Southern Grande Comore Tour: Singani Lava Flow & Iconi Sultanate

Four southern villages in one day: lava, palaces, fishermen and a volcanic climb

A full-day private tour of southern Grande Comore visits four villages tied to the island's volcanic and sultanate history. Starting in Singani, you see the 1977 lava flow that reshaped the village. Then explore Foumbouni's ancient palace and medina overlooking the Indian Ocean. At Chindini, watch fishermen return from the sea and spot baobab trees. Finally, climb Iconi's small volcano to view the Bambao Sultanate's coral palace and ramparts. Lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide in English or French are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore southern Grande Comore highlights

• Depart hotel and travel south through Moroni
• Visit Singani lava flow and rebuilt village
• Explore Foumbouni medina and ancient palace
• Stop at Chindini beach and watch fishermen
• Discover Iconi historical sites and climb volcano

The experience

Eight hours covers the route south through Moroni and into the heart of Grande Comore's cultural landscape. The tour opens in Singani, where a lava flow in 1977 buried the original village and forced residents to rebuild using the volcanic stone itself. You'll see both the scar the flow left and how the community adapted. From there, the route moves to Foumbouni, the largest town in the south, where you walk the medina's narrow streets and climb to the old palace to look out over the Indian Ocean.

Chindini sits at the gateway to Mohéli island, and the stop centers on the harbor: you'll watch fishermen unload their catch and see locals arriving by boat after a 2–5 hour ocean crossing. The road back passes baobab trees that mark the region's natural character. The final stop is Iconi, built on the slopes of a volcanic cone and once the capital of the Bambao Sultanate. The palace, Kaviri Djewé, stands in the medina's center, built from coral and lava stone. Nearby, the bangwes, traditional meeting houses, still host community debates. If energy permits, a short climb up the small volcano rewards you with views of the town's ramparts and the ocean beyond, with Mount Karthala visible in the distance.

An air-conditioned vehicle and a guide fluent in English and French handle the logistics. Lunch is included, and the remaining hours account for travel time between villages. The tour is private, so the pace and stops adjust to your interests.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• in-person guide in English or French.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adore Comores

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want to see all four villages and climb the volcano in one eight-hour day. Shared tours have gaps between departures that stretch the itinerary across longer hours.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the Singani lava flow and why is it part of this tour?

In 1977, a lava flow reshaped Singani village and forced residents to rebuild. The tour stops there to show you the path the lava carved through the landscape and how the community used the volcanic stone to reconstruct their homes: a visible record of both natural power and human resilience.

Can I climb the volcano in Iconi, and what will I see from the top?

Yes, a short climb up Iconi's small volcano is included if you have the energy. From the top, you see the ramparts built to protect the village from raids, the town layout below, and views across to the ocean, with Mount Karthala as a backdrop.

What happens at Chindini and why is it worth a stop?

Chindini is a fishing village where you witness the daily return of boats laden with fresh catches and watch locals arriving by vedette after ocean crossings to nearby Mohéli island that take 2–5 hours. The harbor is active and authentic, and the road back passes imposing baobab trees.

What is Kaviri Djewé and where is it located?

Kaviri Djewé is the ancient palace of the Bambao Sultanate, built from coral and lava stone and standing in the center of Iconi's medina. It is a physical testament to the sultanate's heritage and sits at the heart of the town's historic district.

Is this tour physically demanding, and what should I know before booking?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It includes walking through medinas and villages, and an optional short climb up Iconi's volcano. The itinerary is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Infants can join walks but cannot participate in the volcano climb.