Anjouan
A volcanic island of steep mountains, lava-filled valleys, black sand beaches and national parks, suited to slow, independent trips.
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Anjouan is a volcanic island in the Comoro archipelago, in the southwestern Indian Ocean. It is an autonomous island within the Union of the Comoros, also called Ndzuani, Ndzuwani or Nzwani. The island is the eroded remains of a large volcano, which left steep mountains, lava-filled valleys and black sand beaches. Mutsamudu, on the east side, is the chief town, with a citadel and a market.
Travelers come for the mountains, the old port history and the local food. Mount Ntringui, at 1,595 metres, is the highest point, and lemurs are commonly seen in the mountain areas. Domoni, the island's most populous city, has the mausoleum of President Ahmed Abdallah. Tourism is small and most beaches have black sand, so the trip suits travelers who want a quiet, rural island. The cooler months run from May to November, but rain falls in every season, so pack for wet weather.
Anjouan in five
- Check entry rules for the ComorosAnjouan is part of the Union of the Comoros, so national entry rules apply. Check your passport and visa status before you book flights.Visas and entry
- Book flights into Ouani airfieldOuani airfield has a 1.5 km runway and is the island's air link. Check which flights serve it before you fix your dates.Getting around
- Carry cash in Comorian francsThe local currency is the Comorian franc (KMF). Ask your lodging before you arrive whether it takes cards, and bring enough cash for the whole stay.Money and costs
- Read the current travel adviceAnjouan has had more than 20 coups since independence. In March 2008 a Union-backed operation took the capital. Read your government's advice for the Comoros before you book.
- Avoid small boats to MayotteSmall, overcrowded boats used to cross to Mayotte are unsafe, and many people have died making the crossing. Do not take one, even if it looks cheap.
Need to know
- Currency
- Comorian franc (KMF)
- Entry
- Set nationally for the Comoros; check your passport before booking
- Emergency
- Ask your lodging for local police and ambulance numbers
- Tipping
- Ask your lodging or guide
- Time
- UTC+3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWarm, humid
- FebruaryWarm, humid
- MarchWarm, humid
- AprilWarm, humid
- MaySlightly cooler
- JuneSlightly cooler
- JulySlightly cooler
- AugustSlightly cooler
- SeptemberSlightly cooler
- OctoberSlightly cooler
- NovemberSlightly cooler
- DecemberWarm, humid
Right now in Anjouan
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 25°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 2 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 2%
Anjouan
01:38 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today28°21°2%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed29°21°75%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Thu28°22°95%Thursday: Rain. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Fri26°22°79%Friday: Rain. High 26°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 79%.
- Sat27°22°41%Saturday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 41%.
- Sun28°22°67%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 67%.
Updated 12:13 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 440.8 KMF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- DomoniBy road from Mutsamudu; time not yet checkedThe island's second most important city, with the Wall of Momoni.Read the guide
- Mount Ntringui National ParkInland from Mutsamudu; time not yet checkedThe island's highest point at 1,595 m, with the Moya Forest and Lake Dzialandzé.Read the guide
- Sima PeninsulaWest along the main road; time not yet checkedA marine park protecting coral reefs, in the region of the perfume plant farms.Read the guide
Before you go to Anjouan
Rules for Anjouan, checked
- Entry rules are set for the Comoros as a whole. Check them with your government before you book, since Anjouan follows national rules.
- Most people are Sunni Muslims, so dress modestly in towns and villages.
- Do not take small, overcrowded boats to Mayotte. Many people have died making the crossing.
Plan around Anjouan
Anjouan within the wider Comoros trip
Read the guideGetting aroundMoving between Mutsamudu, Domoni and Sima
Read the guideMoney and costsComorian francs and typical daily costs
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for the whole Comoros
Read the guideWhere to stayLodging in Mutsamudu, Domoni and Sima
Read the guideAnjouan FAQ
Is Anjouan worth visiting?
Yes, for mountains, forests and old towns: Mount Ntringui National Park, the Moya Forest and the citadel in Mutsamudu. Most beaches have black sand and little white sand. Tourism is small and limited.
How do you get to Anjouan?
By air to Ouani airfield, which has a 1.5 km runway and is the island's air link. Mutsamudu has a deep-sea port.
Is Anjouan safe?
Political conditions have often been unstable, with more than 20 coups since independence. Check current government advice before you book, and do not take small boats to Mayotte.
What language is spoken on Anjouan?
Shindzuani, a dialect of Shikomori, is used in daily life. French is used in schools and government, and many people learn Arabic through Quranic schooling.
Can you see lemurs on Anjouan?
Yes. Lemurs are commonly seen in the island's mountainous regions.
When is the best time to visit Anjouan?
May to November is slightly cooler, while December to April is warm and humid. Rainfall is substantial in every season.