Plizio Visual Lab
Sugar Cane Fields of Pomoni
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
Weather…
Water temperature…
The sugar cane fields of Pomoni on Anjouan Island bear witness to a bustling agricultural history dating back to the mid-19th century. Pomoni was once the site of a significant sugar refinery established by European settlers, which played a pivotal role in the island's industrial development. The fertile volcanic soils and humid tropical climate provide convenient conditions for sugar cane cultivation, although today it is primarily grown for local consumption and the production of traditional syrup. During the height of the sugar industry in the late 1800s, Pomoni was a bustling port from which ships transported sweet cargo to global markets. Today, the fields are surrounded by a nostalgic atmosphere, with the ruins of old factory machinery still scattered across the landscape. Cultivation is now carried out on a smaller scale, often integrated into subsistence farms that also produce spices and tropical fruits. Despite the decline of large-scale industrial processing, sugar cane remains a symbol of the perseverance of Anjouan's farmers and their enduring connection to the land.
- Location: Comoros
- Nearby: Mrémani (6 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 | 160 | 143 | 90 | 43 | 26 | 21 | 16 | 15 | 25 | 47 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
In the pretty Pomoni region on the island of Anjouan, sugarcane is still cultivated very traditionally and plays a historically significant role for the local agricultural communities.
Visiting
The frequently smaller, family-run fields can usually be admired informally while casually strolling along the local paths, without any special tourist admission tickets being required.
Where to view it
A particularly beautiful view of the green sugarcane areas can be had from the gentle surrounding hills, which wonderfully overlook the lush tropical valley and the coastal landscape of Pomoni.
Local products
Since the sugarcane is often still processed here in small local mills, appreciative visitors can taste freshly squeezed juice or locally distilled artisan products directly in the adjacent villages.
Active season
During the traditional harvest times, the fields and small processing stations come alive with local workers, offering a truly authentic glimpse into the traditional agricultural island life.
Nearby
This authentic rural excursion can be ideally combined with a relaxed exploration of the historical sites of Pomoni, the memorable waterfalls, or the easy on the eye coastal stretches of Anjouan.
Geography
Facts
- The sugar factory in Pomoni was established around 1860 by Sunley & Co.
- Pomoni was one of the most technologically advanced industrial sites in the 19th-century Comoros.
- Volcanic ash in the soil provides natural fertilization for the sugar cane crops.
- Locals traditionally boil cane juice to create 'Miel de Canne', a thick syrup.
- Remnants of steam engines manufactured in Scotland are still visible on the site.
- Sugar cane is frequently intercropped with bananas and taro on Anjouan farms.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sugar Cane Fields of Pomoni (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is sugar cane harvested in Pomoni?
Harvesting usually takes place during the drier months, often between July and November.
Can sugar cane processing be visited?
In Pomoni, there are historical ruins of old factories that can be visited to understand the colonial history.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The fields and ruins are mostly uneven and path-bound, so they are unfortunately not very accessible for wheelchairs.
What is the sugar cane mainly used for today?
It is used for local juice production and occasionally for making traditional syrup.
Are there parking spaces near the fields?
There are no official parking lots; cars are usually parked along the roadside near the entrances.
Sugar Cane Fields of Pomoni: where is it located?
Sugar Cane Fields of Pomoni is located in Comoros.
Sugar Cane Fields of Pomoni: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Sugar Cane Fields of Pomoni: why is it worth visiting?
The sugar cane fields of Pomoni on Anjouan Island bear witness to a bustling agricultural history dating back to the mid-19th century.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Comoros →
Nearby cities
Mutsamudu
Mutsamudu is the second largest city in the Comoros and the capital of Anjouan island.
Tsembehou
Tsembehou is a highland town in central Anjouan.
Domoni
Domoni is a historic city on the east coast of Anjouan island.
Mirontsi
Mirontsi is a suburb of Mutsamudu and an important residential area.
Adda-Douéni
Adda-Douéni is a densely settled town in eastern Anjouan.
Ouani
Ouani is located near Mutsamudu and hosts the airport of Anjouan island.
Sima
Sima is an important town in the west of Anjouan island.
Moya
Moya is a coastal town in the south of Anjouan, known for its picturesque setting.
🗺️
Barakani
Barakani lies between Mutsamudu and Ouani on Anjouan.
🗺️
Mrémani
Mrémani is a town in the southern highlands of Anjouan island.
Ongojou
Ongojou is a town in the central part of Anjouan.
Bambao
Bambao is a significant region and town on Anjouan.
Pomoni
Pomoni is a historic town on the west coast of Anjouan.
Bazmini
Bazmini is a small town in northeastern Anjouan.
History & landmarks
Old Mutsamudu City Gates
The historic city gates of Mutsamudu mark the entrances to the old medina and are relics of the former fortification.
Mutsamudu Port
Mutsamudu has the only deep-water port in the Comoros, which is crucial for international freight traffic.
Grand Mosque of Mutsamudu
The Grand Mosque of Mutsamudu is an architectural landmark in the second largest city of the Comoros.
Ouani Airport Terminal
The Ouani airport terminal is the main air gateway to Anjouan.
Nature
🗺️
Lingoni Waterfalls
The Lingoni Waterfalls are an impressive natural spectacle in the heart of Anjouan.
Lake Dzialandzé
Lake Dzialandzé is a crater lake in the highlands of Anjouan and an important water source for the island.
🗺️
River Goulat
The Goulat is a river in northwestern Anjouan that flows into the Indian Ocean.
🗺️
River Ajaho
The Ajaho is one of the few permanent rivers on the island of Anjouan.
More places
Historic Ruins of Pomoni
In Pomoni are the remains of a significant sugar factory from the 19th-century colonial period.
Moya Beach
Moya Beach is a sandy beach in southern Anjouan with cliffs behind it.
Mount Ntingui
Mount Ntingui is the highest peak on Anjouan island, offering spectacular views across the archipelago.
Livingstone's Fruit Bat Habitat
Livingstone's fruit bats are one of the largest and rarest bat species in the world, living only in the mountain forests of Anjouan and M…
🗺️
Coffee Plantations of Tsembehou
The cool highlands of Tsembehou on Anjouan offer ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality coffee.
Vanilla Fields of Anjouan
Anjouan is one of the world's most significant producers of high-quality Bourbon vanilla, which thrives in the fertile valleys.
Mutsamudu Vanilla Center
This center specializes in the sorting, curing, and packaging of the world-famous Comorian Bourbon vanilla.
Royal Necropolis of Mutsamudu
The Royal Necropolis in Mutsamudu houses the tombs of many rulers of the Sultanate of Anjouan.