Ikoni, often spelled Iconi, lies on the southwest coast of Grande Comore, a few kilometers from Moroni, and in the history of the island it is a place of some weight. It was once an important seat of power, associated with the old sultanate of Bambao, the most powerful of the island's traditional states, and its streets still hold traces of old houses, mosques and tombs. The coast here is rugged, with cliffs of black volcanic rock dropping to the sea, and a small harbor tucked into a cove.
The village is a quiet place, with a population of a few thousand, where life centers on fishing, farming and the mosque. Houses are built of volcanic stone and whitewashed, and the lanes are narrow and steep. At dawn, fishermen launch wooden boats from the rocky shore, and at midday, the village seems to sleep in the heat. Local people are friendly and curious about visitors, and children often follow riders through the lanes.
For motorcyclists, the road to Ikoni runs along the coast from Moroni, passing through other villages and across old lava flows. The surface is mostly paved but marked with potholes, speed bumps and sometimes loose stones, so a slow pace is wise. To the south, the road continues around the island, passing the airport at Hahaya and the beaches of the southern coast. Behind you, Karthala rises, often hidden in cloud, and on a clear day its summit is a perfect view. The best season is May to October, when the air is dry and the sea is calm.
Services in the village are basic, and for fuel, food and supplies riders should return to Moroni, which has the best choice. Stations along the ring road are few and supply is unreliable, so carry what you need. Mobile coverage is generally good near the coast.
The island's culture is Muslim and conservative, and visitors should dress modestly, particularly women. In the evening, the call to prayer drifts over the village, and fishermen mend their nets in the last light. It is a quiet, human place, and it rewards slow travel and a willingness to chat.