When people think of Africa, they most likely imagine the savannahs, jungles and deserts of the mainland. Yet the islands off the coast of Africa are some of the most spectacular in the world, with stunning beaches, a host of marine wildlife, architecture and cuisines influenced by numerous cultures, and hinterlands of lush hills and volcanoes.
Africa’s coastlines are dotted with stunning islands that boast pristine beaches, rich cultures, and unique ecosystems. From the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic’s rugged beauty, these islands offer idyllic escapes for travelers.
Indian Ocean Islands
The largest number of islands of Africa are found in the Indian Ocean, with the sovereign island nations of Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar located off the southeastern seaboard of Africa being the most notable. The French overseas territories of Mayotte and Réunion are also located nearby. The medium-sized islands of Zanzibar and Lamu of Tanzania and Kenya, respectively, are also located in the Indian Ocean, in addition to smaller islands off the coasts of other continental countries.
- Madagascar: Madagascar is by far the biggest, and a continent on its own when it comes to wildlife. 90% of the wildlife of Madagascar is found nowhere else on the planet. Madagascar became part of the French colonial empire following two military campaigns against the Kingdom of Madagascar, which it initiated after persuading Britain to relinquish its interests in the island in exchange for control of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanganyika, an important island hub of the spices trade.
- Comoros: The smallest of the three major Comoros islands, Mohéli is home to the country’s only national park - Mohéli Marine Park. Here, visitors can snorkel with the turtles and tropical fish that live along the coral reef. Whales and dolphins also frequent these shores.
- Seychelles: An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is famed for its powdery white beaches, granite boulders, and lush tropical forests. Perfect for snorkeling and diving, the marine life here is exceptional.
- Mauritius: An island bursting with color, Mauritius is so much more than a beach destination. With rich, green rainforests, craggy mountains, silvery waterfalls and a diverse and delicious foodie scene, there’s plenty to enjoy when you’ve had your fill of beach time.
- Zanzibar: Located just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the Zanzibar Archipelago is one of Africa’s most well-known island destinations and has widely been praised as the ideal place for post-safari decompression. In addition to crystal-clear waters, unique marine life, and sandy beaches, the Zanzibar Archipelago is also known for its cultural heritage that blends Swahili, Arab, and European influences.
- Lamu: Just off the coast of Kenya, it’s a peaceful island, practically free of cars, and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Lamu is one of the oldest Swahili settlements in East Africa.
- Bazaruto Archipelago: Set sail in search of dolphins, explore protected coral reefs and ride horses down the beaches of the islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago in southern Mozambique. Now protected in Bazaruto National Park, these are some of the most beautiful islands off the coast of Africa.
Atlantic Ocean Islands
In the Atlantic seaboard, the largest islands are Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa and Sao Tome and Principe off the southwestern seaboard. In the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Bioko and other smaller islands of Equatorial Guinea are also notable.
- Cape Verde: Cape Verde, in the North Atlantic Ocean, due west of Dakar, is made up of 10 islands. The most popular is Sal, which has no shortage of golden beaches.
- São Tomé and Príncipe: One of the two islands that form São Tomé and Príncipe, Príncipe is the smaller and the most untouched, with just 7,000 inhabitants.
A Deeper Dive into Selected Islands
Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
The Zanzibar Archipelago (chain of Islands), located just off the coast of Tanzania, is an arena of sheer beauty and history. If people know Zanzibar for one thing, it’s scuba diving. In fact, Zanzibar is one of the world’s top places for diving. Zanzibar is not just about beaches; it's also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the legendary Queen frontman. You can visit his former home, now a vibrant bar and restaurant named Mercury's.
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Pemba Island, Tanzania
Pemba Island, Zanzibar's lesser-known sister, is a quiet Island steaming with nature, calm, crystal-clear water, and undiscovered marine life. Pemba is what Zanzibar used to be a couple of years ago - no crowds, fewer resorts, and really clear waters. The island's beaches, far less crowded than Zanzibar's, offer seclusion and serenity.
Mauritius
Mauritius offers more than just picturesque landscapes; it's a cultural melting pot. Explore the bustling streets of Port Louis, where local markets serve up a fusion of flavors, from samosas to dholl puri. For underwater enthusiasts, the island's coral reefs and shipwrecks are a playground for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Seychelles Archipelago
The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands, is an Eden of paradise. Beyond the postcard-worthy beaches, Seychelles is home to the Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric forest where the elusive coco de mer palm produces the world's heaviest nut. Snorkelers and divers will be enthralled by the underwater wonders of Aldabra Atoll, home to diverse marine life, including turtles and manta rays.
Comoros Islands
The Comoros Islands are a true treasure trove of cultural authenticity and natural beauty. Wandering through the lively streets of Moroni, where local markets burst with vibrant textiles, spices, and fresh produce is a delight. The islands' rich history is interwoven with traditions that have stood the test of time, from grand weddings to local celebrations.
Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
The Lamu Archipelago, off the coast of Kenya, is a living testament to Swahili culture and history. The Stone Town of Lamu is a UNESCO-listed region, where narrow streets, intricately carved doors, and historic mosques transport you to another era. What truly sets Lamu apart is its absence of cars; donkeys are the primary mode of transport, preserving the island's tranquil ambiance.
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The islands of Africa share many cultural traits due to similar settlement and population histories. Most of the creole languages of Africa developed on the islands of Africa, and the development of the Swahili language and Malagasy language, both of which incorporate various Arabic, Persian, Bantu and Southeast Asian elements, took place mostly on the Indian Ocean islands.
The Unique Wildlife of Madagascar
When the Indian Ocean opened up, Madagascar was a part of India not Africa; then it peeled away as a separate tectonic plate. This separation was complete by about 90 million years ago, so Madagascar and the other East African islands have been out of contact with any mainland for all that time, and out of contact with Africa for twice as long. Their evolution has therefore been utterly different from that of in-shore islands such as Zanzibar.
The islands were far beyond the reach of continental land animals, and there were important gaps. No monkeys for example, leaving an opportunity for other primates, and giving rise to 100 species of lemurs. 90% of the wildlife of Madagascar is found nowhere else on the planet; the other islands are less diverse but all have their own distinctions.
At some point the Madagascar plate locked onto East Africa and thereafter moved in sync: geologists aren't sure if it's thereby ceased to behave as an independent continent or is just biding its time.
A History of Settlement and Colonization
But then about 2000 years ago a new primate species arrived and began to change everything: humans had learned how to sail long distances at sea. And what remarkable distances they sailed, even with island-hopping and coast-hugging: the islands were settled not from India, Africa or Arabia, but all the way from Austronesia, the region between Sumatra and Taiwan 7000 km away.
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Other arrivals in the East African islands were Bantu from the African mainland, and the Gulf Arabs who from the 10th century established a great oceanic trading empire, dealing in spices, ivory, slaves, gold and textiles, and bringing Islam. European incursion was led by the Portuguese from the 15th century, once Vasco da Gama pioneered the Cape Route from Europe to India.
Thereafter imperialism and colonialism were in decline, as much because they were no longer profitable as through political agitation. Madagascar became independent in 1960 and Comoros in 1975, Mauritius from Britain in 1968 and Seychelles from Britain in 1976.
Practical Information for Travelers
No prior visa is required for tourist visits up to 30 days, but see individual islands' "Get in". Madagascar and Comoros issue visas on arrival. The islands all have direct flights from Europe (chiefly Paris), the Gulf states and the East African mainland, with a few from South Africa.
The East African Islands are generally much safer than most of mainland Africa, where violent crime is sadly common. You don't need any specific immunisations, but it's wise to be up to date on those recommended for your home country. You must have adequate health insurance.
Seafood is the staple; beef or lamb may have flown a long way to land on your plate.
