African Islands are spread across different regions of the continent, masses of land surrounded by water. The world’s obsession with islands has led to some of the most beautiful adventures of man’s willingness to travel, and the outcome gives us a sense of purpose and joy and increases pleasant feelings. A visit to any one of these Islands should be on the list of anyone fascinated by travel and landscape.
Here, Lonely Africa gives you our pick of the most incredible islands on the African planet.
1. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar, a city in Tanzania, features an amazing landscape and architecture. It is made up of two main islands: Unguja and Pemba, and many other smaller ones. The capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City.
A visit to Zanzibar presents you an opportunity to see one of the fascinating places in Tanzania: Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.
You get to see the Zanzibar Beaches, too, where you can spend some time with your family and friends.
The languages spoken in Zanzibar include English, French, etc. So, you’ll surely have little to fear as regards the language barrier.
2. Reunion
The Reunion is an incredible island on the coast of Africa, even though it is part of the European Union. On this island, you can hike a mountain that is known to be volcanic; when it is not erupting, obviously.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in Africa and a must-go if you want a holiday in a serene place where you get to see the true beauty of nature.
Every year, visitors come here to chill, as it is a country big on luxury and tourism. I mean, Mauritius is littered with luxurious hotels that offer good services and serve good food.
Here, you will be offered the thrill of walking on beaches, going on boat trips, etc. You’ll take some of the best pictures you have ever taken when you come here.
Read: 20 Best Beaches in Africa
4. Mes-Meheux, Serra Leone
Do you want an island surrounded by wildlife and forest? One where you will have some of the best adventures ever? Then, be on your way to Sierra Leone to visit the Mes-Meheux, a private-owned Island popular for attracting a number of tourists every year.
You will get to see plant and animal species you most likely have not seen before.
5. Praslin, Seychelles
Seychelles is an Island Nation around the Somali Sea. Praslin, one of its islands, makes it to this list because, judging by landscape and tourism, it is indeed one of the most incredible islands to visit in Africa.
On Praslin, everything tells of luxury and relaxation. The hotels, the boutiques, the food. All luxury and exquisite relaxation. No doubt why Praslin is increasingly becoming more and more popular.
Visit here with your family in the summer and have a feel of what a real holiday on an African island looks like.
Read: 15 Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Africa
6. Mnemba, Tanzania
This small island is quite close to Zanzibar and can be accessed on the same day you visit Zanzibar. Mnemba looks triangular in shape and is surrounded by a reef that is now considered a marine conservation site.
Mnemba Island is a popular scuba diving site and a place to visit if you plan to watch the water.
7. Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an island nation in West Africa, is a yes if you want to visit any of the best islands in Africa. The landscape from this island is the kind that will definitely make your jaws drop.
On Cape Verde, you will have the adventures of a lifetime, visiting beaches and architectural buildings and exquisite hotels.
8. Madagascar
If you love an island where you get to see the rarest kinds of wildlife species, then you should be on your way to Madagascar right now. No mincing words, Madagascar, an island country standing within the Indian Ocean, is truly a wonder—it is no wonder it is often described as the eighth continent.
On Madagascar, you are sure to spot an animal or insect you have never spotted in your life. Your jaws will drop as you walk through the national parks and the coasts.
The many beaches in Madagascar are a great spot to relax when you have walked through the parks. Nosy Be is Madagascar’s most visited beach, and you consider being here.
Read: 20 Best Places to Visit in West Africa
9. La Digue, Seychelles
This is the smallest island in Seychelles and has a population of about 3,000 people.
Explore this island by bike, and have your fill of coconut meals as you walk across the white-sand beach of Anse Source D’Argent.
10. Bushrod Island, Liberia
Visit Bushrod, Liberia, if you are seeking to know what a vacation on a commercial island in Africa is like.
The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and features residential and government buildings. Every morning brings some more bustling to you when you lodge here.
Read: Interesting Facts About Africa
11. Moheli, Comoros
Three islands make up Comoros. And Moheli happens to be the smallest and, I would say, the most beautiful. It may be small and not very developed compared to the others, but it is no doubt a beautiful place to be in for a holiday.
The sole National Park in Comoros stands here. In this park, the Moheli Marine Park, you get to see a wide range of wildlife—turtles, dolphins, whales, etc. Visit Moheli if you want a holiday full of adventure and enjoyment.
12. Djerba, Tunisia
In Tunisia, you will find the largest island standing in North Africa—Djerba. Visiting Djerba is visiting one of the most beautiful places in Tunisia and one of the few places where the Berber language.
On Djerba, you will be offered a chance to ride on the back of a camel along the shore on a quiet cool evening.
13. Lamu Island, Kenya
In East Africa, Kenya, you’ll find Lamu Island, an amazing landscape and center for relaxation. Lamu Old Town is the most renowned town on the island. This town is the oldest settlement of Swahili people still living in East Africa.
Lamu Old Town features a fascinating view of buildings made from heavy timber. The buildings are peculiar for their large and curved doors, courtyards, and their inner courtyards.
On Lamu Island, you will not find streets. At least not ‘real’ streets. You will only find alleys and trails. This means there are no cars or trains on here.
Read: Ten Tallest Buildings in Africa
14. Sao Tome Island
One of the most unfamiliar African island countries, Sao Tome and Principe, sits in the Gulf of Guinea, quiet and beautiful.
The Island of Sao Tome has been nicknamed Heaven on Earth because it does look like a heaven on earth with all that beauty and magnificence.
A visit here is a visit to the least visited island country in Africa, a visit to a ‘well-kept secret.’
When you visit Sao Tome and Principe, be sure to visit Obo Park, which stands deep within the rain forests in the region.
15. Seal Island
Seal Island is a small island you can find near Cape Town, South Africa.
Visit here if you want to spot African seals, have a cool night at an exquisite hotel, and take some of the most amazing pictures ever, listening to the swooshing of water as tides rise and fall.
16. Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique
This Island, Quilalea Private Island, is somewhat ‘hidden.’
It sits on the north coast of Mozambique and is surrounded by water which is home to a variety of aquatic life, including the humpback whales and dolphins, which can easily be spotted if you visit in the months between July and October.
Visit here for an experience of picnics and mini parties with your family. Watch the sunset on the horizon on warm evenings, and take some of the best pictures you can.
17. Thanda, Tanzania
Thanda Island, Tanzania, sits within the Shungimbii Island Marine Reserve. The island is surrounded by beautiful turquoise water that looks pretty lovely in the sunlight.
When you visit here, you sign up for a chance to lodge at the exotic villa, from where you can watch the water. You can walk the beach to ease any boredom, swim, and even go on boat trips.
Thanda is definitely the kind of island you visit with your family and friends.
18. Kubu Island, Botswana
This is a special African island in that it is dry and is largest made of granite. Kabu Island stands not so far away from Orapa, a small mining town. One can reach here from the Boteti District.
Kabu Island is considered a National Monument by the people of Botswana. The people who live in the area—the locals—consider Kubu Island to be a sacred place.
No doubt, Kubu Island is one of the astonishing places you want to visit if what you seek is an adventure.
Read: Interesting Facts About South Africa
19. Los Islands, Guinea
The Los Island in Guinea is popular amongst tourists who visit Guinea. The island gets its name from Portuguese words which translate: “Island of Idols.”
The Los Islands of Guinea are known to have very beautiful beaches. You can sail on a ferry from Los to Conakry and have a nice time with your family walking around beaches and taking amazing photos.
20. Mahe, Seychelles
Mahe is the largest island that makes up Seychelles and no doubt a very beautiful place for one to be on.
The area around this island is known for beaches made up of white sand, where you can relax in the sun for an evening.
Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles and one of the most beautiful cities in the region, sits on this island. You sign up for a lot of relaxation, cruise, and chill when you visit here.
