Joanna James
Africa is surrounded by incredible islands, some known, some obscure but all astonishingly beautiful and worth the stay. Here's our pick of the most stunning islands that Africa has to offer.
The islands of Mauritius are known for their pristine beaches, lagoons and reefs. Not too far from its shorelines, however, lies a mountainous interior which is home to rainforests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife like the flying fox.
Located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is an untouched collection of islands that were uninhabited until their discovery by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. It's the second-smallest African state, after Seychelles and boasts a vibrant Portuguese culture through music, art and cuisine.
Chief's Island is located in in the heart of Moremi Game Reserve, and the island's main attraction is Mombo, located near the Okavango River. Chief's Island is home to a diverse range of animals; it takes a page out of Lion King, attracting high numbers of buffalo, impala, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and warthog.
If you've been dreaming of getting close to Humpback whales – there's no better place in the world than Mohéli, Comoros. The small island nation is located off the eastern coast of Africa between Madagascar and Mozambique and is a stunning piece of untouched paradise.
Located just off the coast of West Africa, is Sal, an island in Cape Verde. The east of the island is the site of a former salt mine, found deep in the crater of an extinct volcano, renowned for its therapeutic saltwater. The island is made up of gorgeous mountainous and desert landscapes with white-sand beaches.
Nosy Be is a little-known island located near Madagascar's northwestern coast. Home to lush and tropical jungles that are home to a large number of lemurs, chameleons, geckos, frogs and other exotic reptiles. Nosy Be's capital, is Hell-Ville, a quaint town that boasts French colonial architecture.
Praslin is an island in Seychelles known for palm-fringed beaches bordered by large granite boulders. Praslin's rugged, jungle-covered interior is home to Praslin National Park and is one of the most romantic islands in the world.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of six islands, located off the southern coast of Mozambique. Known for its white-sand beaches, Bazaruto is also home to some amazing Mozambique resorts. If you're after a luxurious holiday, several hotels like Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, for example, are amidst pristine sand dunes and offer great snorkelling and dive opportunities.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is the stuff adventurous novels are made of. A blend of African and Arab cultures merges here, taking you back in time to the days of the Spice Trade and Silk Roads.
Djerba is an island off the coast of Tunisia and known for Mediterranean beaches and whitewashed desert towns influenced by Arab, Jewish and African cultures. There's plenty to do here beyond the gorgeous beaches, stroll through its handicraft markets, a fishing town and 16th-century fortress, Borj el Kebir.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
