A journey through paradise: discovering Africa’s islands
“You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” – Mark Twain, “Following the Equator” (1897).
While Mauritius is undeniably heavenly, so is each of Africa’s Indian Ocean islands highlighted below. Each offers a diverse and enchanting array of experiences. Each has a unique charm. From the luxurious beaches of Mauritius and Seychelles to the cultural richness of Zanzibar, the biodiversity of Madagascar, and the tranquil beauty of the Bazaruto Islands, we love helping you plan unforgettable moments in Africa.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a favourite of both honeymoon couples and families. The island’s natural beauty is well known, from the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain to the multicoloured dunes of Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths.
The warm, crystal-clear waters are perfect to dive or snorkel in, while hiking trails through the Black River Gorges National Park lead you to waterfalls, beautiful views and encounters with rare bird species, like the pink pigeon or Mauritius parakeet.
Beyond its landscapes, Mauritius is a melting pot of culture with Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences. This blend is reflected in the island’s diverse cuisine, where flavours of curry, seafood, and French pastries coexist harmoniously. One of the stops on a tour of the island’s verdant tea plantations takes you to Bois Cheri tea factory, the oldest tea producer in Mauritius. Here, you can visit the Bois Cheri Museum, have lunch and sample teas, including black and green teas, to those flavoured with coconut or cardamom.
Whatever you choose to do, from unwinding on the beach, watching dolphins glide by from the bow of a boat, quad biking, ziplining near waterfalls at La Vallée des Couleurs, or playing golf on courses like Ile aux Cerfs and Paradis Golf Club, Mauritius offers something for everyone.
Seychelles
With 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an immaculate tropical paradise offering luxurious seclusion. Anse Source d’Argent, on La Digue, is often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches with its iconic granite boulders and soft, powdery sand. Mahé also has gorgeous beaches such as Anse Royale and Petite Anse.
Seychelles is also a sanctuary for wildlife, home to rare species found nowhere else on Earth. The Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is inhabited by giant tortoises. At the same time, the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island harbours the famous Coco de Mer palm with its enormous, suggestively shaped seeds. Scuba diving around the outer islands will give you the opportunity to encounter sharks, rays, and dolphins.
For travellers seeking luxurious seclusion, Seychelles offers an array of exclusive resorts where privacy is paramount. Whether you stay in a beachfront villa or a private island retreat, the focus is on personalised service and serene surroundings, making Seychelles an ideal destination for honeymooners.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, is also known as the “Spice Island” and is steeped in history and cultural richness. The archipelago off the coast of Tanzania offers a unique blend of African, Arab, and Persian influences, most vividly experienced in Stone Town. Wandering through the narrow streets, you’ll encounter ancient mosques, bustling markets, and the famous Zanzibari doors with intricate carvings.
Zanzibar’s beaches, such as those in Nungwi and Kendwa, are equally captivating, with their ivory-coloured sands and azure waters. The island’s surrounding ocean invites you to snorkel, scuba dive, or enjoy a sailing trip on a traditional dhow. (There’s also excellent diving and snorkelling off the coast of nearby Mnemba Island).
There’s also no shortage of activities, from spice tours to the turtle sanctuary, exploring the mangrove forests in kayaks near Chwaka Bay or visiting Kizimkazi in southern Zanzibar, a prime location for dolphin encounters. The food is also delicious, with coconut-infused seafood stews and freshly caught, spiced grilled fish being a few of the many options.
Zanzibar offers an enriching blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure, making it a versatile destination and the perfect add-on to a safari in the Serengeti.
Madagascar
Madagascar stands out for its extraordinary biodiversity and unique landscapes. The island is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, including lemurs, the fossa and unique chameleon species.
If you visit the eastern coastal strip, you’ll find the island of Île Sainte-Marie, and the biodiverse Masoala National Park, which opens onto warm, coral-rich waters. We suggest spending a week or more at Masoala Forest Lodge. This lodge provides a unique and immersive natural experience and is the perfect place to enjoy the forest, walk to search out lemurs and go snorkelling and kayaking. You can drive to Andasibe from Tana, but you’ll need to fly from Tana to Ile Sainte Marie or Masoala.
If you want a more luxurious experience of Madagascar, its northern islands (like Nosy Be) are better suited. You can enjoy pristine beaches, luxurious resorts and excellent diving, surrounded by Madagascar’s unique wildlife and culture.
Bazaruto Islands
The Bazaruto Archipelago, off the coast of Mozambique, provides a retreat from the hustle and bustle of more commercialised islands and is ideal for families or a romantic getaway.
From the nearby Vilanculos and on Bazaruto Island, you can enjoy activities like sailing on a traditional dhow, horse riding or taking a boat to secluded beaches where you can picnic and swim. In the right season you could even watch turtles lay eggs or hatchlings scuttle to the ocean.
The islands are relatively undeveloped, offering a peaceful retreat where you can disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in nature. This unspoiled haven has warm waters, coral reefs brimming with colourful fish, serene beaches, inland freshwater lakes, and towering dunes. The Bazaruto Archipelago is also perfect for water-based activities such as snorkelling, diving, and deep-sea fishing.
Whether you visit Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Madagascar, or Bazaruto, Africa’s Indian Ocean islands offer diverse experiences, each with its beauty and appeal. With our expertise and on-the-ground knowledge, we can work with you to develop a bespoke, tailor-made itinerary that will fulfil your island holiday desires.
Happy island hopping,
The Leopard Team
P.S. Here are some of our brand new videos about these Indian Ocean Islands and how they compare.