On Ngazidja, Karthala is more than a single peak: it shapes the entire island. The combination of volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife and significant cultural landscapes gives the island its own contrasts—from the natural environment of the national park to places associated with stories and history.

Karthala: from the coast to the summit

Parc National du Karthala stretches from the eastern coastal strip to the summit ridges, and from sea level to Karthala’s 2,361-metre summit. This expanse brings the island’s contrasts together: tropical forests and black lava flows sit alongside volcanic coasts that plunge steeply into the Indian Ocean. The summit crater is more than three kilometres wide. This range is particularly revealing when taking in Ngazidja: Karthala is not just a summit, but shapes different landscapes across the whole island.

Wildlife and conservation

The park is home to the endemic Karthala scops owl (Zosterops mouroniensis) and the Grande Comore bulbul (Hypsipetes parvirostris). Its fauna also includes unique reptiles and amphibians. The combination of a namesake endemic bird and other animal groups demonstrates the diversity of the park’s fauna.

In the wider context of the Comoros, the forests of Karthala National Park are rich in endemic species, including Weinmannia comorensis and Ocotea comoriensis. The park’s conservation priorities include protecting rare bird species such as the Grande Comore scops owl (Otus pauliani) and safeguarding areas of moist forest. The focus therefore extends beyond individual species to include their habitats and their preservation. Across the wider destination of the Comoros, hiking options range from short family outings to challenging hikes.

Cultural landscapes and history

In the north of Ngazidja, Bangoi Kouni is home to a sacred cultural landscape that includes Lac Salé and the Chiouda Mosque. The lake is associated with founding myths, cosmogonic narratives and ancient ritual practices. Cosmogonic narratives explore ideas about the origins of the world; here, they sit alongside founding myths and rituals. The Chiouda Mosque is one of the village’s oldest religious buildings and plays a central role in local spiritual and social life. Together, the lake and mosque point to the natural and religious dimensions of the same cultural landscape.

In Iconi on Grande Comore, the remains of Palais Kapviridjohé are still visible; during the sultanate, it served as a royal residence, political centre and defensive fortress. These three functions give the site a clear historical character: residence, political governance and defence were combined in its role.

The Comoros: culinary background

The culinary background is also part of the wider destination of the Comoros. Comorian cuisine is shaped by African, Indian, Arab, Malagasy and European influences. Rice and cassava form the basis of the diet and are served as filling accompaniments at most meals; seafood dishes traditionally feature on almost every menu at Comorian restaurants. In everyday Comorian life, diverse cultural influences are thus combined with staple foods and a strong presence of seafood cuisine.

Discover more destinations: Foumbouni.

For the main travel overview: Comoros.