Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

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9 Days From

$3690

Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

9 Days Starting and ending in Moroni

Visiting: Moroni, Moheli, Itsamia, Comoros

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

YCSO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $3690

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Join the few lucky souls who have ever visited Comoros, a small archipelagic country off Africa’s east coast. On this 9-day wildlife expedition, split your time between two islands and encounter the many sea and land critters that call these islands home, including green sea turtles, Livingstone bats, humpback whales, lemurs, sharks, tropical fish, manta rays and more. Learn from local guides, wildlife experts and national park eco-guards who reveal insights into ongoing conservation efforts and how island communities and their visitors play a role in protecting these fragile ecosystems. Along the way, you’ll meet Comorians eager to share the vibrancy of these remote islands, leaving you to wonder why it took you so long to discover this hidden gem.

Highlights

  • Explore the Mwali UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to the second highest marine diversity in the world. Spot humpback whales and spinner dolphins; snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, parrot fish, manta rays, wrasses, fusiliers, reef sharks and maybe even dugongs.

  • Take a short a hiking experience in the subtropical tropical rain forest to observe one of the world’s largest bats, the critically endangered Livingstone flying fox.

  • Stay in community operated beachside bungalows in Itsamia, visit one of the largest Green turtle nesting sites of the world where Turtles nest year-round and learn from various local wildlife experts about ongoing conservation efforts.

  • Enjoy a seafood lunch served in a giant clam shell at Miki’s Place, cooked for you by Miki himself, a colourful local Rastafarian, in his lean-to “restaurant” under a baobab next to the sea.

  • Walk among homesteads, meeting villagers with beautiful welcoming smiles, and stroll through the surrounding gardens to see how local foods are produced.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Moroni

Location: 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.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Day 2: Moroni

Location: Moroni

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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.

Included Activities:
-Moheli - Ylang-Ylang Farm Visit
-Moheli - Village walk

Day 3: Moheli

Location: Moheli

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Moheli Marine Park - Snorkelling & Islands Tour
-Moheli - Park Ranger Conservation Presentation

Day 4: Moheli

Location: Moheli

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Moheli - Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Day 5: Moheli

Location: Moheli

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Moheli - Forest Hike and Livingstone Bat Observation

Day 6: Moheli

Location: Moheli

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Itsamia - Turtle Nesting Observation
-Itsamia - National Park Eco-guard Conservation Presentation

Optional Activities:
-Moheli - Forest Hike to Waterfall - Free
-Moheli - Kayak Rental - Free

Day 7: Itsamia

Location: Itsamia

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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.

Included Activities:
-Grande Comore - Dos du Dragon Viewpoint
-Trou du Prophète - Local lunch Experience

Day 8: Moroni

Location: Moroni

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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.

Included Activities:
-Iconi - Walking Tour
-Moroni - Walking Tour of Medina and Markets

Day 9: Moroni

Location: Moroni

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nights), Basic Beach Bungalow (1 night), Lodge (4 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • 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

  • Grande Comore - Dos du Dragon Viewpoint

show more

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.

Important Information

  • 1. There are only a small number of flights in and out of Moroni and limited transport options so we have included a complimentary group arrival and departure transfer on this trip; valid if you are arriving on Day 1, and departing on Day 9. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. Transfers are available for purchase if you are arriving earlier or departing later.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 6 in the Itsamia Bungalows where you will be in shared village bungalow accommodation.
  • 3. We require your passport information at the time of booking to in order for us to book the domestic flights included on this trip. We are unable to book your flights without your passport information.
  • 4. This trip includes two internal flights. Checked luggage is restricted to 20kg checked-in and 5kg for hand luggage.

Mode of Transport

  • Private Vehicle , Boat , Plane

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This is an expedition trip and is new to our range this year. Despite rigorous planning and research, new itineraries and destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a welcome surprise, but every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

    The country is relatively untouched by tourism which in many ways is a good thing, but it also means that you’ll need to have a little more patience and flexibility. Don't expect this to be your traditional touring experience.

    Medical facilities are limited, particularly on Moheli and the smaller islands. During this journey the group will spend time in remote areas without home comforts or easy access to medical facilities. You will need to have excellent physical health to join this trip and consult with your doctor before travelling if you have any ongoing illnesses or injuries.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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