Karthala

A shield volcano that is still active

Karthala dominates Grande Comore from a height of 2,361 m. It is a shield volcano, like those of Hawaii or Réunion, whose gentle slopes stretch for dozens of kilometres. Its summit is occupied by a huge caldera several kilometres long, made up of nested craters. It has erupted several times in recent decades, notably in the mid-2000s.

The ascent

The climb usually starts from the village of M'vouni, above Moroni, or from other villages depending on the route. Allow six to eight hours of walking to reach the rim of the crater, with an ascent of more than 1,800 m. Most hikers bivouac near the summit to enjoy the sunrise, then come back down the next day.

• Guide: strongly recommended, as the trails are poorly marked and fog is frequent.
• Water: no reliable spring at altitude, bring at least 4 litres per person.
• Equipment: walking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, head torch, sleeping bag.
• Season: from May to October, in the dry season.

Landscapes along the way

The route crosses in turn cultivated fields, a rainforest echoing with the songs of endemic birds, then a moorland of tree heathers before reaching a mineral world of scoria and lava. At the summit, the view takes in the whole island and, on a clear day, the silhouettes of Mohéli and Anjouan.