National park · Comoros
Mount KarthalaMont Karthala
Two-day guided hike: start at 06:00 from Mvouni, climb 13 km (8.1 mi) and 1,950 m to the crater rim, sleep in a basic camp at 800 m, descend by 11:00 next day. One-day option: 06:00–19:00. Go June–September. Entry is free; guide and camp costs are the main expense.Two-day guided hike: start at 6:00 AM from Mvouni, climb 13 km (8.1 mi) and 1,950 m to the crater rim, sleep in a basic camp at 800 m, descend by 11:00 AM next day. One-day option: 6:00 AM–7:00 PM. Go June–September. Entry is free; guide and camp costs are the main expense.Two-day guided hike: start at 06:00 from Mvouni, climb 8.1 mi (13 km) and 1,950 m to the crater rim, sleep in a basic camp at 800 m, descend by 11:00 next day. One-day option: 06:00–19:00. Go June–September. Entry is free; guide and camp costs are the main expense.Two-day guided hike: start at 6:00 AM from Mvouni, climb 8.1 mi (13 km) and 1,950 m to the crater rim, sleep in a basic camp at 800 m, descend by 11:00 AM next day. One-day option: 6:00 AM–7:00 PM. Go June–September. Entry is free; guide and camp costs are the main expense.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
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Area
100 km² (39 sq mi)39 sq mi (100 km²)
approximate
Established
1986
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- African islands ↗Sleep on the island you fly home from the night before your long-haul departure; inter-island flights and ferries in this region are cancelled or rescheduled often enough to break a same-day connection.
- African islands ↗In the Indian Ocean islands book flexible rates for December to March: a cyclone warning can shut airports, ferries and roads for two or three days.
- Comoros ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the Comorian authorities before booking; visas on arrival have been available for many nationalities, but confirm before you fly.
- Comoros ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for your route.
- Comoros ↗Inter-island flights and boats are irregular and sea crossings can be unsafe in rough weather; prefer flights and keep a buffer day.
At a glance
- Country
- Comoros
- Area
- 100 km² (39 sq mi)39 sq mi (100 km²)
- Approximate; the park boundaries are not well published (check).
- Established
- 1986
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Moroni
Mount Karthala is an active shield volcano on Grande Comore, rising 2,361 m from sea level. The hike crosses tropical forest, then scrub, then bare rock to a vast crater where steam vents warm the ground. It is the highest point in the Comoros and one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the Indian Ocean. The park has no formal entry fee or visitor centre; access is arranged through local guides in Mvouni or Moroni.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1986.
Size and age
100 km² (39 sq mi)39 sq mi (100 km²) · national park since 1986
Approximate; the park boundaries are not well published (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Moroni.
Why go
- Walk into the crater of an active volcano that has erupted 20 times since the 19th century.
- See the dramatic vegetation change from dense tropical forest to alpine scrub in a single day.
- Stand at 2,361 m – the highest point in the Comoros – with views across Grande Comore and the Indian Ocean.
- Experience a genuine off-grid hike with no shops, no water sources and only basic shelter.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanWet; trails slippery
- FebWet; trails slippery
- MarEnd of wet season; possible
- AprDrying out; good visibility
- MayDry, clear skies
- JunCooler, dry
- JulCoolest month; ideal
- AugDry and stable
- SepDry; good conditions
- OctTransition; still good
- NovRain returns
- DecWet; trails slippery
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birds (Comoro thrush, Comoro bulbul)All year · Forest birds in the lower section. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Flying foxesAll year · Seen at dusk near the forest edge. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Mvouni trailhead | Start point at about 400 m elevation; tropical forest. | Open; meet guide here. |
| Crater rim and summit | The highest point at 2,361 m; steam vents and bare rock. | Guided only. |
| Crater floor | A vast, warm depression with fumaroles and grey sand. | Guided only. |
| Base camp settlement | Small cluster of tin sheds at about 800 m; basic shelter. | Open; guide arranges stay. |
Sketch map
- 1Mvouni trailhead · Gate≈-11.717, 43.350Approximate; start point for the hike.Map ↗
- 2Mount Karthala summit · Summit≈-11.760, 43.353Highest point at 2,361 m.Map ↗
- 3Crater floor · Cave≈-11.765, 43.355Approximate; the crater is about 2 km (1.2 mi) wide.Approximate; the crater is about 1.2 mi (2 km) wide.Map ↗
- 4Base camp settlement · Sleep≈-11.740, 43.360Approximate; at about 800 m elevation.Map ↗
- 5Moroni · Town≈-11.704, 43.254Capital city, 20–30 min from Mvouni.Map ↗
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate; the crater is large and the trail is not precisely mapped.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No official entry fee (check). |
| Guide (two-day hike, group up to 4) | KMF 30,000–50,000 | group | 2026 estimate; includes camp arrangement. |
| Camp fee (shed or tent) | KMF 5,000–10,000 | person | Paid to the settlement at 800 m. |
| Transport Mvouni–Moroni (shared taxi) | KMF 2,000–5,000 | person | One way. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Guide permit or guide
Park entry no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- KMF 30,000–50,000
- KMF 5,000–10,000
- KMF 2,000–5,000
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guide required
- The route is unmarked and the volcano is active; independent hiking is not advised.
- No fires in the forest
- Cooking is done at the camp settlement only.
- Carry all rubbish out
- No bins on the trail; pack out everything.
- No water sources on the trail
- Bring at least 3 L per person for the ascent.
Where to stay
In the park
Base camp settlement
Basic tin sheds at 800 m; guide arranges a bed or tent space. Bring a sleeping bag.
Near the park
Moroni
Hotels and guesthouses in the capital, 20–30 min from Mvouni.
Safety
Active volcano high
Steep ascent and altitude medium
No water on the trail high
Getting lost high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The trail is steep and rough; not suitable for limited mobility.
- No vehicle access beyond Mvouni.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all waste; there are no bins on the mountain.
- Hire a local guide from Mvouni or Moroni to support the community.
- Avoid disturbing the vegetation; the upper slopes are fragile alpine scrub.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mount Karthala?
There is no official entry fee. The main costs are the guide (30,000–50,000 KMF per group for a two-day hike), camp fee (5,000–10,000 KMF per person) and transport to Mvouni.
What are the best hikes in Mount Karthala?
The standard route is the two-day hike from Mvouni to the crater and back, with an overnight at the base camp. A one-day version is possible but very demanding (11–13 hours, 1,950 m ascent). Both require a guide.
When is the best time to visit Mount Karthala?
June to September is the dry, cool season with the best conditions. May and October are also good. Avoid the wet season (November–March) when trails are slippery and visibility is poor.
Is Mount Karthala active?
Yes. It has erupted 20 times since the 19th century, most recently in 2005. Check with your guide about current activity before hiking.
Do I need a guide to hike Mount Karthala?
Yes. The route is unmarked, the volcano is active, and there are no facilities. Guides are arranged in Mvouni or through Moroni tour operators.
What should I bring for the hike?
At least 3 L of water, food for two days, a sleeping bag, warm clothing (it gets cool at altitude), rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, and a headlamp. No shops or water sources on the trail.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
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Sources
Ask about Mount Karthala
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