Back to grid

Best island getaway destinations in Africa

Back to grid
La Digue
Secluded island with dream beaches
8.3
The island takes its name from a ship called La Digue that arrived in 1768. Bicycles and oxcarts are the main ways to get around. Anse Source d'Argent has smooth granite boulders and shallow turquoise water. The beach lies inside L'Union Estate, which charges a small entry fee.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike to the scenic Nid d’Aigle viewpoint
  • 🏖️ Relax and snorkel at the famous Anse Source d’Argent
  • 🚲 Cycle around La Digue’s serene island roads
Mahé
Tropical Paradise with a Wild Side
8.6
This granite island is the largest of the 115 islands in the Seychelles. Morne Seychellois National Park covers much of the interior with forest trails. Beau Vallon is a wide bay with calm water for swimming. The clock tower in Victoria is a copy of one near Vauxhall Bridge in London.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Hike to the summit of Morne Seychellois for panoramic views
  • 🤿 Snorkel in Sainte Anne Marine National Park’s coral reefs
  • 🏖️ Relax on the powdery white sands of Beau Vallon Beach
Cape Verde
Islands of eternal summer
7.5
Pico do Fogo, a volcano on Fogo island, rises 2,829 metres and last erupted in 2014. Guided hikes lead to the crater floor and rim. On Sal island, Santa Maria has long white sand beaches and steady winds for kitesurfing. Morna, a slow sung music style, fills the bars of Mindelo at night.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between the islands and enjoy ocean breezes
  • ⛰️ Hike to the volcanic summit of Pico do Fogo
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden beaches of Santa Maria, Sal Island
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.7
Vallée de Mai on Praslin is a palm forest where the coco de mer grows. Its seed is the largest in the plant world and can weigh up to 25 kilograms. The forest has been a UNESCO site since 1983. Aldabra Atoll has about 100,000 giant tortoises. Ferries link Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Copolia Trail on Mahe Island
  • 🐢 Encounter giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
  • 🏖️ Visit Anse Source d'Argent, famed pink sand beach
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
The cooler dry season runs from May to December outside the main cyclone months. Le Morne Brabant is a 556 metre mountain that earned UNESCO status in 2008. People who escaped slavery once hid on its slopes. The nearby lagoon has steady winds for kitesurfing.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Zanzibar City
Stone Town’s Spice-Scented Labyrinth
7.1
Cloves, sea air and charcoal smoke fill the narrow lanes of Stone Town. Carved wooden doors with brass studs mark many old merchant houses. Forodhani Gardens fills each evening with food stalls by the waterfront. UNESCO listed Stone Town in 2000. Freddie Mercury of Queen was born here in 1946.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Shop for spices at Darajani Market’s vibrant stalls
  • 🏰 Visit the old Sultan’s Palace and explore its museum
  • 🏘️ Wander through the historic alleys of Stone Town
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
Omani sultans ruled from Zanzibar in the 1800s and built a clove trade that made the island rich. Spice farms still grow cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have white sand and calm water. Paje on the east coast has steady winds for kitesurfing.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Réunion
An Island of Adventure and Beauty
8.3
Locals play maloya, a drum and song tradition born among enslaved workers on sugar plantations. It joined UNESCO's heritage list in 2009. Piton de la Fournaise is a volcano that erupts often. The Cirque de Mafate is a mountain bowl with no roads and is reached on foot.
Highlights:
  • 🚁 Explore the Cirque de Mafate by air or on foot
  • 🏖️ Swim in turquoise waters at L’Ermitage Beach lagoon
  • 🌋 Hike the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano crater
Madagascar
Unique biodiversity meets diverse landscapes
6.5
The scent of ylang ylang flowers drifts across Nosy Be, an island off the northwest coast. Beaches there have warm calm water. The Avenue of the Baobabs near Morondava is a dirt road lined with giant baobab trees. Lemurs are native only to this island.
Highlights:
  • 🤿 Dive the coral reefs of Nosy Be Island
  • 🦎 Spot lemurs and chameleons in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
  • 🌳 Walk the Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Remote volcanic islands with history
7.4
Jacob's Ladder above Jamestown has 699 steps and rises higher than the Washington Monument. Napoleon lived in exile at Longwood House from 1815 until his death in 1821. Flights from Johannesburg now serve the island, which once could be reached only by ship. Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are even more remote.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Visit Napoleon's former residences and tomb sites
  • 🪜 Climb the historic 699 steps of Jacob's Ladder
  • 🦈 Swim with whale sharks in crystal-clear waters
Feedback