The 4 Best African Island Vacation Experiences

1. Mozambique: A Private Island Paradise

Venture to the paradisical shores of Mozambique where 2,500km (1,553 miles) of pristine coastline await discovery. While its tropical island prowess may not have been as touted as much as other islands in Africa and the likes of the Seychelles, it deserves every accolade it has received. Blissful beaches, water- and land-based activities, and world-class diving all feature as well as some incredible national parks. Discover its rich culture, history, and captivating landscapes or journey slightly further afield to enjoy its smaller surrounding islands.

If Mozambique isn’t exactly a household name, then the pocket of mostly uninhabited islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago off its remote north coast are even less so. Go one level deeper into the Quirimbas castaways, and you will find Medjumbe Island, a classic ‘desert island’ that ticks the boxes for long, white beaches, water the colour of a turquoise jewel and an abundance of exotic creatures living in its untrammelled indigenous forest.

When it comes to Mozambique hotels and resorts, there's no shortage of incredible offerings for honeymooners, couples, families, and groups alike. For example, Azura Benguerra is a resort perfect for a family reunion or a big-ticket blow-out – what better place to mark your half-centenary than with a group of your nearest and dearest on a tropical island paradise?

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Our Recommended Mozambique Tours

Our Recommended Mozambique Accommodations

2. Seychelles: A Beautiful Island Holiday Destination

The Seychelles (pronounced ‘say-shells') is a republic made up of about 155 different islands – some of the smaller islands rise and fall with tectonic shifts and tides. But there's no need to worry about joining the denizens of the lost city of Atlantis: the Seychelles' largest islands of Mahe, La Digue and Praslin are as stable as they are ravishingly beautiful. This is a place where staggering granite boulders, sugar-like white sand, tangles of tropical jungle and a sea that's as clear as azure stained glass effortlessly shape a dreamy tropical escape.

Fortunately, it's not necessary to choose only one of these incredible islands. In this case, more is definitely more and ‘island hopping' – spending a few days on one before sailing or flying off to another – is the way to go. Whether the call of a private island is too much to ignore, or a fully catered resort on Mahé sounds like your version of paradise, the Seychelles has it all.

Spend days lounging on some of Africa's finest beaches and partaking in water-based activities, including some of the top diving spots in the world – there are even various dive resorts in the Seychelles. A host of diverse wildlife, sea life, and bird life call the islands home and can be spotted while enjoying some of the land-based activities on offer. When you're not exploring, indulge in a delightful spa treatment and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Our Recommended Seychelles Tours

Our Recommended Seychelles Accommodation

3. Zanzibar: Watch Marine Turtles Hatch In Mnemba

Zanzibar as a whole offers picture perfect palm-fringed beaches with the iconic contrast of white dhow sails against turquoise waters. From its spectacular coastlines and inland spice markets to delicious local cuisine and its World Heritage Site, Stone Town, Zanzibar is a diverse destination with so much to offer. Not only is it a popular honeymoon destination, but one of the top safari and beach combinations – particularly with Tanzania.

The small tropical paradise of Mnemba Island is just 1.5km (0.93 miles) in circumference and a proverbial paradise of powder soft beaches, coral reefs, and translucent turquoise water. Great visibility, tropical warm waters, and around 430 species of fish make it an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving. The island is also home to a PADI dive school. Enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, and even dhow cruises in this magical marine conservation area.

As African island holidays go, it's a special spot with unique sightings: waiting patiently for baby turtles to hatch on a remote beach and then watching them waddle their way to the ocean. This bucket list item captures all life's greatest emotions – the excitement when you hear the first shells cracking, the awe at seeing new life being hatched, the suspense at watching these tiny creatures frantically make their way to the safety of the sea, the bittersweet horror when one is taken by a predator, and the unadulterated joy when they do make it. Watching the cycle of life can be addictive and animal lovers sign up in droves to be a part of this experience.

Africa's Indian Ocean beaches are home to five species of marine turtle – green, hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback and (the adorably named and least-seen) olive ridley – that return to matriarchal ancestral nesting grounds to lay their eggs. The best time to visit Zanzibar is highly dependent on whether this experience features on your bucket list or not.

Where Can You See The Turtles Hatch?

The remote Quirimbas is one of the best places to see turtles hatch (try Vamizi Island). The Seychelles are also a prime spot and Lemuria on Praslin Island could put you in the centre of the action during breeding season. Don't overlook Zanzibar – easy to get to with good infrastructure, its islands offer ‘barefoot luxury' at its best. Discover the best of Zanzibar's Mnemba Island on the 7-day Mnemba Barefoot Luxury Paradise tour package.

Our Recommended Zanzibar Tours

Our Recommended Zanzibar Accommodation

4. Madagascar: A Biodiversity Hotspot for Wildlife, Baobabs & Culture

Discover the dichotomy of Madagascar – on one side, a tropical beach paradise reminiscent of a modern day Robinson Crusoe and on the other, a rich, biodiverse haven home to an awe-inspiring number of endemic species. The island's iconic lemurs are the stars of the show, including the Silky Sifaka lemur – or ‘Angel of the Forest' – one of the rarest species in the world. While technically a year-round destination, the best time to visit Madagascar is typically between May and October.

Catch a wave or two, watch whales lobtail from the shore, and uncover the ocean's secrets on a snorkelling adventure. Madagascar is also made up of various islands, which make for an ideal island hopping destination. Venture to and fro from well-known favourites such as Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie or to lesser known marvels like Aye-Aye Island and Nosy Komba.

Away from the island's exceptional beaches are its other icons, the imposing natural giants of deciduous baobab trees. Stroll along the Avenue of the Baobabs and explore Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park for its limestone cathedrals, ‘Stone Forests', and some of the 12,000 odd plant species on the island. Between 70- and 80% of the island's flora is endemic, including a staggering amount of orchid species, around 860.

Our Recommended Madagascar Tours

Our Recommended Madagascar Accommodation

Ready To Plan Your Perfect Holiday in One Of The Top Islands In Africa?

From white sandy beaches and diverse wildlife to exceptional activities and exclusive accommodations, African island holidays offer unique holiday destinations. If an island caught your eye, chat to one of our African Safari Experts to discuss a tailor-made itinerary.