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Chissioua Mchaco
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Chissioua Mchaco is a prominent rocky islet within the Mohéli Marine Park and is considered one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the Comoros. The island consists of steep basalt cliffs rising from the azure Indian Ocean, providing an almost inaccessible refuge for thousands of seabirds. Particularly noteworthy are the large breeding colonies of boobies, terns, and frigatebirds that use the rocks as nesting sites. Due to its isolated location and lack of natural predators, a unique ecological balance has been maintained here. The waters around Mchaco are extremely rich in fish, attracting larger marine predators and dolphins. Since landing on the island is strictly regulated or prohibited to protect the birds, it is mostly observed from a distance during boat tours. The white guano deposits on the dark rocks are visible from a great distance and are characteristic of the island's appearance. Chissioua Mchaco embodies the wild, untouched nature of the archipelago and is an indispensable part of regional species conservation.
- Location: Comoros
- Nearby: Itsamia (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 221 | 156 | 140 | 99 | 45 | 30 | 25 | 17 | 14 | 24 | 42 | 96 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to this rocky island east of Mohéli is typically arranged by chartering a local boat from the nearby mainland settlements. The journey across the marine park requires navigating local tides and should always be coordinated with experienced boat operators.
Best season
The most favorable period for visiting is during the cooler dry season, which generally provides calmer seas for a comfortable boat crossing. Heavy rains and strong winds during the wet season can disrupt boat travel and severely limit seabird observation.
Terrain & paths
The island's terrain consists almost entirely of rugged, rocky offshore surfaces with very little flat ground or vegetation. Walking is extremely limited, which is why observing the nesting sites is usually done directly from the boat circling the island.
What to bring
High-quality binoculars are essential for properly viewing the seabirds from a distance without causing a disturbance. A windbreaker, strong sun protection, and a waterproof bag for your electronic devices are highly recommended for the boat excursion.
Parking
Since this is an island destination, there are naturally no vehicle parking facilities available on the island itself. Visitors usually park their cars securely in the mainland coastal villages of Mohéli before embarking on their boat excursion.
Safety
The rocky shores and unpredictable ocean currents make landing on the island quite dangerous, so it is highly advisable to stay in the boat. Ensure that your local guide has the necessary experience and carries basic safety equipment onboard.
Time needed
A typical excursion to this seabird refuge generally lasts around two to three hours, depending heavily on the length of the boat journey. The active observation time spent watching the birds around the island is usually not much more than an hour.
Geography
Facts
- The islet is part of the Mohéli UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- It hosts one of the region's largest colonies of Masked Boobies.
- The island's cliffs rise steeply up to 40 meters out of the sea.
- The surrounding reef is known for its high density of reef sharks.
- Chissioua Mchaco is completely uninhabited and free of mammals.
- Scientists use the islet to study marine food web dynamics.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Chissioua Mchaco inhabited?
No, the island is uninhabited and serves exclusively as a bird sanctuary.
What are the conditions for the boat trip?
The sea can be rough here; the trip should only be undertaken in calm weather.
Is there shade on the island?
Hardly any, the island consists mostly of bare rocks and low vegetation.
Is picnicking allowed on the island?
Usually, only short landings are allowed to avoid endangering the birds with food scraps.
What makes the rocks so white?
The white color comes from thick layers of guano (bird droppings) from the seabirds.
Chissioua Mchaco: where is it located?
Chissioua Mchaco is located in Comoros.
Chissioua Mchaco: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Chissioua Mchaco: why is it worth visiting?
Chissioua Mchaco is a prominent rocky islet within the Mohéli Marine Park and is considered one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the Comoros.
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Nearby cities
Fomboni
Fomboni is the capital of Mohéli island and the third largest city in the country.
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Moimbassa
Moimbassa is a small village in the interior of Mohéli.
Nioumachoua
Nioumachoua is the second largest town on Mohéli, located on the south coast.
Mbatsé
Mbatsé is a remote village on the northwest coast of Mohéli.
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Wanani
Wanani is a coastal settlement on Mohéli, near Fomboni.
Djoyezi
Djoyezi sits next to Fomboni on Mohéli.
Hoani
Hoani is a quiet village on the coast of Mohéli.
Kangani
Kangani is a small settlement in southern Mohéli.
Dziani Boundouni
A fascinating sulfurous crater lake hidden deep within a dense, wildlife-rich tropical jungle.
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Itsamia
Itsamia is a village in eastern Mohéli, famous for its sea turtles.
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Mohéli Marine Park
Discover a pristine marine paradise renowned for its nesting sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
Ouallah
Ouallah is a village on the west coast of Mohéli.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Bird Paradise of Chissioua Mchaco
The small island of Chissioua Mchaco is a significant refuge for thousands of seabirds that can nest here undisturbed.
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Turtle Beaches of Itsamia
Itsamia on Mohéli is one of the most important nesting sites for Green Sea Turtles in the Indian Ocean, where they come ashore almost eve…
Clove Groves of Mohéli
On the island of Mohéli, clove trees characterize the landscape, and their dried flower buds are exported worldwide as a precious spice.
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Rice Fields of Mohéli
Mohéli's rice fields sit in water-fed valleys where local families grow food for daily use.
Mount Mfiti
Mount Mfiti is the highest mountain on the island of Mohéli.
Port of Boingoma
The Port of Boingoma is the main seaport of Mohéli island, serving as the primary entry point for goods and passengers.
Lemur Forest of Mohéli
Mohéli's forests provide habitat for mongoose lemurs and other small forest animals.
Dugong Sanctuary of Mohéli
In the seagrass meadows of the Mohéli Marine Park lives a small, strictly protected population of rare dugongs (sea cows).