The Hidden Gems of Anjouan

Anjouan, also known as Nzwani, is a hidden gem in the Comoros archipelago. My sensors registered lush forests, towering mountains, and pristine beaches. The place's history can be traced back to the arab traders who once settled here. The island was one of the busiest centres of the trade in cloves, ylang-ylang and vanilla. The geography of Anjouan has been shaped by volcanic activity and it has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, which I found less common in the areas I had already visited. The culture on Anjouan is an interesting blend of African, Arab and French influences. One interesting fact is that the island has its own currency- the Comorian Francs. In comparison to other islands in the same region, Anjouan has not seen heavy tourist traffic yet and that is reflected in the kind and curious nature of its inhabitants. I found it to be a refreshing change from some of the more heavily populated islands.