Free Sima Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Sima with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Sima
Sima photo 2
Sima photo 3
All photos

Sima, on Anjouan in Comoros, offers volcanic landscapes, coastal villages, tropical agriculture and an intimate view of island life.

Sima is a commune and coastal settlement on the western side of Anjouan, one of the principal islands of the Union of the Comoros. The area combines steep volcanic terrain with small coastal plains, plantations and villages shaped by the island’s long connection with the western Indian Ocean. Travel here is less about a conventional resort infrastructure than about observing everyday island life, exploring the landscape at a gentle pace and using Sima as a base for parts of western Anjouan.
Read more about Sima
The scenery changes quickly around Sima. Green hills rise behind the settlement, while roads and footpaths connect cultivated slopes with the coast. Coconut palms, banana plants, breadfruit and other tropical vegetation are part of the agricultural landscape, although cultivation is closely interwoven with homes and village life. The sea is an important reference point, but beaches and coastal access vary from one section of the shoreline to another; local advice is valuable before swimming, snorkelling or walking away from settled areas.
Sima’s cultural identity reflects Anjouan’s Comorian, African, Arab and wider Swahili-world influences. Islam is central to public and family life, and mosques form important visual and social landmarks in villages. Traditional houses, compounds, market activity and conversations in local forms of Comorian sit alongside French, which is widely used in administration and education. Visitors should expect a place where tourism remains relatively modest and where hospitality is usually expressed through ordinary community encounters rather than a formal visitor industry.
The wider island is known for its dramatic relief, dense vegetation and historic settlements, but its roads can be slow because of bends, steep gradients and changing surfaces. Sima is therefore best approached as part of an Anjouan itinerary rather than as an isolated beach destination. Walks, viewpoints, coastal stops, village markets and visits arranged through local contacts can reveal more than a hurried circuit. Conditions are tropical, and rain can affect both roads and footpaths, particularly during the wetter season.
Food in Sima follows the wider Comorian pattern: rice served with fish, meat or coconut-based sauces, alongside plantains, cassava, breadfruit and seasonal fruit. Fresh seafood may be available near the coast, though supply and preparation vary. The most rewarding experiences are likely to come from combining a respectful visit to the town and surrounding villages with time outdoors, while recognising that Sima is a lived-in community rather than a purpose-built holiday resort.

When is the best time to visit Sima?

Best: June–August · 28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30270
February30300
March30310
April30260
May29130
June (best)2870
July (best)2860
August (best)2870
September28100
October29140
November29170
December30240

Getting to and around Sima

How to get there

Sima is on Anjouan, so most international travellers reach it via the Comoros’ main air gateways and then continue by domestic connection or sea, depending on current services and conditions. Ouani Airport, near Mutsamudu and outside Sima, is the principal aviation gateway for Anjouan when flights operate. Travellers may also arrive by boat from another Comorian island, but maritime services can be irregular and weather-dependent. Confirm routes locally before committing to an onward itinerary; Sima itself does not have an international airport.

Transportation

Travel within Sima and western Anjouan is mainly by shared taxis, private vehicles, motorcycles and walking. Roads follow the island’s steep contours, and a short distance on a map can require a slow journey. Public transport is more readily found on principal routes than in smaller villages, while vehicles may be less available later in the day. A locally arranged driver is useful for reaching viewpoints, rural paths and coastal settlements, and visitors should not rely on a fixed timetable. Rain can make minor roads and footpaths difficult.

Best attractions in Sima

Sima’s attractions are primarily environmental and cultural rather than organised around a large collection of ticketed sights. The commune’s western Anjouan setting brings together volcanic hills, tropical vegetation, cultivated slopes and nearby coastal settlements, making it suitable for slow exploration, short walks and locally guided excursions. Viewpoints along the island roads can reveal the close relationship between villages, plantations and the sea, although access and safety should be checked after rain. Village mosques, markets and ordinary streets provide insight into Comorian religious and social life, while coastal areas offer opportunities for quiet observation and, where conditions permit, swimming or snorkelling. The wider Anjouan landscape adds steep interior country, forested slopes and historic settlements, but journeys beyond Sima require planning because roads are winding and public transport is not arranged for sightseeing. Travellers should prioritise locally organised visits, respect private and cultivated land, and avoid assuming that an attractive unmarked path is a formal trail. The appeal lies in the combination of scenery and lived-in culture rather than in a single headline attraction.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Sima

Sima’s most meaningful landmarks are woven into its settlement and landscape rather than concentrated in monumental complexes. Its mosques, including the principal mosque buildings serving the town and surrounding villages, express the central place of Islam in Anjouanese public life; visitors should view them respectfully and enter only with permission. Traditional village compounds and older houses, where they survive, show how local architecture adapts to a tropical climate and close-knit community patterns, although many are private rather than visitor attractions. The volcanic slopes behind Sima are geographical landmarks in their own right, rising sharply above cultivated ground and shaping roads, views and settlement. The coast provides another defining edge, with headlands, inlets and working shoreline areas that should be explored cautiously and with local advice. These landmarks are best understood as parts of a continuous cultural landscape: mosque, village, plantation, road and mountain are connected by the history of Anjouan rather than presented as isolated monuments.

Show more landmarks

Explore Sima on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Sima

Dining in Sima is simple, local and closely tied to what households, fishermen and small traders can obtain on the day. Rice commonly accompanies fish, meat or chicken in sauces flavoured with coconut, spices and local herbs, while plantain, cassava, breadfruit and bananas reflect the tropical agricultural setting. Fresh fish may be available near the coast, although selection and serving times vary, and visitors should ask locally rather than expect a permanent seafood menu. Small cafés, market stalls and family-run eateries are more characteristic than formal restaurants; larger choices are more likely around Mutsamudu, outside Sima. Comorian food shares elements with the wider Swahili and Indian Ocean culinary world, but meals in Anjouan are shaped by island produce, Islamic dietary customs and household traditions. Carry snacks and drinking water for journeys, and confirm arrangements in advance if travelling with dietary restrictions.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Sima

Sima does not have a major nightclub district, and evening life is generally centred on family gatherings, conversation, small cafés and local restaurants rather than late commercial entertainment. As a predominantly Muslim community, public drinking is not the defining feature of social life, and visitors should behave discreetly and respect local expectations. Evening activity is more noticeable in larger settlements elsewhere on Anjouan, particularly around Mutsamudu, but venues and opening arrangements can change. In Sima, the most realistic evening experience is a locally arranged meal, a quiet walk in a settled and well-known area, or conversation with hosts. Avoid isolated coastal roads after dark and arrange transport before leaving accommodation, as taxis and other vehicles may be difficult to find later in the evening.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Sima

Sima does not have a major nightclub district, and evening life is generally centred on family gatherings, conversation, small cafés and local restaurants rather than late commercial entertainment. As a predominantly Muslim community, public drinking is not the defining feature of social life, and visitors should behave discreetly and respect local expectations. Evening activity is more noticeable in larger settlements elsewhere on Anjouan, particularly around Mutsamudu, but venues and opening arrangements can change. In Sima, the most realistic evening experience is a locally arranged meal, a quiet walk in a settled and well-known area, or conversation with hosts. Avoid isolated coastal roads after dark and arrange transport before leaving accommodation, as taxis and other vehicles may be difficult to find later in the evening.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Sima

Shopping in Sima is primarily practical and local, with small shops and village trading points supplying food, household goods and daily necessities rather than a formal souvenir economy. Seasonal produce such as bananas, coconuts, cassava, breadfruit and other tropical goods may appear in local markets, while spices and agricultural products reflect Anjouan’s long plantation history. Visitors may find small quantities of vanilla, cloves or ylang-ylang-related products, but quality, packaging and availability vary, so purchases should be made through trusted local sellers. For a broader choice of clothing, household goods, crafts and food products, Mutsamudu and other larger settlements on Anjouan are more practical than Sima. Carry cash in Comorian francs, ask before photographing market activity and avoid buying items made from protected wildlife or removing natural material from the coast. The most appropriate purchases are useful local produce and fairly priced goods from established traders.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Sima, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Sima essentials

Currency and Payment
Sima uses the Comorian franc, abbreviated KMF, as part of the Union of the Comoros. Cash is the practical means of payment, particularly in villages, taxis, markets and small food outlets. Card acceptance and dependable cash machines are limited outside the main urban centres, so obtain sufficient francs before travelling onward and keep money discreetly. Carry small denominations where possible, while remembering that exchange rates and banking arrangements can change.
Safety
Visitors should use ordinary personal-security precautions and take particular care with transport, isolated coastal areas and hillside walks. Roads may be narrow, poorly lit or uneven, and driving standards can differ from those familiar to international visitors. Do not swim alone or approach unfamiliar shorelines without local advice, especially after rough weather. Tropical rain can create slippery paths and localised flooding. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash and follow local guidance about community events, photography and access to private land.
Emergency Situations
Comoros’ national emergency arrangements apply in Sima. Police assistance is generally reached on 17 and fire services on 18, although mobile coverage and response times can vary, particularly outside the main towns. For a medical emergency, seek immediate help from local residents, the nearest health facility or the national emergency services, and ask accommodation staff or a driver to assist with transport. Travellers should carry travel insurance, essential medicines and a written record of important medical information, as specialist treatment and evacuation options on Anjouan are limited.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in villages and away from the beach, particularly when visiting mosques or meeting elders. Ask before taking photographs of people, homes, religious buildings or ceremonies, and do not enter cultivated land without permission. Remove footwear when local custom requires it and follow the guidance of mosque caretakers. Public displays of affection should be discreet. Tipping is not governed by a single regional rule, but a modest payment for useful guiding or service may be appreciated when appropriate. Avoid littering, wasting water or treating village life as a spectacle.
Local Tips
Sima is more rewarding when visited with time for unplanned stops and conversations arranged through a trusted local contact. Early mornings are generally best for walking and photography before heat and humidity increase. Ask locally about the condition of tracks, the availability of fresh food and the safest coastal access rather than relying on an old online listing. French is useful in administration, while Shikomori is central to everyday communication; greetings and patience make practical arrangements easier.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

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]
NoAyo[ah-yoh]
Please/You're welcomeTafadhali[tah-fah-dah-lee]
Thank youAsante[ah-sahn-teh]
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-zoo-ngum-zah kee-in-geh-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-dah-lee]
I don't eat meatSili nyama[see-lee nyah-mah]
Cheers!Afya![ah-fyah]
I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali[neen-geh-pen-dah koo-lee-pah tah-fah-dah-lee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Nisaidie![nee-sah-ee-dee-eh]
Go away!Nenda mbali![nen-dah mah-bee-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 illNina ugonjwa[nee-nah oo-gon-jwah]
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?Inagharimu kiasi gani?[ee-nah-gah-ree-moo kee-ah-see 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-guh-zah bay-ee]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ni saa ngapi?[nee sah ngah-pee]
It's one o'clockNi saa moja[nee sah moh-jah]
Half past (10)Nusu ya (10)[noo-soo yah (ten)]
MorningAsubuhi[ah-soo-boo-hee]
AfternoonMchana[m-chah-nah]
EveningJioni[jee-oh-nee]
YesterdayJana[jah-nah]
TodayLeo[leh-oh]
TomorrowKesho[keh-shoh]
1Moja[moh-jah]
2Mbili[m-bee-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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?[ee-koh wah-pee]
What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?[ahn-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (katika ramani)?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyesh-ah kah-tee-kah rah-mah-nee]
When's the next (bus)?Basi ijayo ni lini?[bah-see ee-jah-yoh nee lee-nee]
A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (ya ....)[tee-keh-tee yah]

History of Sima

Early Indian Ocean Settlement

Anjouan’s history developed through successive movements of people across the western Indian Ocean. African communities, Arab and Persian-linked traders, and Swahili coastal networks contributed to the island’s settlement, language and Islamic culture. The villages around Sima belong to this wider island society, whose position between Madagascar, the East African coast and the northern Indian Ocean encouraged maritime exchange. Archaeological remains and longstanding settlement patterns indicate that Anjouan was connected to regional trade well before European colonial rule, although much of its early history is preserved through a combination of material evidence, oral tradition and later written accounts.

The Sultanates of Anjouan

From the medieval and early modern periods, Anjouan was governed through local sultanates centred on towns and ruling families. Political authority was closely linked to Islam, landholding, maritime commerce and relationships between coastal settlements and the interior. Sima formed part of this Anjouanese world rather than developing as an isolated community. Mosques, family networks, agricultural customs and the organisation of villages continue to reflect historical connections between the island’s coastal and upland populations.

Plantations and European Influence

European commercial and political influence expanded in the Comoros during the nineteenth century, when plantations and export agriculture became increasingly important. French power was formalised through a protectorate over Anjouan in 1886, followed by incorporation into the French colonial administration of the Comoros. Cash crops such as ylang-ylang, cloves and vanilla became significant across the islands. Around Sima, agriculture remained closely tied to household life and the hills, while colonial rule altered landholding, administration, labour relations and the direction of overseas trade.

Colonial Comoros and Labour Migration

During the twentieth century, Anjouan was administered as part of the French colonial territory of the Comoros, with Mayotte following a separate political trajectory after the islands’ decolonisation. Colonial institutions, mission and government schooling, export agriculture and new administrative divisions reshaped local society. Limited economic opportunities also encouraged migration within the archipelago and towards neighbouring islands and overseas territories. These movements remain important to Comorian families, including communities connected to Sima, and help explain the strong links between island villages and relatives abroad.

Independence and the Union of the Comoros

The Comoros became independent from France in 1975, although Mayotte remained under French administration. The independent state eventually comprised Grande Comore, Mohéli and Anjouan, and political tensions between the islands have periodically affected national life. Anjouan declared separation in 1997 before returning to the Union of the Comoros after negotiations and an island referendum in 2001. Sima’s contemporary identity is therefore shaped by both local Anjouanese traditions and the constitutional, economic and administrative framework of the Comorian Union.

A Rural and Connected Present

Modern Sima reflects the continuing importance of agriculture, coastal activity, family networks and small-scale commerce. Roads, mobile communications and migration have connected the commune more closely with Mutsamudu and other parts of Anjouan, but steep terrain and limited infrastructure still influence daily travel. The area’s future visitor economy depends on improving access and services without displacing established communities or placing excessive pressure on water, coastlines and cultivated land. For travellers, this is a region best understood through its living landscape rather than through a concentration of monumental sites.

Sima in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Sima

The closest regions to Sima, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Comoros
More of the region

Explore more of Comoros

Discover Comoros - an untouched paradise in the Indian Ocean with pristine beaches, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty for a truly unique travel experience.

Explore Comoros
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sima, Comoros

Discover the best of Sima, Comoros with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy bookings for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Sima, Comoros with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. Get detailed information, local tips, and easy bookings for a seamless travel experience.

  • Comprehensive travel essentials and historical information on Sima
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • Intuitive navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations

Imagine yourself arriving in the charming town of Sima, Comoros, ready to explore its hidden gems and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your journey becomes effortless and enriching. The app provides comprehensive details on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities that Sima has to offer. Each location features rich descriptions, captivating images, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need to plan and organize your trip.

Visit the iconic **Mount Karthala**, marvel at the historical architecture of the **Old Friday Mosque**, or relax on the stunning **Itsamia Beach**. Hungry? Savor local delicacies at renowned eateries like **Le Relais de Singani** and **Restaurant Ali Baba**. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of multiple searches and bookings.

Evendo also offers essential travel information, a history of Sima, and curated local tips to help you experience the city like a true insider. The intuitive navigation and 'Near me' feature allow you to effortlessly discover what's around you, no matter where you are in Sima. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, it covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it your perfect travel companion wherever you go.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.