A Comprehensive Guide on Island Hopping from Comoros Airport

Editor: Aniket Pandey on Jul 16,2025

 

The Indian Ocean sparkles beneath the wing as your plane descends—mountainous islands rising from the turquoise water like emeralds scattered by a giant's hand. Welcome to the Comoros, a forgotten paradise off Africa’s east coast, where the real journey begins not when you land, but when you take off again—from one island to another.

This is island hopping in its purest and most exotic form because the memories you can create here are unscripted and unforgettable. This guide will cover everything that you need to know about island hopping from Comoros Airport like the routes, strategies, and the historical roots of island hopping itself.

What is Island Hopping?

Let’s start by understanding something extremely basic but critical, what is island hopping? It can be referred to as traveling from one island to another in a single trip to experience multiple cultures and ecosystems. In other words, many people often use the strategy to visit islands while visiting places like Comoros, Greece and the Philippines.

In the context of Comoros, island hopping allows you to fully experience the diversity of the three main islands:

  • Grande Comore (Ngazidja): The largest, home to the capital Moroni and the international airport.
  • Mohéli (Mwali): The smallest, with a pristine national park and marine life.
  • Anjouan (Nzwani): Lush and mountainous, a haven for hikers and culture lovers.

Each island has a distinct personality, and hopping between them reveals a kaleidoscope of natural beauty and tradition.

A Quick History: What Was Island Hopping?

Before it became a traveler’s dream, island hopping had a very different meaning. So, what was island hopping historically?

During World War II, “island hopping” was a military strategy employed by Allied forces in the Pacific. The goal was to capture strategically important islands while bypassing others, creating a pathway toward Japan. This island hopping strategy allowed troops to set up bases and control supply routes.

In a twist of fate, a term once associated with war is now synonymous with discovery, adventure, and connection. And in the Comoros, it’s about exploring islands not with bombs and battleships, but with boats, planes, and wonder.

Starting Point: Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport

Your journey begins at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) near Moroni on Grande Comore. As the central air hub of the archipelago, it’s your gateway to inter-island travel and international arrivals.

Getting Oriented:

  • Currency: Comorian Franc (KMF)
  • Language: French and Comorian (Shikomori)
  • Visas: Required for most travelers but easily obtainable on arrival
  • Transport: Domestic flights, ferries, and private boat charters

From here, it’s time to plan your island-hopping adventure.

Island Hopping Routes and Flight Options

1. Grande Comore to Mohéli

  • By Air: Daily 30-minute flights via AB Aviation or Inter Iles Air
  • By Sea: Ferries available 2–3 times a week (weather-dependent)

2. Mohéli to Anjouan

  • By Air: Limited service; often requires a stopover in Grande Comore
  • By Charter: A private boat or plane recommended for flexibility

3. Grande Comore to Anjouan

  • By Air: Direct flights take around 40 minutes
  • By Ferry: Operates irregularly—check local schedules

Pro Tip: Flights are short but may be subject to delays. Always book with buffer time, especially during the rainy season between January and March.

Highlights on Each Island

1. Grande Comore (Ngazidja)

  • Mount Karthala: An active volcano with surreal crater treks
  • Moroni Medina: A maze of narrow alleys, markets, and ancient mosques
  • Chomoni Beach: White sands framed by volcanic rock

2. Mohéli (Mwali)

  • Mohéli Marine Park: The crown jewel of Comoros biodiversity
  • Sea Turtle Nesting: Between June and September
  • Eco-lodges: Sustainable stays surrounded by jungle and coral reefs

3. Anjouan (Nzwani)

  • Waterfalls and Rainforests: Lush interior for hiking and birdwatching
  • Clove Plantations: Spicy aromas fill the highlands
  • Colonial Architecture: Reflecting Indian Ocean trade history

Each stop on your island hopping journey offers a radically different atmosphere—one moment you're sipping coconut water on a tranquil beach, and the next you're climbing ancient lava trails or snorkeling alongside sea turtles.

Explore More: 

Island hopping - incredible El Nido, wild beauty of Philippines

Hope Island: A Myth or a Stop?

You may come across the name Hope Island while researching Comoros or other island chains. In this context, Hope Island is more myth than destination—often confused with namesakes in India or the Seychelles. Though there is no “Hope Island” officially in Comoros, the hope you feel while hopping from isle to isle? That’s real.

Island Hopping Strategy for Comoros Travelers

To make the most of your time, you consider referring to the island hopping strategy described below:

Day 1 to Day 3: Grande Comore

  • Settle in, explore Moroni and trek Karthala.

Day 4 to Day 6: Mohéli

  • Fly to Mohéli, dive into marine life and relax in eco-luxury,

Day 7 to Day 9: Anjouan

  • Experience the greenest island and connect with local crafts.

Day 10: Return to Grande Comore

  • Final shopping and enjoy the beach day before departing.

This 10-day plan can help you enjoy the different adventures and cultures of Comoros. In case you are traveling to this beautiful island for the first time, this plan is absolutely perfect for you.

What to Pack for Island Hopping in Comoros

  • Light Clothing: Breathable fabrics, modest attire for local respect
  • Snorkeling Gear: Some lodges provide it, but not all
  • Hiking Shoes: Trails can be rugged, especially on Karthala and Anjouan
  • Cash: ATMs can be scarce on smaller islands

Most importantly, it brings curiosity. Comoros island is about embracing the unknown.

Top Pick: Airport Accommodation or Nearby Stays for Short Trips

Challenges and Tips

Island hopping in Comoros is thrilling but it has its own drawbacks as well:

  • Expect delays and limited amenities because of the basic infrastructure of Comoros.
  • Learn a few French phrases and always use a translation app as it is the most common language in Comoros.
  • The poor connectivity of Comoros means you will have slower Wi-Fi, but it allows you to completely enjoy the moment.

Local guides can be invaluable for navigating logistics and discovering places that don’t appear on maps.

Final Thoughts

To island hop in Comoros is to escape modern tourism and step into a timeless rhythm. No crowds. No five-star façades. Just you, the sea, and a string of islands that feel like the edge of the world.

So, if you're wondering what is island hopping, now you know: it's freedom across the waves, one shoreline at a time. In 2025, there may be no better place to experience it than from Comoros Airport—your first takeoff into paradise.


This content was created by AI