Moroni sits on the western coast of Grande Comore, which is the largest island in the Comoros. Moroni translates as 'at the river'. The small capital is often referred to as Port-aux-Boutres and its port looks more Mediterranean, rather than African, with wooden boats lying side by side. Most boats are hand-built and serve as dories to ships visiting the archipelago, as larger boats cannot get through the coral reefs surrounding the island.

Directly behind the port is the medina, or Arabic quarter, that, with its many narrow, winding alleyways and little shops, shows that Comoros is in Africa indeed. The medina dates back to Swahili times and there are countless ancient buildings, although most of them are poorly maintained. There are numerous mosques in the Arabic quarter.

• The Badjanani Mosque, or Ancienne Mosquée de Vendredi (Old Friday Mosque) dates from 1427 and its minaret was built in 1921.
• A New Friday Mosque, known as Nouvelle Mosquée du Vendredi, was built outside of Moroni's central area.
• The Salmata Hamissi Mosque.
• The Catholic Church.

• The bustling Volo Volo market is located in the northern district of Moroni.
• The Old Market is in the center of town.
• The Alliance Franco-Comorienne is a theater that can seat 300 spectators.
• The Al-Kamar has 700 seats.
• The 500-seat Palais du Peuple.
• The Foyer des Jeunes de Foumbouni has room for 300 spectators.
• The Musée des Comoros (Comoros Museum) displays the geography of Mount Karthala, as well as its history. An example of a coelacanth, a fish that was though to be extinct until one was caught in the area in 1938, is also part of the exhibition.
• Mount Karthala is a volcano, not far from Moroni. It offers excellent views from its summit. Hiking is only possible during periods when the volcano is dormant.

Moroni is an easy place to find your way in, except for the medina where you easily get lost. From the center, which is around the harbor, a few main streets run north. South of the center you can go into several directions. The airstrip is also south of the center. Taxis run between the airport and the city.

The bulk of hotels and bungalows are situated on the northern part of the city, while restaurants and cafés are scattered all over Moroni.

Moroni ©Roy Digital Design

Moroni ©Woodlouse

Moroni Harbour ©Woodlouse

Badjanani Mosque ©David Stanley

Salmata Hamissi Mosque ©David Stanley

Nouvelle Mosquée du Vendredi ©David Stanley

Volo Volo Market ©David Stanley

Old Market ©David Stanley