Sima

Sima is a coastal town located on the western peninsula (Presqu'île de Sima) of Anjouan (Ndzuwani), the second-largest island in the Comoros. With a population of roughly 10,000, it ranks as the third-largest settlement on Anjouan after Mutsamudu and Domoni. Between the 9th and 14th centuries, Sima served as the island's capital during early Shirazi settlement periods. Modern Sima serves as an administrative and agricultural center for the western tip of the island, surrounded by hills planted with ylang-ylang trees, clove groves, and vanilla vines.

Travelers visit Sima to explore the archaeological ruins of Old Sima, access the coastal trails and marine habitats of Shisiwani National Park, and observe traditional dhow fishing in nearby coastal villages like Bimbini. The town provides a base for exploring the rugged western coastline facing the Mozambique Channel, away from the busier commercial port of Mutsamudu.

Sima experiences a tropical maritime climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically range between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F). Coastal sea breezes provide regular cooling along the shore, while the inland valleys retain higher humidity.

By Plane

No air service in Sima. The nearest commercial gateway is Ouani Airport (IATA: AJN), situated 26 km northeast of Sima near Mutsamudu (approx. 45 to 55 minutes by road). Ewa Air operates flights connecting Ouani with Dzaoudzi (DZA) in Mayotte (45 minutes). Domestic carriers including Int'Air Îles and AB Aviation operate daily flights between Ouani and Moroni's Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH) on Grande Comore (40 minutes). Private airport taxis to Sima charge 3,000 to 5,000 KMF ($6.50–$11 USD).

By Train

No train service. There are no railways on Anjouan or anywhere in the Union of the Comoros.

By Car

Route Nationale 2 (RN2) connects Sima directly to Mutsamudu and the rest of northern Anjouan:

• From Mutsamudu: 20 km east via RN2 (35 to 45 minutes).
• From Ouani Airport (AJN): 26 km northeast via RN2 (45 to 55 minutes).
• From Domoni: 50 km east via RN2 and RN3 through the central mountains (1.5 hours).

The RN2 along the northern coast is asphalted, though narrow with sharp turns and occasional potholes around coastal cliffs.

By Bus

Regional transport is provided by shared bush taxis (taxi-brousse, typically Peugeot 504 station wagons and Toyota HiAce minibuses). Vehicles depart continuously throughout the day from the main transport station near the port in Mutsamudu once full. The one-way fare from Mutsamudu to Sima costs 500 to 1,000 KMF ($1.10–$2.20 USD) for the 45-minute journey.

• Walking: The central quarters, markets, and town mosques of Sima are accessible on foot along the main paved streets and residential lanes.
• Shared Taxis: Minibuses and shared taxis run regular hops along the peninsula road connecting Sima with Bimbini, Vouani, and Marahare for 250 to 500 KMF ($0.55–$1.10 USD) per ride.
• Motorcycle Taxis: Local moto-taxis operate from the main road junctions, providing short transfers to rural farming hamlets and hillside spice plantations for 300 to 600 KMF ($0.65–$1.35 USD).
• Private Car Hire: Taxis hired for a dedicated day trip around the Sima Peninsula and Shisiwani National Park cost between 15,000 and 25,000 KMF ($33–$55 USD), negotiated directly with drivers in Sima or Mutsamudu.
• Ride-Hailing: No ride-hailing mobile apps exist in the Comoros. All transport requires cash payment in Comorian Francs (KMF).

• Old Sima Archaeological Ruins: Situated on the coastal outskirts of the town, this site contains stone foundation remnants and ancient cemetery tombs dating from the 9th to 14th centuries, when Sima served as a primary Shirazi trading post. Entry: Free; hiring a local guide costs 2,000–5,000 KMF ($4.40–$11 USD).

• Shisiwani National Park: A protected coastal and marine park covering the western peninsula tip around Bimbini and Vouani. The reserve encompasses fringing coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove ecosystems supporting marine turtles and reef fish. Entry: Free for coastal access; boat excursions cost 10,000–20,000 KMF ($22–$44 USD).

• Grande Mosquée de Sima: The town's central Friday mosque, built in traditional Swahili stone style with whitewashed exterior walls and a raised minaret. Entry: Free (access to the interior is reserved for Muslim worshippers during prayer times).

• Bimbini Fishing Harbor: Located 6 km southwest of Sima, this coastal inlet serves as the main mooring area for traditional wooden outrigger canoes (pirogues) and fishing dhows against mangrove channels. Entry: Free.

• Chissioua Mchaco (Mchako Islet Viewpoint): A dramatic rocky volcanic islet situated off the westernmost tip of the peninsula that serves as a nesting sanctuary for oceanic seabirds. Visible from coastal cliffs near Vouani. Entry: Free.

• Presqu'île de Sima Corniche: The western coastal road offering cliff-top views over volcanic cliffs, black-sand coves, and the open Mozambique Channel toward Mohéli on clear days. Entry: Free.

• Snorkel at Shisiwani Coral Reefs: Explore shallow coral gardens and reef drop-offs off Bimbini and the western peninsula. Snorkeling excursions can be arranged through local boatmen at Bimbini harbor for 10,000 to 18,000 KMF ($22–$40 USD).

• Trek the Ylang-Ylang and Spice Hills: Hike the terraced hillsides behind Sima and Vouani with a local guide to observe farmers harvesting yellow ylang-ylang flowers, cloves, and vanilla beans. Guide fee: 5,000–10,000 KMF ($11–$22 USD).

• Visit Artisanal Essential Oil Distilleries: Tour small-scale copper alembic distilleries in the Sima commune to watch the wood-fired distillation process converting fresh ylang-ylang blossoms into aromatic perfume oil. Entry: 1,000–2,000 KMF ($2.20–$4.40 USD).

• Pirogue Coastal Tour: Hire a local fisherman at Bimbini or Sima to paddle a traditional wooden outrigger canoe through mangrove creeks and sheltered coastal bays. Cost: 5,000–10,000 KMF ($11–$22 USD) for 1–2 hours.

Dining in Sima consists of simple local eateries (gargottes) serving Comorian dishes based on fresh fish, rice, cassava, and coconut milk. For formal restaurant dining, visitors travel 20 km east to Mutsamudu.

• Gargotte Chez Mama Sima (Central Sima) — Informal town eatery serving daily Comorian plates such as ndzizi na mabawa (fried green plantains with chicken wings), grilled reef fish, and steamed rice with mataba (cassava leaves stewed in coconut milk). Cost: 1,000–2,500 KMF ($2.20–$5.50 USD). Budget.
• Snack du Port Bimbini (Bimbini Harbor, 6 km southwest of Sima) — Coastal food stand preparing fresh grilled catch of the day, skewered octopus brochettes, fried manioc, and spicy poutou chili sauce. Cost: 1,500–3,000 KMF ($3.30–$6.65 USD). Budget.
• Hôtel-Restaurant Le Papillon (Shitsangani, Mutsamudu, 20 km east) — Full-service restaurant serving French and Comorian dishes including lobster in vanilla sauce, grilled kingfish, and beef zebu fillets. Cost: 4,500–10,000 KMF ($10–$22 USD). Mid-range.
• Restaurant Al-Amal (Hotel Al-Amal, Mutsamudu, 20 km east) — Waterfront dining room overlooking Mutsamudu Bay featuring seafood platters, fish curries, and vegetable pilaf. Cost: 5,000–12,000 KMF ($11–$26.50 USD). Mid-range.

• Local Beverages: Fresh coconut water (madji ya nadzi) is sold at roadside stalls for 200 to 400 KMF ($0.45–$0.90 USD). Small cafes serve spiced black tea brewed with ginger and cloves (the ya tangawizi) or strong Comorian coffee with cardamom.
• Water: Tap water is untreated and unsafe for drinking. Bottled mineral water (such as the local Sultan brand) is available at grocery shops for 300 to 600 KMF ($0.65–$1.35 USD) per 1.5-liter bottle.
• Alcohol: Comoros is an observant Muslim society, and alcohol is not sold or consumed in public venues in Sima. Beer, wine, and spirits are available exclusively at licensed hotel dining rooms in Mutsamudu.

Accommodation in Sima itself is limited to simple family-run guesthouses. Many visitors stay in Mutsamudu and visit Sima on day trips.

• Auberge de la Presqu'île (Central Sima) — Modest guesthouse offering basic private rooms with ceiling fans, mosquito netting, and shared or private cold-water bathrooms. Rates: 8,000–14,000 KMF ($18–$31 USD) per night. Budget.
• Hôtel des Îles (Mutsamudu, 20 km east) — Central town hotel with fan-cooled en-suite rooms and reliable access to transport links. Rates: 15,000–22,000 KMF ($33–$48.80 USD) per night. Budget.
• Hôtel-Restaurant Le Papillon (Shitsangani, Mutsamudu, 20 km east) — Comfortable hotel rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and an on-site dining room. Rates: 28,000–42,000 KMF ($62–$93 USD) per night. Mid-range.
• Hôtel Al-Amal (Mutsamudu Bay, 20 km east) — Waterfront property featuring air-conditioned rooms with ocean balconies, an outdoor swimming pool, and full restaurant service. Rates: 45,000–65,000 KMF ($100–$144 USD) per night. Upscale.

The daily morning market (Marché de Sima) on the main road sells regional agricultural goods and essential supplies:

• Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil: Small glass vials of pure distilled essential oil sourced directly from local stills (2,000–5,000 KMF / $4.40–$11 USD).
• Spices: Bundles of cured vanilla beans, whole cloves, dried nutmeg, and black peppercorns (1,500–4,000 KMF / $3.30–$8.85 USD).
• Chiromani: Two-piece patterned cotton cloth wraps worn by Comorian women (4,000–8,000 KMF / $8.85–$17.75 USD).
• Woven Palm Baskets: Handcrafted carrying baskets (kandza) and straw fans woven from local raffia and coconut fronds (1,000–3,000 KMF / $2.20–$6.65 USD).

All transactions are cash only in Comorian Francs (KMF). No ATMs or card terminals exist in Sima; withdraw cash in Mutsamudu before traveling.

• Mutsamudu: 20 km east via RN2 (40 minutes by taxi-brousse). The island's main port city, featuring an 18th-century stone citadel, the Ujumbé Palace, and a 15th-century Swahili medina.
• Bimbini: 6 km southwest via the peninsula road (15 minutes). A traditional coastal fishing community providing direct access to the coral reefs and mangrove trails of Shisiwani National Park.
• Domoni: 50 km east via RN2 and RN3 (1.5 hours). Anjouan's historic medieval capital on the eastern coast, known for stone palaces, 13th-century carved mausoleums, and Chiroroni Beach.
• Mount Ntringui National Park: 30 km east (1 hour to trailhead). Protected rainforest reserve containing the volcanic crater lake Dzialandzé and Anjouan's highest peak at 1,595 meters.
• Mohéli (Mwali): Located 45 km west across the channel (accessible by domestic flights via AJN or speedboats/ferries from Mutsamudu). Renowned for sea turtle nesting beaches at Itsamia and the Moheli National Park.