Itsandra and Mutsamudu

Waypoint introductions and full write-ups

1. 1. Itsandra

   Itsandra is a town just north of Moroni on Grande Comore, the largest of the Comoros islands, and in old Comorian history it was a power in its own right. Before French rule, Ngazidja was divided among a number of sultanates, and Itsandra was among the most important, with its own ruler and a reputation for trade and seafaring. Today it is a coastal community of about three thousand people with a long beach, a mosque at the center and narrow lanes where children play football between walls made of volcanic stone.

   Read the complete Itsandra write-up.

   Recorded stop-planning note

   May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.

   Planning note

   Itsandra is where the day begins. Next is The Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of.

2. 2. Mutsamudu

   Mutsamudu, or Moutsamoudou, is the capital of Anjouan, called Ndzuwani by its people, one of the three islands of the Comoros, and it sits tucked against the north-west coast under steep green hills. The old town climbs the slope in a tangle of narrow alleys, with a medina of coral-stone houses, carved doors and whitewashed mosques, while the harbour below is busy with dhows, small cargo boats and fishermen. A fortress above the town recalls the days when Anjouan's sultans controlled a prosperous trade, and when the island had a reputation as a stopping place for ships on the route to India.

   Read the complete Mutsamudu write-up.

   Recorded stop-planning note

   May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.

   Planning note

   about 173 km into the recorded legs you reach Mutsamudu. Next is back through The Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of.

3. 3. Back to Itsandra

   Return visit. Read the place description above.

   Read the complete Itsandra write-up.

   Recorded stop-planning note

   May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.

   Planning note

   back through The Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of, late in the day. Next is Itsandra.

4. 4. Itsandra

   Return visit. Read the place description above.

   Read the complete Itsandra write-up.

   Recorded stop-planning note

   May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.

   Planning note

   Back at Itsandra. That is the ride.