When you think about islands, you may not first think of Africa. However, Africa also has some amazing islands lying off its coasts. All of the islands of Africa, except for Madagascar, are classified as small islands under the UNESCO classification system for all islands under 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi). These African islands have a fascinating history, unique wildlife and beaches that easily rival those of the Caribbean or Southeast Asia has to offer, including idyllic resorts and tropical climates. Here are 10
best islands in Africa:
10. São Tomé
São Tomé Island, at 854 km2 (330 sq mi), is the largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe, a Portuguese-speaking island nation straddling the Equator, off the western coast of Central Africa. São Tomé, is popular for snorkeling in Lagoa Azul lagoon. Ôbo Natural Park, a biodiverse jungle preserve, covers much of São Tomé and is distinguished by Pico Cão Grande, a skyscraperlike volcanic rock.
9. Sal
Sal is the most popular island of Cape Verde. It belongs to the northern group of islands, called Barlavento ("windwards"), located in the central Atlantic Ocean. It has become popular due to its nice sandy beaches. The main town for tourists visiting Sal is Santa Maria which is at the southern end of the island, where there are many restaurants, bars and hotels and a relaxed atmosphere.
8. Mohéli
Mohéli (also known as Mwali) is one of the three islands which make up the nation of Comoros. It’s wild, undeveloped and sparsely populated with few modern amenities. The Moheli Marine Park is a sanctuary of regional biodiversity, beaches and natural beauty can be found at the Moheli Marine Park, the first national park in the Comoros. Sea turtles, dolphins and whales are all protected in the park.
7. Nosy Be
Nosy Be is an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. With beautiful beaches, clear turquoise water and coral reef in a protected national zone, natural lemur reserve, fishing and excellent seafood restaurants serving seafood diner on the sand. Nosy Be is the most developed tourism destination in Madagascar. This is the only place in Madagascar where all-inclusive large resorts can be found.
6. Lamu Island
Lamu Island is a part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya. The main town on the island is Lamu Old Town. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Made of coral stone and mangrove timber, the town features inner courtyards, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors. Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century, and has become a significant center for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures. The island is linked by boat to Mokowe on the mainland and to Manda Island, where there is an airport. There are no roads on the island, just alleyways and footpaths, and therefore, there are few vehicles on the island.
5. Djerba
Djerba is the largest island of North Africa, located in the Gulf of Gabes, off the coast of Tunisia. It is a popular vacation destination with Mediterranean beaches and whitewashed desert towns influenced by Berber, Arab, Jewish and African cultures. The medina in Houmt Souk is particularly pleasant and a cheap place to stay for relatively hassle-free shopping and eating. Resort hotels line the eastern coast in the Zone Touristique.
4. Réunion
Réunion is an island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and 175 kilometres (109 mi) southwest of Mauritius, Réunion is one of the overseas departments of France. The island was previously known as île Bourbon. This enchanting destination is blessed with a tropical climate and beautiful volcanic landscapes, with its appeal being as much due to its white sandy beaches as its mountain scenery. Piton des Neiges, a massive extinct volcano, and Réunion’s 3 cirques (calderas), natural amphitheaters formed by collapsed volcanoes, are also climbing destinations.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius is a small, multi-cultural island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, southeast of the Seychelles and NorthEast of Reunion. Known for its a beautiful beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior encompasses Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and native fauna like the flying fox. The island is widely known as the only known home of the dodo, which, along with several other avian species, was made extinct by human activities relatively shortly after the island's settlement.
2. Praslin
Praslin is the second largest island (38.5 km2) of the Seychelles, lying 44 km (27 mi) northeast of Mahé, with a population of around 7,533 people. Praslin is known as a popular tourist destination with several hotels and resorts, as well as a number of beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette are among the most beautiful in the world. It has substantial tracts of tropical forests with birds such as the endemic Seychelles bulbul and the Seychelles black parrot. A large area in the south of the island has been designated as Praslin National Park and surrounding areas Important Bird Area.
1. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consisting of Zanzibar Island (locally, Unguja), Pemba Island and many smaller islands. Zanzibar island itself is approximately 90km long and 40km wide. Its historic centre is Stone Town with Swahili and Islamic influences. Its winding lanes present minarets, carved doorways and 19th-century landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace. In addition, another big attraction are the beautiful white sandy beaches lapped by the turquoise sea.
Reviewed by Bynn Du
on
10/02/2016
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