The mountains of Grande Comore

The mountains of Grande Comore A.Lorgnier ©

Grande Comore, the largest of the archipelago's islands, is distinguished by the silhouette of Mount Kartala, an active volcano which culminates at 7,545 ft. The virgin forest which covers the crater provides some good walks, but if you're even more courageous you should walk up the volcano during the dry season, between April and November. There are three possible itineraries, but you should always allow 5 to 6 hours to reach the summit by foot. An excursion can be done in the daytime, however, if you stay for a few nights in a bivouack in the crater you will have more time to see the Captain's Grotto, Lake Hantsongoma and the remote little villages scattered over the interior of the island. In the north of the island, the La Grille Massif offers some lovely trails which allow you to cross from one side of the island to the other.