When you think of African islands, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think of the popular tourist destinations like Mauritius or the Seychelles. But there are so many other wonderful African islands that are worth exploring! In this blog post, we will take a look at 10 of the best African islands that are often overlooked. From the stunning beaches of Cape Verde to the unique culture of Comoros, there is something for everyone on these beautiful islands. So if you’re looking for a new place to add to your travel list, be sure to check out this blog post!
The Island of Mauritius
The island of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is a popular tourist destination for its beaches and resorts. The island is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered Mauritian Flying Fox.
The Island of the Seychelles
The Seychelles are an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. The capital, Victoria, is on Mahé Island. The other principal islands are Praslin, La Digue, Félicité, Frégate, Ste-Anne, North Island, Silhouette Island, Cousin Island and Denis Island. The Seychelles have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and are a popular tourist destination.
The archipelago is of volcanic origin and features unique fauna and flora. The islands are home to giant tortoises, Aldabra railbirds and Coco de mer palm trees. There are also many endemic species of fish, reptiles and invertebrates. The Seychelles have a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 24-32 degrees Celsius.
Tourism is the main economic activity in the Seychelles and the islands are renowned for their luxury resorts and hotels. Beaches such as Anse Lazio on Praslin island and Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue island are considered to be some of the best in the world. Other popular tourist activities include snorkelling, diving, fishing and hiking.
The Island of Madagascar
Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. The nation comprises the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world), as well as numerous smaller peripheral islands.
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth. The island's diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife are threatened by environmental degradation from human activity.
Madagascar is home to five million people, and its capital city is Antananarivo. The official languages of Madagascar are Malagasy and French.
The Island of Zanzibar
The Island of Zanzibar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. The island has a rich history dating back to the 9th century when it was first settled by Arabs. The island was later ruled by the Portuguese, and then the Sultanate of Oman before becoming a British protectorate in 1890.
The island is best known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. Visitors can also enjoy snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing. There are also many historical sites to explore such as the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and slave market.
The Island of the Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an African island nation located in the central Atlantic Ocean. The country consists of 10 islands, 9 of which are inhabited. Cape Verde has a population of approximately 550,000 people and its capital city is Praia. The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese but many residents also speak Creole.
Cape Verde is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, year-round warm climate and diverse culture. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving. Cape Verde is also known for its vibrant music scene and there are many festivals held on the island throughout the year.
The Island of Saint Helena
The island of Saint Helena is located in the South Atlantic Ocean and is one of the world's most isolated islands. It is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, as well as some interesting historical landmarks.
Saint Helena was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and was named after Saint Helena of Constantinople. It later became an important stopover for ships travelling between Europe and Asia. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island in 1815, and he died there in 1821.
Today, Saint Helena is best known as a tourist destination. Visitors can explore its stunning scenery, learn about its rich history, or simply relax on its beautiful beaches.
The Island of Comoros
The Comoros archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, is made up of four volcanic islands. The largest and most populous island is Grande Comore, also known as Ngazidja. The other three islands are Mohéli, Anjouan, and Mayotte.
The Comoros Islands have a tropical climate with year-round warm weather. The average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius. The rainy season runs from November to April.
The Comoros has a rich culture and history dating back to the 7th century. The islands were populated by Arabs and Austronesians settlers. African slaves were also brought to the islands by Arab traders. Today, the population of the Comoros is made up of people of Arab, African, and Austronesian descent. French is the official language, but Arabic and Comorian are also widely spoken.
The Comoros Islands offer a variety of tourist attractions including its beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, mountains, forests, and wildlife reserves. There are also several historical sites such as mosques and fortresses that are worth visiting.
The Island of Mayotte
Mayotte is an island located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. The island is a part of the country of Comoros, but has remained under French control since the 19th century. Mayotte is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation. The island is also home to a number of unique animals, including the Mayotte spiny lobster and the Mayotte tree frog.
The Island of Reunion
The small island of Reunion, located in the Indian Ocean just east of Madagascar, is a French territory that is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The island's capital, Saint-Denis, is a bustling city with a rich colonial history. The island's natural beauty and its active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, make it a popular tourist destination.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a breathtaking vacation destination, look no further than Africa. From the sandy beaches of Mauritius to the lush rainforests of Madagascar, there is an African island for everyone. And with so many incredible islands to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your African island getaway today!