Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

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.

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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.

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After breakfast, catch a ferry to the island of Moheli. In 2020, this island and its surrounding waters were designated by UNESCO as the 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 a 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.

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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 colourful 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.

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Head back out on the water after breakfast, this time in search of dolphins! Spinner and tropical spotted dolphins are often seen in these waters year-round, making for an incredible wildlife encounter. From mid-July to October, humpback whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters around Mohéli to give birth, and if you’re travelling during this season, you may even spot mothers with their calves. 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.

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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.

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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.

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Say goodbye to Mohéli and catch the ferry back to Grande Comore. On arrival, share lunch with a local family, learn how traditional dishes are prepared and lend a hand with the preparations. Then visit Iconi, the former capital of the Bambao Sultanate. Set beneath a steep volcanic cone, this historic village was the site of a tragic confrontation with Malagasy raiders in the 1880s. On a guided walk, see the coral-limestone Kaviri Djewe palace and historic bangwes – public squares where local men still gather to discuss community matters. Back in Moroni, stroll along the waterfront beneath the 15th-century Old Friday Mosque before exploring the old town’s narrow alleyways, carved doors and moss-covered walls. Finish among the spices, seafood and colourful fabrics of the local market. The medinas of Iconi and Moroni are both recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage sites for their distinctive architecture and links to Indian Ocean trade. Tonight, celebrate the end of your adventure over dinner with your fellow travellers at a beachfront restaurant.

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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.

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