Ancient forts, city walls and palaces
If you visit the ancient cities of Mutsamudu and Domoni, you will be walking through a fascinating history book. It tells about the first inhabitants of Anjouan, coming from Africa, the arrival of Melanesians, Persians, Arabs and Indians, the foundation of sultanates and the introduction of Islam. Ships from many corners of the world anchored here, trade flourished. With the wealth accumulated, people built palaces and houses made of stone, as well as fortifications to keep out pirates. Behind the city walls grew a colorful and fascinating melting pot of cultures and traditions that shaped the unique character of Comoros.
During city tours, you will see several monuments, such as the magnificent Ujumbé Palace, and you can wander through the narrow alleys of the 14th-century medina of Mutsamudu. On Sinejou Hill stand the remains of an 18th-century citadel, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. Domoni is home to the wonderfully well-preserved 13th-century sultan's palace.
The perfume of ylang-ylang and clove
On a tour of the island, you will experience how relaxed and hospitable the Comorians are. Take a walk to Lake Dzialandzé, a crater lake on Mount Ntringui, and relax at the picturesque Moya beach. Continue to Pomoni, via a beautiful route along the coast. Along the way, look out for plantations where ylang-ylang is grown. This aromatic flower is a precious, indispensable ingredient for many perfumes. Women harvest the flowers, which are distilled the same day. Is it the time of the clove harvest, the fresh cloves lie by the roadside drying. The striking, lavish scent lingers like a memory, and will forever be linked to your trip to Anjouan.
