The Comoros archipelago is a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean, offering pristine beaches, active volcanoes, and rich Swahili-Arab culture. With lush tropical forests, world-class diving, and warm hospitality, this off-the-beaten-path destination promises authentic island adventures.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Comoros produces nearly 80% of the world's ylang-ylang, and small bottles of pure essential oil make the perfect aromatic souvenir. Look for family-produced oils from distilleries in southern Grande Comore for the finest quality.
Price: $10-40
Where: Volo Volo Market, distillery shops near Moroni
Comorian Vanilla Pods
Hand-pollinated Bourbon vanilla grown in the islands is plump, fragrant, and significantly cheaper than in Europe. Buy directly from plantation sellers at Volo Volo market for the freshest pods and best prices.
Price: $5-20
Where: Volo Volo Market, Moroni; plantations near M'Rémani
Kanga (Leso) Fabric
Brightly colored printed cotton wraps used across the islands as clothing, baby slings, and home textiles. Each design carries a Swahili proverb printed along the border. An affordable, light, and authentic gift.
Price: $5-15
Where: Volo Volo Market, fabric stalls in the medina, Moroni
Silver Taarab Necklaces
Traditional silver jewelry worn by Comorian women for ceremonies includes elaborate necklaces and bracelets with filigree work. Antique pieces are museum-worthy; new versions from artisan workshops are more accessible.
Price: $20-150
Where: Medina jewelers, Moroni; craft market near the port
Carved Coconut Shell Crafts
Skilled Comorian carvers turn coconut shells into decorative bowls, cups, and figurines featuring Islamic geometric patterns and ocean motifs. Lightweight and uniquely Comorian.
Price: $5-25
Where: Artisan stalls near Volo Volo Market and Moroni harbour
Comorian Spice Mixes
Pre-blended aromatic spice mixes used in traditional Comorian cooking include combinations of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Packaged by local cooperatives and ideal for recreating island flavors at home.
Price: $3-10
Where: Volo Volo Market, specialty food stalls in Moroni
Woven Palm Leaf Baskets
Women on all three islands weave intricate baskets and trays from pandanus and coconut palm leaves using traditional techniques. Designs are distinctive to each island, making them authentic collectibles.
Price: $8-30
Where: Village craft cooperatives; women's stalls at Volo Volo Market
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Volo Volo Market
The main market of Comoros is a sensory experience packed with fresh produce, spices, fabrics, crafts, and street food. This is the place to buy vanilla pods, ylang-ylang oils, kangas, and taste local snacks like sambusas and mkatra foutra.
Where: Volo Volo district, Moroni, Grande Comore
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Moroni Craft Market (Marché Artisanal)
A smaller but dedicated handicraft market where local artisans sell woodcarvings, silver jewelry, woven baskets, and essential oils. Prices are negotiable and artists are happy to explain their craft.
Where: Near Moroni port, Grande Comore
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ouani Spice Market
The spice market in Ouani on Anjouan is particularly rich in cloves, ylang-ylang, and vanilla, as the island produces significant quantities. A more relaxed atmosphere than Moroni, with excellent prices on bulk spices.
Where: Ouani, Anjouan Island
Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Fomboni Morning Market
The small but lively morning market of Mohéli's main town offers the freshest fish, tropical fruits, and handwoven items from island women. An authentic local market largely untouched by tourism.
Where: Fomboni, Mohéli Island
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Moroni Medina (Old Town)
The winding lanes of Moroni's ancient medina are lined with small shops selling fabrics, spices, hardware, and traditional goods. The architecture features intricately carved wooden doors and coral stone walls. Bargaining is expected and welcomed.
Best for: Traditional goods, textiles, local atmosphere
Volo Volo Commercial District
The area surrounding Volo Volo market forms Moroni's main commercial hub, with small shops selling imported goods, mobile phones, clothing, and food products. Busy and lively, representing everyday Comorian commerce.
Best for: Everyday goods, cheap clothing, food shopping
Coulée High Street
Moroni's main paved commercial street has the widest selection of established shops, including pharmacies, electronics, imported goods, and clothing. Air-conditioned shops are rare but a few exist here.
Best for: Imported goods, pharmacies, electronics
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Centre Commercial de Moroni
The closest thing to a shopping mall in Comoros — a covered commercial arcade in central Moroni with small shops selling imported clothing, electronics, and household goods. Air-conditioned and a good refuge from the heat.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Galerie du Port
A compact commercial gallery near Moroni's port with a mix of artisan stalls and small retail shops. Good for last-minute souvenir shopping before departure from the nearby harbour.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is standard practice at Volo Volo Market and craft stalls — start at 50-60% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle
Fixed-price shops exist in Coulée and the Centre Commercial — do not bargain there
Buying multiple items from the same vendor usually earns a discount without asking
Learn a few words of Comorian (Shikomori): 'mbéli' (how much?) goes a long way towards friendly negotiation
Never leave without saying goodbye properly — abrupt departures after failed bargaining are considered rude
Morning is the best time to bargain — vendors are more flexible at the start of the day
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Exporting raw ylang-ylang flowers and unprocessed vanilla pods above personal quantities may require phytosanitary certificates. Coral, shells, and sea turtle products are strictly prohibited. Ancient artifacts require export permits from the Ministry of Culture.
Tax Refund: No VAT refund system exists in Comoros for tourists
Duty Free: Travelers may bring in up to 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol (though Comoros is a majority Muslim country and alcohol is very limited), and goods up to $400 in value duty-free
Shipping: International shipping from Comoros is limited and unreliable. DHL operates from Moroni for small packages. For larger purchases, consider carrying items as checked luggage — most crafts are lightweight and packable