Comoros

A black-sand beach on the east/southeast coast of Grande Comore near the village of Chomoni, south of Moroni; the beach is known for a seasonal waterfall that descends directly onto the sand and for consistent surf along the exposed Indian Ocean-facing shore.

The former political capital of Anjouan island, built on a volcanic hillside on the east coast; Domoni preserves the ruins of the Sultan's Palace and the old mosque that predate Moroni's Friday Mosque, making the town the most historically layered urban settlement in the archipelago.

A stretch of black volcanic sand beach on the west/northwest coast of Grande Comore near Moroni; Itsandra is known for its dark sand, relatively calm inshore waters by Comorian standards, and a low-key resort atmosphere close to the capital.

A marine and terrestrial protected area covering much of the smallest and most ecologically intact of the Comoros islands; Mohéli provides nesting grounds for sea turtles, extensive forest in the interior, and seasonal whale watching in the adjacent waters.

A densely layered Swahili medina on the volcanic west coast of Grande Comore; the Old Friday Mosque and a maze of coral-and-lava-stone lanes form the historic core of the Comorian capital.

An active basaltic shield volcano at the southern tip of Grande Comore; at roughly 2361 metres it is the highest point in the archipelago and one of the most active volcanoes in the Indian Ocean region.