Mount Karthala Travel Guide: Top Sights in Comoros, Tours & Travel

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Mount Karthala- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Comoros; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 8 hours

Mount Karthala, rising to 2,361 meters, is the highest point in Comoros and one of the largest active shield volcanoes in the world. Its vast, forested slopes dominate Grande Comore, with lush evergreen forests at lower elevations giving way to heathland and unique flora at higher altitudes. The volcano has a history of periodic eruptions, occurring approximately every 11 years, with notable events in 2005 and 1977. Its 4-kilometer-wide crater is among the largest of any active volcano, offering breathtaking views for those who undertake the challenging 2–3-day hike to its summit. Mount Karthala also supports rare bird species found only on its slopes, though its ecosystem faces threats from deforestation and agriculture. Located near Moroni, the volcano is a key destination for adventurous travelers and a vital part of the island's natural heritage.

Operators offering tours in Comoros

Happy Explore Safari *

Attractions in Comoros

Moroni

Lac Sale

Dzialandzé

Dziani Boundouni

4.5

Ntringui

3.67

Bouni

Chindini

Moya

Reviews of Karthala

Valentin Pollet

2
Reviewed: 2023-07-18

Hiked all the way from Moroni to the summit alone (you can rely on Mapsme). By foot, it took me roughly 5-6 hours one way. I put 2 stars because most of the way is pretty boring, they are currently building a road and the actual 'hike' in the forest to the summit is barely 1 h 30 / 5 hrs of total hike. It was more a challenge for me to do it from sea level but I've seen better volcanoes and calderas. It's also the highest peak of the Comoros archipelago.
Manik Sharma

5
Reviewed: 2023-01-15

Climbed this beauty, on work trip to Comoros. Makes for a very long day hike of about 15-20 miles and about a 5000-6000 ft vertical climb depending on where you start and finish. Much colder and windy on the top. You need to bring a jacket for the top it was pretty cold with the wind. Great views in every direction. You have to be careful in the crater as there are some dangerous areas.Bring plenty of food and water along
Junisri tjandra

5
Reviewed: 2021-04-26

Very beautifull and very great to see🙂👍
Kyle Newell

5
Reviewed: 2021-02-07

Beautiful hike which takes you through several biomes.
Paul Roarke

5
Reviewed: 2018-09-06

Climbed this twice, on two separate work trips to Comoros. Makes for a very long day hike of about 15-20 miles and about a 5000-6000 ft vertical climb depending on where you start and finish.. We started both times at about 2800ft. You have to start very early (before sunrise) to get through the very hot (jungle) area in the lower areas. After several hours you break out at about 4000ft into a open alpine meadow. Great views and the temp goes way down. A few more miles will take you to the top of the rim. From there you can go down into the huge crater to check it out. Much colder and windy on the top. You need to bring a jacket for the top it was pretty cold with the wind. Great views in every direction. You have to be careful in the crater as there are some dangerous areas. We were escorted by two army guys both times who knew these areas. The biggest thing is to bring at least 4 liters of water as there is no where to get water once you're on the trail.