In a world where travel destinations are often synonymous with crowded beaches and bustling resorts, a realm of untouched beauty is waiting to be explored. Nestled in the azure waters of the African continent lie hidden gems, pristine and unspoiled, known only to a select few adventurous travelers.
These are the African paradise islands that most tourists have yet to discover – where tranquility meets tropical allure, and where the rhythm of life beats to the melody of nature’s symphony. Join us on a journey to unveil the secrets of these captivating islands, where every sunset paints a masterpiece and every wave whispers tales of serenity. Welcome to a world where paradise finds its truest form – welcome to the enchanting African paradise islands.
Beautiful African islands
Bazaruto (Mozambique)
Ilha do Bazaruto, the largest island in the five-island tropical archipelago of the same name off the coast of Mozambique’s Indian Ocean, is well-known for its soaring sand dunes, untamed beaches, and posh resorts. One of the most beautiful beaches in East Africa is located at Shellfish Bay on the windward side of the island. It is a crescent of white sand surrounded by 100-meter dunes.
The island serves as the centerpiece of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park and is home to a diverse range of native wildlife, including rare marine species like guitarfish and rhino rays, five different species of sea turtles, and wading birds that frequent freshwater lagoons on the leeward side of the coastal dunes.
The best place to stay on the island is Bazaruto Island Resort, which offers guided 4×4 animal safaris, sandboarding on the dunes, snorkeling, and scuba diving among other outdoor activities. A 90-minute nonstop flight from Johannesburg to Vilanculos on Airlink and then a one-hour boat transfer.
Lamu (Kenya)
This island near the northeast coast of Kenya is home to the Swahili culture. Lamu Town’s shoreline, lined with triangular-sailed dhows, echoes with the sound of carpenters constructing brand-new wooden boats and the muezzin’s call from historic mosques.
The town’s primary attractions are an old fort and a small but interesting museum, but guests can also organize a half-hour boat journey to see the ruins of Takwa, a 15th-century settlement, on neighboring Manda Island. The island’s windward side has the greatest beaches, yet getting there requires a 30- to 40-minute walk through Shela hamlet.
Stay at Lamu House, a chic little boutique hotel in town, or way out on the beach at Kizingo Eco Lodge.
Fogo (Cape Verde)
Known for its active volcano, twisted lava landscapes, and black sand beaches, this island off the coast of West Africa is unlike any other in the Cabo Verde group.
Since Portuguese explorers arrived on the island in the fifteenth century, Pico do Fogo, which rises more than 9,000 feet (2,800 meters) above the coast, has blown its top thirty times. It is advised to hire a local guide for the 7.8-kilometer (4.5-mile) hike to the summit.
One of Cape Verde’s oldest and best-preserved Portuguese colonial villages, São Filipe, has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage designation. Its cobblestone walkways and brilliantly painted sobrado residences are what make it stand out. With views of the sea and a swimming pool, one of the mansions serves as a nostalgic location for the Hotel Savana. Or crash in the volcanic caldera at Casa Marisa.
Réunion (French Overseas Territory)
Located in the southern Indian Ocean, Réunion has been a French territory since 1638. It is situated near Mauritius and around 420 miles (680 km) east of Madagascar. The island feels less like Africa and more like the French Caribbean with its sugarcane fields, coconut palms, and Creole dialect.
More than 20 miles (30 km) of beaches round the island; they range from well-known urban beaches like Plage de L’Hermitage, which has white sand, to the more remote Plage de l’Etang Sale, which has black sand.
Numerous hiking trails lead across the rough volcanic hills, and coastal villages like Saint-Denis provide great French food, lively Creole music, and chic hotels like the Blue Margouillat.
Four airlines provide nonstop service (11–12 hours) from Paris Orly to Réunion, so that’s how you get there. Additionally, there are flights from Antananarivo, Mauritius, and Johannesburg.
Nosy Be (Madagascar)
In the Malagasy language, “Nosy Be” translates to “Big Island.” Ironically, despite its name, Nosy Be is dwarfed by its larger neighbor, Madagascar. However, this paradise destination stands tall in the realm of natural beauty.
Located on the southern side of the island, Lokobe Natural Reserve harbors an ancient rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife, from the vibrant turquoise panther chameleon and the elusive Madagascar owl to various lemur species, including the endangered black lemurs and tiny mouse lemurs. The best way to experience this lush sanctuary is by gliding through its waterways in a pirogue canoe accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.
The warm tropical waters surrounding the island offer access to Nosy Tanikely Marine Park and an array of 20 dive sites, presenting opportunities to encounter magnificent marine life, including the majestic whale sharks that migrate through the area during October and November.
The majority of accommodations on Nosy Be are nestled along the pristine white-sand beaches of the west coast. Among them are the family-friendly Andilana Beach Resort and the charmingly rustic Le Grand Bleu, promising unforgettable stays against the backdrop of this idyllic island retreat.
Elephantine (Egypt)
Emerging gracefully from the waters of the River Nile in Aswan, this elongated island is affectionately known for its resemblance to an elephant’s tusk. Despite the modern amenities that have sprung up in recent years, Elephantine maintains its rural Egyptian charm, retaining much of its traditional ambiance.
The island’s rich history is evident in its ancient ruins, including temples dating back to approximately 3,200 B.C.E., and a time-honored stone nilometer used for measuring the Nile’s water levels. Housed within a classic Nubian-style dwelling, the Animalia Museum provides fascinating insights into both the human and natural history of Elephantine.
However, what truly sets Elephantine apart is the serene experience of relaxing in a waterfront café, perched on the balcony of a guest house, or within the comforts of a room at the Mövenpick Aswan Resort, all while witnessing the graceful movement of wooden feluccas gliding along the Nile and taking in the exotic skyline of Aswan on the opposite bank.
Bissagos Islands (Guinea-Bissau)
Hidden away from the mainstream travel radar, the Bissagos (Bijagós) Archipelago remains a gem yet to be fully discovered by the masses, despite receiving acclaim from publications like Vogue and being included in the itineraries of select small cruise companies along the West African coast.
This collection of 88 islands boasts untouched mangroves, sprawling mudflats, lush savannah grasslands, dense tropical forests, and a surprisingly diverse array of wildlife, including the rare sight of ocean-faring hippos. Recognized for its ecological significance, the archipelago was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1995, making it a must-visit destination for avid birdwatchers.
Accommodation options are limited, mainly centered around Ilha de Bubaque. Modest lodgings such as Cajou Lodge and EcoLodge Ponta Anchaca offer shelter to travelers venturing to this remote corner of Africa, providing a base for exploration amidst the archipelago’s pristine natural beauty.
Pemba (Tanzania)
It doesn’t exude the exoticism of nearby Zanzibar, but the large Tanzanian isle outshines its neighbor when it comes to pristine, palm-shaded beaches and out-of-this-world diving.
Pemba’s 30 plus dive sites are celebrated for its healthy coral gardens with an abundance of macro creatures, sheer underwater walls that plunge into the black, and offshore waters with large pelagic fish and migrating humpback whales in July and August. Afro Divers and Dive 360 Pemba at Manta Resort — both of them at Pemba’s north end — are PADI certified.