Overview
Moroni is the compact, characterful capital of the Comoros, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar. Set on the island of Grande Comore beneath the active Mount Karthala volcano, it suits travellers who like their islands quiet, authentic and largely free of mass tourism. There are no direct flights from the UK, but connections through African hubs are straightforward once you know which routes to use.
Best time to fly to Moroni
The Comoros has a tropical climate with two seasons. The dry, cooler season from May to October is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity, calmer seas for snorkelling and diving, and little rain. November to April is hot and humid, with heavier downpours and a small cyclone risk early in the year. Fares tend to rise around the European summer holidays and Christmas; for how prices move month to month, see the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop from the UK to Moroni, so every routing involves at least one change. The most reliable options connect through African hubs: Kenya Airways via Nairobi and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, each pairing with a flight from London Heathrow. Turkish Airlines also serves Moroni via Istanbul. From London, allow roughly 13 to 18 hours in total depending on the layover; from Manchester you would connect through the same hubs and add two to three hours. Booking the whole trip on one ticket protects your connection.
Things to do in Moroni
Moroni is small enough to explore on foot, with the coast and the volcano within easy reach for day trips.
- Ancienne Mosquee du Vendredi: The 15th-century Old Friday Mosque on the waterfront, the city's most photographed landmark.
- The Medina: A maze of whitewashed alleys, carved wooden doors and small shops in the old town.
- Volo Volo Market: Moroni's busiest market, piled with spices, vanilla and fresh produce.
- Mount Karthala: One of the world's largest active volcanoes; a guided trek reaches its huge summit caldera.
- Itsandra Beach: A sheltered cove just north of the city with a ruined fort and good swimming.
At Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH)
The airport sits about 20 km north of Moroni, near Hahaya. There is no train or bus link, so a taxi is the standard way into the city, taking around 30 to 45 minutes. Agree the fare before you set off, or ask your hotel to arrange a pickup, which is the easier choice after a late-night arrival.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Moroni
- Book two to four months ahead: seats on the Nairobi and Addis Ababa connections are limited, and fares climb as departure nears.
- Avoid the July, August and December peaks, and fly midweek where you can.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to find the cheapest departure days.
- Compare hubs: a Nairobi routing and an Addis Ababa routing can differ noticeably in price for the same dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Moroni airport, usually valid for up to 45 days; bring euros in cash for the fee and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity. The local currency is the Comorian franc, which is pegged to the euro, so carry euros to exchange as ATMs are scarce and cards are rarely accepted. Malaria is present year-round, so ask your GP or a travel clinic about antimalarials and routine vaccinations, and carry a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a country where there is a risk.
