Tour Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

Transport

Private vehicle , Boat , Plane

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Hotel (3 nights), Basic Beach Bungalow (1 night), Lodge (4 nights)

Others

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Grande Comore - Dos du Dragon Viewpoint Trou du Prophète - Local lunch Experience 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 Iconi - Walking Tour Moroni - Walking Tour of Medina and Markets Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not include

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Moheli - Forest Hike to Waterfall - Free Moheli - Kayak Rental - Free

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Moroni
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Moroni

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.
Day 2 Day 2: Moroni
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Moroni

This morning, 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.
Day 3 Day 3: Moheli
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Moheli

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 factory. Though not currently operational, your guide will explain how essential oil was once extracted from this tropical plant that forms the basis of Chanel No. 5 perfume and other famous fragrances.
Day 4 Day 4: Moheli
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Moheli

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.
Day 5 Day 5: Moheli
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Moheli

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.
Day 6 Day 6: Moheli
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Moheli

This morning, you’ll hike into the subtropical rainforest to see one of the world’s largest bats, the Livingstone’s flying fox, with a wingspan of up to 1.4 metres. 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 steep climb, you’ll be able to spot these giant bats sunning themselves in the trees and circling their roosts on the morning thermals. After, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch, and the afternoon is free for you to relax after your morning adventure.
Day 7 Day 7: Itsamia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Itsamia

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.
Day 8 Day 8: Moroni
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Moroni

Say goodbye to Moheli as you catch a short flight back to the main island, Grand Comore. 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 his home, part of which has been donated to allow the expansion of the adjoining Old Friday Mosque, the most photographed monument in Comoros.
Day 9 Day 9: Moroni
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Moroni

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.

9 days tour

Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

Day 1: Moroni

Day 2: Moroni

Day 3: Moheli

Day 4: Moheli

Day 5: Moheli

Day 6: Moheli

Day 7: Itsamia

Day 8: Moroni

Day 9: Moroni

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