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Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

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Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

Was From $ 5,190 AUD
Now From $ 4,930 AUD
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Description

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, tropical fish, manta rays and more. Learn from local guides,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.

Trip Name
Comoros: Wildlife Expedition
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
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, and maybe even sea turtles.
  • 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 and visit one of the largest Green turtle nesting sites of the world, where turtles nest year-round; learn from local park rangers about ongoing conservation efforts.
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch served at Miki’s Place, a 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

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - 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 on your arrival. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel.
Day 2 - Moroni
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, lunch is served at Miki’s, a rustic lean-to “restaurant” under a baobab tree next to the sea. If Miki is around, he'll be happy to offer his colourful commentary on life in Comoros 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.
Day 3 - Moheli
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, meeting local people and learning about day-to-day life in this remote fishing village . On the outskirts of the settlement visit an ylang-ylang plantation and distillery. The distillery may not be operating during your visit, but your guide will explain how essential oil is extracted from this tropical plant, which is one of Comoros’ primary exports and forms the basis of Chanel No. 5 perfume and other famous fragrances.
Day 4 - Moheli
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 with an array of colorful tropical fish . Enjoy a barbecue picnic lunch cooked for you there on the deserted island, then board your boat to return to the lodge. The afternoon is yours to explore and soak up island life however you’d like. Wander the grounds to spot the family of lemurs that often visits, or head for a swim in the lagoon frequented by hawksbill turtles. Early this evening sit down with a National Park Ranger and learn about the local biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts of the Moheli National Park.
Day 5 - Moheli
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.
Day 6 - Moheli
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 Moheli and neighbouring Anjouan Island. Follow a stream towards the mountains as your 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.
Day 7 - Itsamia
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. 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.
Day 8 - Moroni
Say goodbye to Moheli as you catch a short flight back to the main island, Grand Comore. Lunch will be at a local resident’s home, where you get to see how meals are made and take part in these preparations. Then visit the ancient sultan’s capital of 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 Moroni, walk along the oceanfront with the stunning views of the Old Friday Mosque which has stood on this since the 15th century. Then walk through the narrow alleyways of the old town, with its carved doors and moss-covered walls. Finish your city tour with a stroll through the town market, full of spices, seafood, and colorful clothing.
Day 9 - Moroni
Your trip comes to an end today and there are no activities planned. A complimentary transfer is included. Please confirm your departure flight details at least 14 days before travel.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 5,580-
30-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 5,115-
27-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 4,930-
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 5,190-
15-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 5,385-
12-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 5,385-
26-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 5,385-
10-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,385-
14-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 5,140-
11-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 5,140-
25-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 5,140-
09-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 5,140-

Accommodation

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

Transport

Private Vehicle,Boat,Plane

Map