ISLANDS IN AFRICA: A Guide to Exotic Islands and Coastal Retreats

Whenever we consider visiting Africa, our thoughts typically revolve around taking a safari tour to Maasai Mara, exploring the ancient Egyptian sites, or visiting Cape Town. But Africa has much more to offer tourists, and a trip to one of the unique African islands is well worth it. The African Islands provide an exceptional array of flora and fauna, breathtaking African island beaches, and an intriguing past that is worth exploring.

Africa’s main geographical subregion is made up of its islands. The unique historical, cultural, and demographic context of the African islands has had a significant impact on the continent.

Islands In Africa

The African continent is home to 47 nations in total. This also applies to the contested region of Western Sahara. There are now 53 countries on the list after the inclusion of the islands off the coast of Africa. Cape Verde, Madagascar, Comoros, São Tomé and Príncipe, the Seychelles, and Mauritius are the island states that makeup Africa. In their own right, each of them is a sovereign nation. You should put these African island nations on your bucket list because of their breathtaking and alluring beauty. They draw newlywed couples in addition to globetrotters.

A trip to the African Islands is a necessity if you’re searching for white, immaculate sandy beaches, warm oceans, clear seas, distinctive species, and welcoming residents from the past. The breathtaking island paradises of Africa have a lot to offer, including some exhilarating and interesting activities.

The compilation of the top African islands to visit demonstrates just how extraordinarily fortunate the continent’s east coast is to have such a vast number of amazing islands. The warm, ultramarine waters of the Indian Ocean wash over each of them.

#1. Islands of Cape Verde

Among the African island nations, Cape Verde, one of the most important islands on the continent’s west coast, is the ideal retreat. Sal is the most popular location on the island and is regarded as a stylish island. Sal is among the top ten most stunning islands in the African archipelago. This location, which occupies a significant space on the map of the West African islands, is a must-see for travelers hoping to immerse themselves in the vibrant African culture.

#2. São Tomé and Príncipe

The largest and most well-known island in São Tomé and Príncipe is São Tomé Island. The majority of the local population speaks Portuguese. Located off the coast of Central Africa’s west, this island is well-liked by travelers due to its abundance of options for extreme sports. Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean’s azure waters is an option for those seeking an exhilarating experience.

#3. Tunisia Island

One of the most significant North African islands, Djerba, is located in the Mediterranean Sea, directly off the coast of South Tunisia. The North African island map will lead you through this island. Sand beaches, a large range of sporting opportunities, and excellent dining establishments make Djerba a popular destination for travelers.

#4. Seal Island

There are several options to experience seal expeditions due to the numerous seal colonies that border the shoreline of the islands in southern Africa. Savor the marine life on Seal Island and take in the breathtaking scenery of the ocean.

#5. Zanzibar

Off the coast of Tanzania lies Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, which is the largest island in Africa. This African beauty, which served as a major trading hub for centuries, is more of a blend of African, Indian, and Arab influences, which is strongly evident in its distinct culture.

#6. Island of Lamu

The main town square on the Kenyan island of Lamu, located in the Lamu Archipelago, is renowned for its unusual old town. The Lamu Old Town is distinctive in addition to being among the oldest and finest preserved Swahili villages in East Africa.

#7. Moheli

The smallest of the three African islands that make up the nation of Comoros is Moheli, often referred to as Mwali. Situated on the island of Moheli, Moheli Marine Park is the sole national park in the Comoran Islands.

#8. Nosy Be

The little island of Madagascar is a traveler’s paradise for those who value outstanding natural beauty. The area is well-known for its tranquility, blue water, and the caliber of the seafood restaurants along the shore. Madagascar boasts a diverse range of flora and animals, making it the fourth-largest island in the world.

#9. Praslin

The second-largest island in the Seychelles is Praslin. Although Praslin was formerly a haven for Arab traders and even pirates, it is now a well-liked holiday destination with several hotels and beach resorts.

#10. Island of St. Croix

Sugar plantations, white sand beaches, and the neighboring coral reef—which is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers—are some of St. Croix’s most well-known features. With arched, shaded arcades and sorbet-colored homes, its two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, have a colonial aspect. St. Croix is currently home to hundreds of African penguin colonies that breed there.

French Islands In Africa

French-speaking culture encompasses so much more than just France. Additionally, even though you may not be aware of them, we wholeheartedly urge you to visit the numerous French-speaking islands that dot the globe.

#1. Mayotte Island

Mayotte is a French island in the Mozambique Channel that is part of the Comoros archipelago. It’s split up into two islands. There are two islands: Grande Terre, the largest, and Petite Terre, the smaller one, where the airport is situated. The 101st Department of France is made up of these Comoros Islands. It is a portion of the overseas French territories. For this reason, this departmental collectivity has designated French as its official language.

#2. Corsica

Even with your feet in the sand, Corsica’s breathtaking panorama will make you feel as though you’re up high. There are several 2,000-meter-tall mountains all around the stunning beaches.

#3. Bora Bora

We suggest taking a Costa Cruise to Bora Bora Island, which is located in the South Pacific northwest of Tahiti. It is a part of the Leeward group of the Society Islands archipelago.

#4. Guadalupe

You may be sure that a trip to Guadeloupe and its beaches with Costa will be much more than you had anticipated. Guadeloupe is the perfect destination if you want to get away from it all, forget about the strains of daily life, and experience heaven on earth.

#5. Martinique

The jewel in the Lesser Antilles’ crown is Martinique. Situated in the center of the Caribbean, this volcanic island mesmerizes visitors with its captivating essence and remarkable splendor.

#6. The Archipelago of Frioul

On your Costa Rica vacation, you can discover the Frioul Islands, which are part of a magnificent archipelago. The archipelago, which is close to Marseille in Provence, has not yet experienced significant tourism-related impacts.

#7. Porquerolles

The largest island in the Hyères archipelago of Provence is called Porquerolles. After Corsica, it is the second-largest French island in the Mediterranean, with an approximate land area of 1,254 hectares.

#8. Rangiroa

The beautiful Rangiroa is part of the Tuamotu Islands and is situated in French Polynesia. With an area of almost 79 square kilometers, it is an incredibly beautiful oasis. It is also known as a “diver’s paradise” and is an excellent destination for everyone who enjoys the ocean in general.

#9. Embiez

The largest island in the eponymous archipelago is called Embiez. It is truly a jewel, with pristine waters and some incredibly beautiful coves, and it is reachable by ferry.

#10. Molène

Molène is so vibrant that it almost seems like a rock rising out of the ocean. In addition to an abundance of wild environments, you’ll see various lighthouses that were constructed to aid boats in navigating the Brittany waters at night, as well as fishermen’s homes.

The Seychelles Islands in Africa

The Seychelles Islands are a group of more than 100 mostly deserted islands that are located northeast of Madagascar, off the coast of East Africa. Rising from the seashore, granite-backed hills are encircled by cerulean waters and dense tropical jungle with patches of talcum powder. Put simply, it is the epitome of an idyllic island.

If you can venture off the stunning Seychelle Islands coastline, a rich history offers a few cultural excursions. Diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boating are all relatively frequent due to the islands’ shallow, crystal-clear seas.

#1. Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

On the island of Mahé, Beau Vallon Bay is home to white-sand beaches, tropical forests, coral reefs, and crystal-clear water. This exquisite expanse is attractively displayed from your villa at the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa. Guests are free to enjoy the spa, delicious restaurants, and a wide service and amenities list.

#2. Constance Ephelia

At Ca Constance Ephelia, there are many options available to guests, including five restaurants, a variety of lodging options, an abundance of activities, and a choice of beaches to visit.

#3. Constance Lemuria

On the Seychelles island of Praslin, Constance Lemuria is an amazing tropical resort. Travelers who want to get away from it all while still enjoying the activities of resort-style vacations find this to be a reliable favorite.

#4. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

The magnificent granite outcrops, cinnamon, and tokamak trees that surround the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles draw sunbathers of all ages and interests.

#5. North Island Lodge

North Island, a leader in dreamy romantic experiences, is a collection of barefoot luxury villas situated on a private island in the Seychelles.

#6. Banyan Tree Seychelles

On Mahe, the Banyan Tree Seychelles represents the height of island luxury. Elegant, roomy villas spill over the hillside amid a lush native forest and gaze down upon one of the most coveted beaches on the planet.

Beautiful Islands In Africa

Most people’s first impressions of Africa are probably of the continent’s savannahs, jungles, and deserts. Nonetheless, the African coast’s islands are among the most breathtaking in the world, including breathtaking beaches, an abundance of marine life, architecture, and cuisines influenced by many cultures, and hinterlands of verdant hills and volcanoes. These ten are the most exquisite.

#1. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island full of color that is much more than just a place to visit beaches, although its white sand beaches are stunning. When you’ve had enough beach time, there’s lots to enjoy in the area, including rich, green rainforests, rugged mountains, silvery waterfalls, and a diversified and delectable culinary scene.

#2. Kenya’s Lamu

Among the first Swahili settlements in East Africa is Lamu. It’s a serene island off the coast of Kenya, practically car-free, and encircled by the Indian Ocean. History lovers should spend some time in Lamu Town, which has a wealth of historic Swahili buildings with massive, carved wooden doors and structures built of coral stone and mangrove timber.

#3. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Enjoy horseback riding along the beaches of the islands that comprise the Bazaruto Archipelago in southern Mozambique, swim with dolphins, and explore protected coral reefs. Currently safeguarded under Bazaruto National Park, these are among the most exquisite islands off the African coast.

#4. The Seychelles’ Praslin

Selecting the best Seychelles island is difficult, but Praslin National Park, which is home to the Vallée de Mai, a Unesco-protected area known for its enormous coco de mer palms, may just tip the scales. There are several other beaches to enjoy in Praslin, including Anse Lazio, which is frequently named among the world’s top beaches and is excellent for snorkeling. Additionally, there are several lodging options available, ranging in price from quite luxurious to more affordable.

#5. Reunion

Réunion is without a doubt one of the most exquisite islands off the coast of Africa. Since it is a French area, its population is French, and as such, it is a part of the European Union.

#6. Seychelles, North Island

Known for being the preferred private island for high-profile newlyweds like Prince William and Duchess Kate, North Island is the epitome of luxury. The private North Island is one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago, which is situated off the coast of eastern Africa.

#7. Madagascar’s Nosy Ankao

Nosy Ankoa is a magnificent and secluded place that is off the usual path, which is why it makes it onto our list of private African islands. To get to the island of Nosy Ankao, which is off the northeast coast of Madagascar, board your private helicopter in Nosy Be and go there for an hour.

#8. Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique

Quilalea Private Island is tucked away off the northern coast of Mozambique. The Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary, which is home to a variety of marine life including bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales*, the elusive dugong, and turtles, encircles the isolated island.

#9. Thanda Island, Tanzania

Situated 30 kilometers off Tanzania’s east coast, Thanda Island is a private island within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve. For families and groups of friends looking for a distinctive private island experience, the private island with its coral reef is ideal.

#10. Comoros, Mohéli

Mohéli, the smallest of the three main Comoros islands, is home to Mohéli Marine Park, the nation’s only national park. Here, guests can go snorkeling with the tropical fish and turtles that call this coral reef home. Whales and dolphins also frequent these beaches. The island is ideal for people who want to get away from the crowd because it is still off the beaten path.

How Many Islands Are in Africa?

Since six islands are situated off the coast of Africa, they are seen as belonging to the continent. These include Comoros, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Sí£o Tomé and Príncipe, the Seychelles, and Mauritius.

What Large Island Is Part of Africa?

Madagascar is the world’s fourth-biggest island, and it is located off the southeast coast of Africa. The island nation is well-known for its distinctive biodiversity because it was established in isolation.

What Is the Smallest Island Country in Africa?

Southeast of the African continent, in the Indian Ocean, lies the Republic of Seychelles, an archipelago of 155 islands. The Seychelles is the smallest African nation, covering 177 square miles and home to 92,000 people.

Conclusion

Africa’s remote private islands are waiting for you if all you can dream of is lounging back in a hammock while taking in the unobstructed views of beaches lined with palm trees. There are many islands to explore in Africa, ranging from archipelagos off the coast of Mozambique to remote islands in Madagascar that are only accessible by helicopter.