Anjouan Island Comoros Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Anjouan Island

Anjouan (Nzwani) Indian Ocean Comoros

Anjouan (Nzwani) is the most dramatically beautiful of the Comoros Islands—a compact triangle of land rising to nearly 1,600 metres, carpeted in rainforest and fringed with black volcanic and white coral beaches. The island is known as the "Pearl of the Comoros" for its lush vegetation and the distinctive scent of ylang-ylang and cloves that perfumes the air. Mutsamudu, the capital, is a medieval Arab town of narrow alleys and carved doors. The beaches at Moya and Chiroroni offer pristine swimming, while the interior contains waterfalls and endemic forest species.

Key Information

Water Temperature
25-29°C year-round
Best Months
May-October (dry season)
Getting There
Ouani Airport (AJN); inter-island flights
Agriculture
Ylang-ylang, cloves, vanilla
Best Beaches
Moya, Chiroroni, Bimbini

Rankings

CriterionRatingNotes
BeautyExceptionalDramatic mountains, pristine beaches
UniquenessExceptionalYlang-ylang perfume, Arab architecture
AccessDifficultLimited flights, basic infrastructure
PreservationHighAlmost no tourism impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Anjouan Island?

Anjouan Island is located in Anjouan (Nzwani), Indian Ocean. It sits on Comoros and features sand beaches.

What is the best time to visit Anjouan Island?

The best time to visit Anjouan Island is varies by season. Check local weather conditions before planning your trip.

Is Anjouan Island safe for swimming?

standard ocean safety precautions apply

Image Credits