Moroni Grande Comore

Cruise ships cannot dock here, so passengers are brought ashore by tender.

Moroni is Comoros's largest city and, since 1962, its capital. It stands on the western coast of the island of Grande Comore.

Much of Moroni has an Arabic atmosphere, with several beautiful mosques. Before the 16th century it prospered as a cruise port for Arab traders; it fell under French control in the 19th century, then served as capital of a French overseas territory from 1947 to 1975, when Comoros became independent.

Shared taxis are almost always available around Moroni, except late at night and during a taxi strike. Travel anywhere in town, or to nearby places such as Iconi and Itsandra, costs 300 KmF; taxis from Hahaya airport to Moroni cost no more than 500 KmF (1 euro). Tourists have been asked for 20 euros.

Karthala volcano is among the world's largest and most dangerous, because water inside could be heated and explode, causing the volcano to erupt and rain rock down. Its most recent activity was in January, when magma moved 7 km underground towards a fissure on the island's southern side, producing small earthquakes. When calm, it is a hiking destination, though the ascent to the summit is said to be a difficult two day climb.

Iconi is one of Grand Comore's oldest settlements, a short taxi journey south of Moroni. Its centre is Medina-style, and its sea cliffs are where women leapt to their deaths in protest after the French government murdered their husbands during colonial rule. There is also a parasitic volcanic crater.

Do not eat local food unless it has been thoroughly cooked. One island speciality is the "Djak", a large green fruit, about 1.5 - 2 feet long, whose taste resembles lychee.

Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is common in the Comoros.

The Comoros are relatively liberal for a Muslim country, but women exposing shoulders, much of the chest, knees, stomach or lower back may cause offence. Wear a shirt or shawl covering these areas. Foreign non-Muslim women are not expected to cover their heads. Local women swim fully dressed, and foreigners are not expected to do the same, but shorts and a swimming shirt are more respectful than a bikini or topless swimming. Men should wear shorts below the knee, although this is less offensive than for women. Public affection between men and women is unacceptable, although one may rarely see a…

Monetary unit: 1 Comoran franc equals 100 centimes.

The principal languages are Arabic, French and Comoran, a blend of Swahili and Arabic.

Sundays and holidays are quieter, and taxis run less frequently.