy and Indian Ocean influences, with spiced stews, grilled fish and rice-based meals common themes. Carrying water and a few snacks is sensible when travelling beyond the main towns, where food choices and service times can be limited.

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Best bars in Anjouan

Anjouan does not have a major clubbing scene, and evening life is shaped more by family visits, neighbourhood socialising, restaurants and cafés than by late-night entertainment. Mutsamudu offers the widest choice of places to eat or sit in the evening, while smaller towns and villages generally become quiet after dark. As a predominantly Muslim island, public drinking is not central to local culture, and visitors should not expect a bar district or a wide selection of licensed venues. Some accommodation may offer soft drinks, tea or limited refreshments, but arrangements vary. Evening walks should be kept to well-known, adequately lit areas and made with local advice, particularly outside Mutsamudu. Cultural gatherings, weddings and religious occasions can be important forms of social life, but they are community events rather than scheduled tourist nightlife and should only be attended by invitation or with appropriate local guidance.

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Best nightclubs in Anjouan

Anjouan does not have a major clubbing scene, and evening life is shaped more by family visits, neighbourhood socialising, restaurants and cafés than by late-night entertainment. Mutsamudu offers the widest choice of places to eat or sit in the evening, while smaller towns and villages generally become quiet after dark. As a predominantly Muslim island, public drinking is not central to local culture, and visitors should not expect a bar district or a wide selection of licensed venues. Some accommodation may offer soft drinks, tea or limited refreshments, but arrangements vary. Evening walks should be kept to well-known, adequately lit areas and made with local advice, particularly outside Mutsamudu. Cultural gatherings, weddings and religious occasions can be important forms of social life, but they are community events rather than scheduled tourist nightlife and should only be attended by invitation or with appropriate local guidance.

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Best shops in Anjouan

Shopping on Anjouan is centred on local markets, small town shops and informal stalls rather than large retail centres. Mutsamudu is the most practical place to look for everyday goods, clothing, household items and food supplies, while village markets provide a closer view of produce used in local cooking. Regional products include vanilla, cloves, coconut-based goods and ylang-ylang, the fragrant flower for which the Comoros is widely known; oils, perfumes and other derived products should be purchased from reputable sellers and packed according to airline and customs rules. Woven mats, baskets and simple handmade items may be available, although selection varies by place and season. Fresh fruit, spices and locally produced foods can make useful gifts, but international import rules may restrict agricultural products. Bargaining may occur in informal markets, but it should remain courteous and proportionate. Visitors should carry cash, as card payments are uncommon outside limited formal businesses.

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Anjouan essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Comorian franc, coded KMF, used throughout the Union of the Comoros. Cash is the most dependable form of payment on Anjouan, particularly in villages, markets, taxis and small guesthouses. Card acceptance is limited and should not be relied upon, while access to functioning cash facilities may be irregular outside the main urban area. Carry clean, smaller-denomination notes where possible, and keep money discreetly secured when travelling between towns.
Safety
Visitors should take ordinary precautions with valuables and avoid displaying large amounts of cash, particularly around ports and busy markets. The more significant practical risks are often uneven roads, limited lighting, changing sea conditions, tropical heat and unfamiliar mountain paths. Use caution near steep slopes and the coast, and obtain local advice before swimming, boating or hiking. Travellers should also allow for limited medical facilities and arrange appropriate travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation if relevant to their itinerary.
Emergency Situations
Emergency arrangements on Anjouan are less centralised than those in many larger tourist destinations. In the Comoros, 17 is generally used for the police and 18 for the fire service; visitors should confirm local procedures with their accommodation on arrival. For medical emergencies, contact the nearest clinic or hospital through local staff or authorities, as ambulance availability may be limited. Keep the phone number and location of your accommodation accessible, and seek local assistance promptly in the event of an accident, illness or coastal emergency.
Do's and Don'ts
Anjouan is a predominantly Muslim island, so modest clothing is appropriate away from beaches and private accommodation, especially in villages and around religious buildings. Ask before photographing people, ceremonies, mosques or private homes, and remove shoes when entering a mosque or household if requested. Public displays of affection should be restrained. Eat and drink discreetly during religious observances when local people are fasting, respect prayer times and community privacy, and ask permission before entering cultivated land or taking close-up photographs.
Local Tips
Mutsamudu is useful for arranging local transport, guides and supplies, but do not assume that every rural destination has shops, fuel or reliable mobile coverage. Early starts are sensible for mountain walks and longer road journeys, both to avoid the strongest heat and to leave room for delays. Ask locally about the condition of trails towards Mount Ntingui and Lake Dzialandzé, and treat local advice about sea conditions as more authoritative than an attractive itinerary. Learning a few courteous Comorian expressions can make everyday interactions easier.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSalama[sah-lah-mah]
GoodbyeTsalama[tsah-lah-mah]
YesEhe[eh-heh]
NoAyi[ah-yee]
Please/You're welcomeTafadhali[tah-fah-dhah-lee]
Thank youShukran[shoo-krahn]
Excuse me/SorryPole[poh-leh]
How are you?Habari gani?[hah-bah-ree gah-nee]
Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?[n-zoo-ree nah weh-weh]
Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?[oo-nah-zoon-gum-zah kee-in-ge-reh-zah]
I don't understandSielewi[see-eh-leh-wee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali[neen-geh-pen-dah koo-oh-nah men-yoo tah-fah-dhah-lee]
I don't eat meatSikula nyama[see-koo-lah nyah-mah]
Cheers!Furaha![foo-rah-hah]
I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali[neen-geh-pen-dah koo-lee-pah tah-fah-dhah-lee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Msaada![m-sah-dah]
Go away!Nenda mbali![nen-dah m-bah-lee]
Call the Police!Piga simu polisi![pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari![pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
I'm lostNimepotea[nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
I'm illNinaumwa[nee-nah-oom-wah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...[neen-geh-pen-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
I'm just lookingNatazama tu[nah-tah-zah-mah too]
How much is it?Ni bei gani?[nee beh-ee gah-nee]
That's too expensiveHiyo ni ghali sana[hee-yoh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-gah-zee beh-ee]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ni saa ngapi?[nee sah ahn-gah-pee]
It's one o'clockNi saa moja[nee sah moh-jah]
Half past (10)Nusu (10)[noo-soo (10)]
MorningAsubuhi[ah-soo-boo-hee]
AfternoonMchana[m-chah-nah]
EveningJioni[jee-oh-nee]
YesterdayJana[jah-nah]
TodayLeo[leh-oh]
TomorrowKesho[keh-show]
1Moja[moh-jah]
2Mbili[mbee-lee]
3Tatu[tah-too]
4Nne[n-ne]
5Tano[tah-noh]
6Sita[see-tah]
7Saba[sah-bah]
8Nane[nah-neh]
9Tisa[tee-sah]
10Kumi[koo-mee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Iko wapi ...?[ee-koh wah-pee]
What's the address?Nini anwani?[nee-nee ahn-wah-nee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (katika ramani)?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyesh-ah kah-teekah rah-mah-nee]
When's the next (bus)?Basi inayofuata ni lini?[bah-see ee-nah-yoh-foo-ah-tah nee lee-nee]
A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ...)[tee-keh-tee kwan-dah]

History of Anjouan

Early settlement and Indian Ocean exchange

Anjouan’s population and culture developed through successive movements across the western Indian Ocean. African communities interacted with seafarers and traders from Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Swahili world, producing languages, customs and settlement patterns that remain visible in Comorian society. Archaeological evidence and historical traditions indicate that the islands were connected to maritime commerce well before European colonial rule. Anjouan’s sheltered anchorages and fertile volcanic soils helped link coastal communities with trading networks involving foodstuffs, timber and other regional goods.

Sultanates and the growth of Mutsamudu and Domoni

From the medieval period, Anjouan was governed through local sultanates whose rulers participated in the political and commercial world of the Swahili coast. Mutsamudu and Domoni became important centres of authority, religion and trade, while elite families maintained connections with other Comorian islands and overseas ports. Much of the island’s built heritage reflects this era through mosques, stone houses, narrow urban lanes and defensive structures. The sultanates were not isolated kingdoms but part of a fluid maritime landscape shaped by commerce, kinship and Islamic scholarship.

European intervention and the French protectorate

European interest in the Comoros intensified during the nineteenth century as France expanded its influence in the western Indian Ocean. Anjouan became a French protectorate in 1886, making the island part of a colonial system that eventually incorporated the Comoros more tightly into French administration. Colonial rule altered landholding, trade and labour patterns, while plantation agriculture and export production gained importance. The period also strengthened the use of French in administration, alongside Comorian languages and Arabic religious traditions.

Colonial integration and the road to independence

French administration gradually brought the islands under a common colonial framework, although local authorities, religious institutions and island identities continued to shape everyday life. In the twentieth century, roads, public services and commercial agriculture developed unevenly, and crops such as cloves, vanilla and ylang-ylang became important to Anjouan’s economy. Political movements demanding self-government grew after the Second World War. The Comoros became independent in 1975, while Mayotte remained under French administration, creating a continuing political and geographical complication for the archipelago.

The 1997 secession crisis

In 1997, Anjouan declared its separation from the Comoros after years of political tension and dissatisfaction with the distribution of power and resources between the islands. The secession crisis disrupted transport, trade and administration and drew regional and international attention. It also exposed the strength of island-based political identities within the Comorian state. Negotiations and changing political arrangements eventually led towards a federal settlement, but the episode remains central to understanding contemporary Anjouan and its cautious relationship with national institutions.

Reunification and the modern island

Anjouan’s attempted secession ended after a Union of the Comoros military operation in 2008, supported by African regional partners. Subsequent constitutional arrangements gave the islands a degree of autonomous administration within the Union, although political tensions have not disappeared. Today, Anjouan combines a densely settled rural economy with a strong diaspora presence and limited tourism infrastructure. Its historic towns, plantations and coastal communities carry the legacies of sultanate rule, colonial transformation, independence and the island’s turbulent search for political autonomy.

Anjouan in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Anjouan, Comoros

Discover Anjouan with Evendo: the 100% free app-based travel guide that covers attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Anjouan like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide. Plan your trip with ease and discover the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences.

  • History of Anjouan and travel essentials
  • Local advice to make the most out of your visit
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to easily see what's around you
  • Curated local tips for a local-like experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the enchanting island of Anjouan in the Comoros. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our app is designed to help you make the most of your trip to Anjouan.

Discover the island's rich history and vibrant culture with detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Visit the iconic Mutsamudu Citadel, marvel at the breathtaking views from Mount Ntingui, or relax on the pristine beaches of Chomoni.

Craving local cuisine? Evendo has you covered with recommendations for top restaurants like Le Papillon and Chez Soprano. Each location in our app comes with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip while discovering amazing new things in Anjouan.

Not only does Evendo provide you with comprehensive travel information, but it also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see and do and figuring out how to get there. With Evendo, everything you need is in one place.

Our app also features the history of Anjouan, travel essentials, tons of good local advice, easy navigation, a 'Near Me' feature to see what's around you, and curated local tips so you can experience the city like a local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

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