Grande Comore · Volcano
Karthala
One of the largest active craters in the world, at the top of an entire island shaped by fire: the ascent of Karthala is the archipelago's ultimate adventure.
Experience
Hiking & volcanoes
From the giant crater of Karthala to the peak of Choungui, by way of the cloud forests of Anjouan: the archipelago is a playground for walkers.
On this page 3 sections
The great climbs
- Karthala (2,361 m): two days, a bivouac, the ultimate adventure.
- Mount Ntingui (1,595 m): cloud forest and crater lake in the heart of Anjouan.
- Mount Choungui (594 m): the viewpoint over the Mayotte lagoon.
- Mount Bénara (660 m): the roof of Mayotte, in the heart of the forest reserves.
- Mohéli's ridges: gentle hikes towards Lake Dziani Boundouni.
Volcanic landscapes
Recent lava flows on Grande Comore, crater lakes on Anjouan, Mohéli and Petite-Terre, peaks and lava plateaux: the archipelago is an open book of geology. The further east the islands are, the older they are: Grande Comore is the youngest, Mayotte the oldest.
Setting off well prepared
- Hire a local guide, especially for Karthala and Ntingui.
- Set off early: heat and clouds often build up from late morning.
- Take plenty of water, rain protection and a head torch.
- Choose the dry season, from May to October.
Where to enjoy this experience?
Anjouan · Hiking
Lake Dzialandzé and Mount Ntingui
In the heart of Anjouan's mountains, a crater lake surrounded by cloud forest, on the flanks of the island's highest point.
Mayotte · Hiking
Mount Choungui
A volcanic sugarloaf rising above the lagoon: the most iconic climb in Mayotte.
Mohéli · Hiking
Forests and Lake Dziani Boundouni
Under the canopy of Mohéli live species found nowhere else. A hike to a crater lake, to meet the giant fruit bats.
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