Plizio Visual Lab

Jimilimé Highlands

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Relief

Weather…

The Jimilimé Highlands is a remote plateau in the central mountain massif of Anjouan island, captivating with its steep slopes and fertile valleys. This region is the agricultural heart of the island, where cloves, ylang-ylang, and vanilla are grown in a microclimate zone unique within the Comoros. Geologically, it is a highly eroded volcanic landscape whose deep basaltic soils support dense vegetation. Jimilimé is known for its traditional way of life, which has been preserved for centuries due to its difficult accessibility. The highlands are also a sanctuary for rare animal species such as Livingstone's fruit bat, which nests in the remaining forest fragments. The landscape is characterized by numerous waterfalls and mountain streams that ensure the water supply for the lower-lying towns. Hikers value the region for its cooler temperatures and spectacular cloud forests, often shrouded in mist. The preservation of the Jimilimé Highlands is critical for the protection of Anjouan's water catchment areas. Sustainable agriculture efforts aim to minimize soil erosion in this steep relief zone.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	9	9	9	8	7	7	6	6	7	7	8
Rain mm	92	77	95	100	122	114	104	98	82	73	69	76

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Reached typically from main settlements on Anjouan; local guides are often essential to navigate the rural and unmarked paths leading up to the highland plateau.

📅

Best season

The drier, cooler months are usually the best time to visit this unique microclimate, as heavy tropical rains can make the steep plateau approaches very muddy and slippery.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

Expect rugged, uneven terrain with steep inclines and potentially muddy trails winding through the dense, varied vegetation characteristic of this elevated plateau region.

🎒

What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip, breathable rain gear, high-quality sun protection, and plenty of drinking water are highly recommended for the rugged highlands.

🅿️

Parking

Visitors typically leave their vehicles in the nearest lower-elevation villages or at designated trailheads before continuing on foot with their hired local guide.

⚠️

Safety

Travel with an experienced local guide due to the absolute lack of clear trail markers, and be prepared for sudden weather changes common in elevated island microclimates.

⏱️

Time needed

Exploring the plateau and its unique vegetation usually requires a full day, typically ranging from four to eight hours depending on the chosen hiking route and your pace.

Geography

Coordinates

-44.52000, 12.12000

Facts

The Jimilimé Highlands are situated at an average elevation of 800 to 1,000 meters.
The region is a major cultivation area for global ylang-ylang production.
It hosts one of the largest colonies of the rare Livingstone's fruit bat.
Annual precipitation is among the highest on the island of Anjouan.
Traditional houses here are often built from local basalt stone and clay.
Numerous mountain ridges offer views of both sides of the island's coastline.