By Leïla Salim Abdallah
MITSOUDJÉ, COMOROS — At dawn, a hush blankets the humid forest nestled along the slopes of Mount Karthala. As first light creeps through emerald foliage, small groups of hikers—local and international—begin the ascent, lured by the promise of untouched wilderness and sweeping ocean views. A trek once deemed perilous is now a symbol of rejuvenation: not only for Comoros’ tourism, but for its people and ecosystems.
“Mount Karthala is more than a volcano—it’s a classroom for resilience,” explains tour guide Yahaya Ben Omar, leading a group through mist-laced trails. “We climb together. We learn together.”
A Natural Marvel, Reimagined
Standing at 2,361 meters, Mount Karthala is the largest and most active volcano in the Comoros archipelago, part of the shield formation that defines Grand Comore’s landscape. Its summit caldera formed by repeated eruptions; visitors walk through ancient lava beds and atop cloven earth—a testament to nature’s creative power .
Biodiversity at Every Turn
The ascent provides more than panoramic value—it’s a journey through shifting ecosystems: evergreen rainforest, stunted heathland, and volcanic scree. Hikers often spot endemic species like the Karthala white-eye and scops owl.
The mountain’s forests are recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, hosting a suite of rare avian species .
Eco-Tourism Sparks Local Growth
Tourism operators now offer two-day guided hikes, complete with village stays at base camps that support local families . These experiences include visits to vanilla and ylang-ylang fields—a chance to deepen cultural connection while supporting sustainable income streams.
The national park that encompasses Karthala, designated in 2010, has generated employment for guides, porters, and eco-guardians who protect the trail and forest . Operators like Vanilla Islands Tours package these multi-island cultural and ecological tours that highlight remote Comorian landscapes .
Responsible Adventure, Real Impact
Local training programs ensure that tourism protects rather than harms. Guides learn low-impact camping, wildlife respect, and first-aid protocols. Visitor fees contribute to trail maintenance, waste management, and reforestation efforts.
“We want footprints on rock—not on forest,” says ranger Fatima Hamid, who oversees trail conservation near summit camps.
Resilience in Action
Mount Karthala’s volcanic history—eruptions in 2005 and 2006 displaced thousands—once raised safety concerns . But robust monitoring by the Karthala Volcano Observatory and a well-rehearsed civil-protection plan mean minimal disruption to tourism .
Eco-tourism is also dovetailing with biodiversity conservation: a 2018 expansion under a UNDP-GEF project ensures larger protected buffers and aligns with new parks on other islands .
A Vision of Sustainable Prosperity
On clear days, climbers at Karthala’s crater rim glimpse the gleam of Indian Ocean. Beneath them, small communities offer lodgings and storytelling circles around lantern-lit dinners.
“Every traveler here becomes a guardian of our forest,” says elder villager Amina Abdou. “They leave with more than memories—they carry respect.”
As eco-tourism on Mount Karthala continues to grow, it illuminates a template for Comoros: one where conservation, culture, and community vitality converge—on the slopes of an ancient volcano now fueling a future unlike any before it.
Sources:
- Wikipedia – Mount Karthala volcano details and biodiversity en.wikipedia.org
- Global Volcanism Program – volcanic activity monitoring volcano.si.edu
- BirdLife International – Important Bird Area status
- FlyAllOver / Evendo – trek highlights and eco-tourism descriptions flyallover.com+1evendo.com+1
- Mongabay / UNDP-GEF – national park expansion and biodiversity funding news.mongabay.com
