Decline of Tourism on Grande Comore Island
Ignore All Websites Advertising Le Galawa Beach Resort and Casino
Jul 21, 2009
It is always a tragedy for both the local and international tourist industry when a combination of volatile local politics and corruption come together to wreck a once thriving enterprise in a truly gorgeous location. The setting of Le Galawa was certainly that, with its three white coral sand beaches beside the deep blue Indian Ocean.
Each of the three, named Un Mille, Deux Mille and Trois Mille beaches, has its own character, being separated from its neighbour by impressive black lava spurs. Off shore is a wonderful coral reef with enough sea-life and wrecks to keep even experienced scuba divers happy. Several coelacanth ‘fossil fish' have been found off the reef, which also creates a safe lagoon for less ambitious swimmers and snorkelers.
What Has Happened at the Le Galawa Site
Le Galawa, named after the local out-rigger fishing canoes, was built by Sun International, and then sold to other South African interests who eventually left, citing difficulties with the government. Since January 2008, even visiting these beautiful beaches has been only for the more intrepid backpacker. The immaculately kept grounds, swimming pool and fine kitchens have fallen into disrepair, and the whole complex has been unofficially taken over by local people with whose poverty, now that their employment has gone, the few visitors who reach there can only sympathise.
Cultural, Historic and Scenic Attractions of Grande Comore, aka Gran Comore or Grand Comore
This beautiful volcanic Indian Ocean island has so much to recommend it to international tourism that it seems incredibly short-sighted of the powers that be not to take advantage of its attractions to provide local employment, and to stimulate fishing and agriculture. The south of Grande Comore is dominated by Mount Karthala (7,746 ft / 2361m), one of the world’s largest and most active volcanoes, which offers great walking and climbing, with stunning views of the scenic coastline.
Moroni, the capital and port with the main market, is a mini version of Zanzibar’s famous Stone Town before its extensive restoration. A stroll around and a visit to the Museum gives a good idea of the island’s history and Arab-Swahili heritage.
Other attractions include:
- A coastline fringed with world-class coral reefs, magnificent turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches, including the Mitsamouli, Chomoni, and Itsandra as well as the three northernmost beaches at Le Galawa.
- Huge potential for scuba, snorkelling, reef and wreck diving, deep-sea fishing and all kinds of water sports.
- Trou du Prophète, a cove in the north where, according to legend, Mahomet himself sought refuge on one of his journeys.
- Lac Salé, a very deep salt-water lake formed in a steep-sided volcanic crater., has claimed the lives of at least two divers trying to solve the mystery of how sea water enters the lake.
The Union of the Comoros is the most southerly of the Arab League states and among the poorest and smallest states in the world. Having rejected France, it is possible that Grande Comore might get the assistance it so badly needs from Arab League states, especially the United Arab Emirates led by Dubai which is negotiating to revitalize the international airport (Hahaya) and the port at Moroni. If internal politics stabilize and corruption is controlled, Grande Comore might yet be reinstated as a world-class tourist destination.
For more information: Comoros Comoros Politics
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