Moroni: The Hidden Gem of the Indian Ocean

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeKwaherini
  [kwah-heh-ree-nee]
• YesEwe
  [eh-weh]
• NoLaa
  [lah]
• Please/You're welcomeAbaraka
  [ah-bah-rah-kah]
• Thank youShukran
  [shook-rahn]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari gani?
  [hah-bah-ree gah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Safi. Na wewe?
  [sah-fee. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-zoon-goom-zah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-leh-oo-ee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [ning-eh-pen-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dhah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSi kula nyama
  [see koo-lah nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Afya!
  [ahf-yah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [ning-eh-pen-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dhah-lee]

• Help!Usaidizi!
  [oo-sah-ee-dee-zee]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga polisi!
  [pee-gah poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [ning-eh-pen-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNinaangalia tu
  [nee-nah-ahn-gah-lee-ah too]
• How much is it?Ni bei gani?
  [nee bay gah-nee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kushusha bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-shoo-shah bay]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockSaa moja
  [sah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu kumi
  [noo-soo koo-mee]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [meh-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [mbee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [n-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anuani ni gani?
  [ah-noo-ah-nee nee gah-nee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kweh-nyeh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi lijalo ni saa ngapi?
  [bah-see lee-jah-loh nee sah ngah-pee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ...)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah ...)]

Moroni, the capital of the Comoros, was founded in the 10th century by Arab traders. The city's strategic location on the west coast of Grande Comore (Ngazidja) made it an essential hub for trade between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The early settlers, predominantly of Arab and Persian descent, left a lasting cultural and architectural impact on the city.

From the 15th to the 19th centuries, Moroni was part of the Sultanate of Bambao, one of the island's several sultanates. The sultans played a pivotal role in the political and economic life of the region. They established fortified towns, including the old city of Moroni, which became a center of Islamic learning and culture.

In the late 19th century, the Comoros archipelago, including Moroni, came under French colonial rule. This period saw significant changes in the city's infrastructure and administration. The French built roads, schools, and hospitals, and introduced new agricultural practices. However, the colonial period also brought about social and economic inequalities that impacted the local population.

The mid-20th century was marked by a growing independence movement in the Comoros. Moroni became a focal point for political activism and protests against French rule. Leaders like Ahmed Abdallah and Ali Soilih emerged from this period, advocating for self-governance and national unity. In 1975, the Comoros gained independence, and Moroni was declared the capital of the new nation.

Since independence, Moroni has continued to evolve. The city has seen significant urbanization and development, with new governmental buildings, educational institutions, and cultural centers being established. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and economic difficulties, Moroni remains a vibrant city, rich in history and cultural diversity.

Moroni is renowned for its cultural heritage, which reflects a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. The city's old medina, with its narrow alleys and historic mosques, offers a glimpse into its storied past. Festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and the National Day of Independence are celebrated with great fervor, featuring traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

Moroni, the capital city of Comoros, is primarily accessed via Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH), located approximately 23 kilometers from the city center. International flights connect Moroni to major hubs such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, and Paris. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle to reach the city.

Within Moroni, taxis are the most common form of transport and are relatively affordable. Shared taxis, known as 'taxi-brousse,' are a popular option for longer distances and connecting to other parts of the island. Public buses are available but can be crowded and less reliable. Renting a car is an option, but be prepared for varying road conditions. Walking is feasible for short distances, especially in the city center.

The official currency in Comoros is the Comorian Franc (KMF). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are available in Moroni but may not always be reliable. It is recommended to exchange currency at official exchange bureaus or banks in the city.

Moroni is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Areas like Volo Volo Market can be bustling and require extra vigilance. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 111 for police, 112 for medical emergencies, and 118 for fire services. The main hospital in Moroni is El-Maarouf National Hospital, which provides emergency medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and public places. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Don't expect strict schedules. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod. It is polite to greet elders and show respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t eat with your left hand, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Moroni like a local, visit the Volo Volo Market where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional goods. Engage with the locals, who are often hospitable and willing to share insights about their culture. Don't miss a visit to the Old Friday Mosque, a historic site with stunning views. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to nearby islands such as Moheli or Anjouan.