The Karthala Crossing
84 kilometres of hiking across Grande Comore.
From the historic site of Nyoumbadjou to the Salt Lake, this extraordinary route crosses volcanic landscapes, tropical forests, traditional villages and dramatic coastlines.
A human and sporting adventure that could become one of the finest long-distance hiking trails in the Indian Ocean.
An ambitious project for the Comoros
The Karthala Crossing is a long-distance hiking trail project designed to showcase Grande Comore from a completely new perspective.
Spanning six stages and nearly 84 kilometres, the route passes through some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes while encouraging meaningful encounters with local communities and a deeper understanding of Comorian natural and cultural heritage.
Beyond the hiking experience itself, the project forms part of a broader ecotourism initiative aimed at supporting local employment, promoting rural communities and encouraging environmentally responsible tourism development.
A collaborative initiative
The Karthala Crossing is the result of a partnership between public institutions, non-profit organisations, tourism professionals and sustainable development stakeholders committed to the future of the Comoros.
The project is led by the SADEV Foundation and the Comoros National Tourism Office, with the support of numerous local and international partners working towards a common goal: establishing the Comoros as a recognised destination for hiking and ecotourism.
Project partners
Project Leaders
- Fondation SADEV
- Office National du Tourisme des Comores (ONTC)
Institutional Partners
- Gouvernorat de Ngazidja
- Agence des Parcs Nationaux des Comores
- Département de La Réunion
- AFD – Facilité Emploi
Technical and Community Partners
- Tourisme Sans Frontières
- Association Ulanga
- Les Amis de Nyoumbadjou
Participating Tourism Operators
- ComTour
- Eco Masiwa
A journey across the entire island
The Karthala Crossing unfolds over six stages, revealing an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and environments.
Along the way, hikers discover the historic site of Nyoumbadjou, the forests of the Karthala massif, the volcano’s immense crater, the Diboini Plateau, traditional inland villages, the northern coastline of Grande Comore and, finally, the Salt Lake, which marks the end of the adventure.
Each stage offers a unique immersion into a different part of the island and creates opportunities to meet the local communities who contribute to the life of the project.
The Route in Six Stages
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Day 1 Nyoumbadjou → Mkazi
11,35 km – approximately 5 hours
The crossing begins in Nyoumbadjou, one of the most significant historical sites in southern Grande Comore.
Formerly the residence of Léon Humblot, this landmark location provides a fitting starting point for an extraordinary adventure.
The first kilometres gradually leave the villages behind and enter the rural landscapes of southern Grande Comore. Agricultural land, tropical vegetation and the first views of the Karthala massif provide an ideal introduction before the more demanding mountain stages ahead.
The day ends at Maison Litchi in the Mkazi region, offering a peaceful first night surrounded by nature.
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Day 2 Mkazi → Convalescence
10 km – montée vers les hauteurs du Karthala.
This stage marks the true beginning of the Karthala experience.
The trail climbs steadily into the volcanic highlands of Grande Comore. As altitude increases, cultivated landscapes gradually give way to denser vegetation and a distinctly mountain atmosphere.
The day concludes at Convalescence, a strategic site located on the slopes of Mount Karthala.
Hikers spend the night camping in the heart of the Karthala forest.
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Day 3 Convalescence → Ruines de la ferme de Moulin
20km
This is the signature stage of the Karthala Crossing.
After an early start, hikers continue their ascent towards the spectacular caldera of Mount Karthala, one of the largest active volcanic craters in the world.
The scenery becomes almost lunar, with vast volcanic plains, mineral landscapes and breathtaking views stretching across the island.
After exploring the crater, a long descent leads to the ruins of the former Moulin Farm.
Demanding yet unforgettable, this stage is often considered the highlight of the entire crossing.
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Day 4 Ruines de la ferme de Moulin → Diboini
11,65km
Following the effort of the previous day, this stage reveals a very different side of Grande Comore.
The trail crosses volcanic plateaus and central highland landscapes before reaching the Diboini Plateau, renowned for its exceptional views over forests, villages and the Indian Ocean.
Arrival in Diboini also provides one of the journey’s most rewarding cultural moments, with warm local hospitality and an immersion into village life.
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Day 5 Diboini → Dimadjou
14,76km
This stage focuses on the rural heart of Grande Comore.
The route winds through agricultural landscapes, rolling hills and traditional villages. Hikers pass through several local communities and gain a deeper understanding of daily life in the island’s interior.
An overnight stay with local families in Dimadjou offers a unique opportunity to experience Comorian traditions and hospitality firsthand.
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Day 6 Dimadjou → Lac Salé
18,15kmThe final stage of this remarkable adventure across Grande Comore.
The trail gradually descends towards the northern coast before reaching the famous Salt Lake, the official finishing point of the Karthala Crossing.
After several days spent crossing volcanic landscapes and mountain regions, the reappearance of the ocean on the horizon creates a striking and memorable finale.The journey concludes with a unique combination of hiking, cultural discovery, human encounters and immersion in some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Comoros.
A Real-World Pilot Expedition
From 11 to 17 September 2024, a pilot expedition tested the entire future route under real conditions.
Over six days, a group of around fifteen French and Comorian participants, including guides, tourism operators, institutional representatives and tourism specialists, completed the crossing to assess:
- The feasibility of the project
- Existing infrastructure
- Village hospitality
- Logistics and organisation
- Infrastructure needs
- The overall hiker experience
The mission confirmed the exceptional potential of the route and provided valuable feedback for its future development.
Key figures
- 6 Days of hiking
- 6 Stages
- 15 Participants
- 84 Kilometres
ComTour's role
ComTour actively participated in the pilot expedition and contributed to the logistical organisation of the project.
This involvement reflects our commitment to supporting sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit local communities while showcasing the extraordinary landscapes of the Comoros.
We firmly believe that the archipelago has exceptional potential as a destination for hiking and ecotourism.
More than a hiking trail
The Karthala Crossing is far more than a physical challenge.
It is an immersive experience that combines:
- Hiking and outdoor adventure
- Cultural and historical discovery
- Encounters with local communities
- Homestay experiences
- Wilderness camping
- Exploration of Comorian culture and traditions
Every stage offers a deeper understanding of the landscapes, people and way of life that make the Comoros unique.
A vision for the future
The long-term ambition of the Karthala Crossing is to become one of the leading ecotourism experiences in the Indian Ocean while contributing to sustainable local development.
The project aims to:
- Support local employment
- Strengthen guide training and skills
- Encourage community-based accommodation
- Promote natural and cultural heritage
- Foster environmentally responsible tourism
Follow the adventure
The Karthala Crossing is an evolving project with exciting developments still to come.<br><br>If you are passionate about hiking, adventure travel and ecotourism, feel free to contact us to learn more about the project and stay informed about its progress.<br><br><strong>A truly unique adventure is taking shape in the heart of the Comoros.</strong>
