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Itsamia
ℹ️Practical info — Itsamia
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Itsamia is renowned for sea turtle nesting; viewing is usually done at night, and you must hire a local guide.
- To respect the turtles, do not use flash photography and keep a quiet, safe distance.
- Accommodations are basic, community-run bungalows, so book your stay well in advance.
- The roads on Mohéli can be rough; it is recommended to arrange a 4x4 transport or a reliable taxi from Fomboni.
🍽 Food
Freshly caught local fish, typically served at the community guesthouse.
Cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk, a traditional Comorian dish available upon request.
Enjoy fresh papaya and bananas grown right around the village.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Small crafts and t-shirts sold by the local turtle protection association.
Small bottles of essential oil sometimes sold by local producers.
Quiet during the day, first-rate for a peaceful coastal walk.
Hiking trails leading away from the village to secluded coves.
Water temperature…
Itsamia is a globally significant village on the eastern coast of Mohéli, primarily known as one of the most important nesting sites for Green Sea Turtles in the Indian Ocean. The community has become a model for community-based conservation, with residents actively participating in beach protection and monitoring turtle populations. Geographically, Itsamia is characterized by its beautiful sandy beaches and adjacent coral reefs, which are part of the Mohéli Marine Park. Historically, the village was an isolated site of subsistence farming but has gained a new economic perspective through ecotourism. Visitors can observe turtles nesting or hatching year-round, making the site a highlight for naturalists. The social structure is deeply rooted in Comorian tradition, where respect for nature as a divine heritage plays a central role. Despite its relative isolation, the village has educational facilities and a dedicated local administration that ensures the preservation of the unique environment.
- Location: Comoros
- Nearby: Dziani Boundouni (5 km)
- Population: ~611 (2018)
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 |
Geography
Facts
- Itsamia is home to five of the most important turtle nesting beaches on Mohéli.
- An estimated over 10,000 turtle nests are laid annually in Itsamia.
- The local conservation association ADSEI was founded in 1991 to protect the environment.
- The village is located approximately 45 kilometers east of the island's capital, Fomboni.
- The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is under strict protection here.
- Itsamia is part of the Mohéli Marine Park, the first national park in the Comoros.
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Frequently asked questions
Why is Itsamia famous?
When can you see turtles in Itsamia?
Is it allowed to photograph the turtles?
Are there guided tours in Itsamia?
Where can you stay in Itsamia?
Itsamia: where is it located?
Itsamia: when is the best time to visit?
Itsamia: why is it worth visiting?
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