Nyumashiwa Archipelago

Nyumashiwa Archipelago is a small archipelago off the coast of Nioumachoua (Nyumashiwa) on Mohéli Island. The archipelago includes 5 islands and countless rocky islets and reefs.

Centrally located Chissioua Ouénéfou (Shisiwa Wenefu) is the largest island and gave the archipelago its name. It is shaped like and axe and its highest point is in the northern part and is 140 m high. The middle of the island is lower and to the south it rises to some 100 m. The name Shisiwa sha Wenefu means 'Island of the Lepers', as the island has served as a quarantine camp for lepers. The lepers lived on the north coast, opposite the town of Nioumachoua on Mohéli, while ordinary fishermen lived on the south coast. Nowadays, Wenefu is uninhabited.
Chissioua Chandzi (Shisiwa Shandzi) is about 400 m east of Wenefu.
Chissioua Kanzoni (Shisiwa Kandzoni) is 2.5 km west of Wenefu.
Chissioua Mbouzi (Shisiwa Mbuzi) is directly west of Wenefu.
Rocher Noir is also immediately west of Wenefu. it is not much more than a rocky islet.

The unspoilt archipelago is protected as a marine reserve. There are pristine beaches that are especially good at the southern end of Wenefu. You can see sea turtles there.

Fishermen from Nioumachoua will bring you to the islands after you give them some money. Don't forget to arrange a time to pick you up again. You can get to Nioumachoua by taxi-brousse from Fomboni.

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Nyumashiwa Archipelago

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