Discover island gems near Africa known for pristine beaches, rich cultures, and unforgettable adventures—plus how to get there, when to go, and what to do on each!

Africa’s Hidden Gems: 10 Stunning Islands You Need to See

Africa is a continent full of surprises.When most people picture Africa, they think of vast savannas, dense jungles, and sweeping deserts. But beyond the mainland lies a world of breathtaking islands.

Some of its most breathtaking treasures are floating just off its coasts. each with its own unique charm. From crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, cultural melting pots, and lush volcanic landscapes make these destinations unforgettable.The islands of Africa offer a perfect escape for every type of traveler. 

Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving tranquility, or curious about unique cultures, these islands deliver unforgettable experiences. Here are 10 beautiful African islands that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

1. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Location: Off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa

Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season); avoid March–May due to heavy rains.

Getting There: Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) from Dar es Salaam or Nairobi. Ferries from Dar are also available.

After the dust and thrill of a Tanzanian safari, there’s no better reward than Zanzibar. Just a short hop off the mainland, this island isn’t just about palm-fringed beaches (though yes, the turquoise waters and powdery sand are dreamy). It’s a cultural cocktail—where Arabian spice markets, Portuguese forts, and Swahili rhythms collide.

Why Travelers Love It:

• Stone Town’s Time-Warp Charm: A UNESCO-listed maze of alleys lined with carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, and hidden courtyards. Pro tip: Get lost here at sunset—the golden light on the coral-stone buildings is magic.
• Beach Bliss, Your Way: From the lively shores of Nungwi (perfect for sundowner cocktails) to the private-feeling coves of Paje (kite-surfing heaven), there’s a stretch of sand for every mood.
• Spice & Soul: Zanzibar’s nickname is “The Spice Island” for a reason. Tour a clove or cinnamon plantation, then taste the flavors in dishes like urojo (Zanzibari soup) or seafood grilled with coconut and chili.

Top Things to Do:

• Wander the historic streets of Stone Town
• Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll
• Take a guided spice plantation tour
• Enjoy a sunset dhow cruise
• Spot dolphins at Kizimkazi

2. Mauritius

Mauritius: The Ultimate Island Adventure (Beyond the Beaches)

Location: In the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Best Time to Visit: May to December (cool, dry season); January to March can bring cyclones.

Getting There: Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). Direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa are available.

Forget everything you think you know about Mauritius—yes, it has postcard-perfect beaches with sugar-white sand and turquoise waters, but this island is a full sensory experience. It’s where emerald rainforests spill into jagged volcanic peaks, where waterfalls glow silver under the sunlight, and where the food—a fiery, fragrant blend of Creole, Indian, French, and Chinese flavors—will have you eating your way through the trip.

Why Mauritius Stands Out:

 Nature That Packs a Punch

• Hike the dramatic peaks of Le Morne Brabant (a UNESCO site with heart-stopping views).
• Chase waterfalls like Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earths—where volcanic minerals create a surreal rainbow landscape.
• Snorkel or dive the crystal-clear lagoon of Blue Bay Marine Park, home to neon corals and sea turtles.

 A Food Lover’s Paradise

• Feast on dholl puri (stuffed flatbreads), seafood vindaye (spicy curry), and fresh tropical fruit at Port Louis’ bustling markets.
• Sip rum straight from the source at Rhumerie de Chamarel, where local sugarcane becomes liquid gold.

 Adventure Meets Luxury

• Kitesurf the windswept waves of Le Morne.
• Unwind at a five-star beach resort—or go wild with a helicopter tour over the underwater waterfall illusion (yes, it’s real!).

Top Things to Do:

• Hike Le Morne Brabant
• See the Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel
• Visit Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
• Take a catamaran to Île aux Cerfs
• Dive or snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park
• Explore Port Louis and the Central Market

Pro Tip:

Mauritius is one of the best places in the world for big-game fishing—think marlin, tuna, and sailfish. Book a charter off the Black River coast for an epic deep-sea battle.

This island doesn’t just wow you—it keeps surprising you. Ready to explore beyond the beach?

3. Lamu Island, Kenya

Location: Northern coast of Kenya, Indian Ocean

Best Time to Visit: December to March

Getting There: Fly to Manda Airport via Nairobi or Malindi, then a short boat ride

Lamu, Kenya: A Timeless Swahili Escape (Where Cars Don’t Exist)

Step into a world frozen in time—Lamu, Kenya’s hidden island gem, feels like a living museum of Swahili culture. One of East Africa’s oldest continuously inhabited towns, Lamu moves at the rhythm of donkey hooves and dhow sails (yes, there are no cars here). Wandering its narrow, coral-stone alleys, you’ll pass centuries-old mosques, grand merchant houses with intricately carved doors, and the scent of saltwater and spices hanging in the air.

Why Lamu is Unforgettable:

 A Traffic-Free Paradise

• The only “traffic jams” involve donkeys and fishing boats.
• Explore by foot, sailboat, or traditional dhow—the island’s pace forces you to slow down.

 A Living Swahili Legacy

• Lamu Old Town (a UNESCO site) is a maze of 14th-century architecture—think coral stone walls, hidden courtyards, and rooftop terraces with ocean views.
• Don’t miss the Lamu Museum or the German Post Office, relics of the island’s trading empire past.

 Deserted Beaches & Island Hopping

• Shela Beach—powdery sand with turquoise waves, perfect for sunset walks.
• Sail to Manda Island for untouched shores or Pate Island for even deeper history.

 Spice, Seafood & Swahili Feasts

• Try biriyani (slow-cooked spiced rice) or mahamri (coconut doughnuts) at a local café.
• Sip fresh tamarind juice while watching dhows glide into the harbor.

Top Things to Do:

• Wander through Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO site
• Sail a traditional dhow boat at sunset
• Visit the Lamu Fort and local museums
• Relax on Shela Beach
• Join in the Lamu Cultural Festival (annually)
• Explore nearby islands like Manda and Pate

Pro Traveler Tip:

Visit during the Lamu Cultural Festival (November) for traditional dances, dhow races, and Swahili poetry under the stars. Or, for total serenity, come in the quiet months (March-May) when the island feels like it’s yours alone.

Lamu isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. One that lingers long after you leave.

4. Seychelles : Best-Kept Secret: Praslin Island (Where Paradise Gets an Upgrade)

Location: Northeast of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean

Best Time to Visit: April–May and October–November

Getting There: Fly to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)

Why Visit: Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands, known for its surreal beaches with giant granite boulders, coral reefs, and nature reserves. It’s a dream destination for couples, divers, and nature lovers.

Know more about Seychelles Top Things to Do :

• Relax on Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world
  Island-hop between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue
• Snorkel at St. Pierre Islet or Coco Island
• Hike through Morne Seychellois National Park
• Visit Vallée de Mai, home of the rare Coco de Mer palm

Praslin Island (Where Paradise Gets an Upgrade)

Picking a favorite Seychelles island is like choosing a star in the sky—but Praslin makes a strong case for the top spot. This is where nature dials everything to maximum beauty: think powder-soft beaches straight from a screensaver, jungles straight from Jurassic Park, and luxury that ranges from “honeymoon splurge” to “surprisingly doable.”

Why Praslin Steals the Show:

🌴 The Vallée de Mai – A UNESCO Jungle Wonderland

• Walk among ancient coco de mer palms (home of the world’s heaviest nut—yes, it’s cheekily shaped).
• Spot rare black parrots flitting through the canopy—this forest feels prehistoric.

🏝️ Beaches That Break the Scale

• Anse Lazio: The GOAT of beaches—turquoise water, boulder-framed shores, and snorkeling so vibrant you’ll forget your Instagram password.
• Anse Georgette: A quieter stunner (accessible via resort or hiking trail).

💲 Luxury for Every Budget

• Splash out at a 5-star resort with private beach access.
• Find charming guesthouses steps from the sand for a fraction of the price.

🤿 Beyond the Beach:

• Island-hop to Curieuse Island (giant tortoises!) or La Digue (bike-friendly paradise).
• Snorkel at St. Pierre Islet—a tiny rock island bursting with marine life.

Pro Tip:

Visit Vallée de Mai early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds—and the heat. The golden light filtering through the palms? Magic.

Praslin isn’t just Seychelles’ poster child—it’s the island that exceeds the hype. Ready to trade “dreaming” for “going”?

5. São Tomé and Príncipe

Location: Gulf of Guinea, West Africa

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Getting There: Flights via Lisbon to São Tomé International Airport (TMS)

Príncipe: Africa’s Secret Eden (Before the World Discovers It)

Tucked in the Gulf of Guinea, Príncipe isn’t just an island—it’s a time capsule. With only 7,000 people and more jungle than roads, this tiny volcanic gem feels like the planet forgot to modernize. But word’s getting out: luxury eco-resorts are planting roots here, drawing travelers who crave pristine beaches, chocolate-scented rainforests, and the kind of solitude you thought only existed in movies.

Why Príncipe is the Ultimate “Now or Never” Escape:

🌿 A Jurassic Park Without the Crowds

• Hike through Obo National Park, where waterfalls plunge into emerald pools and endemic birds flit through 200-million-year-old trees.
• Praia Banana: A crescent of golden sand so perfect, you’ll swear it’s CGI (but the only footprints will be yours).

🏡 Luxury That Loves the Planet

• Sundays at Bom Bom Resort: Fall asleep to waves in a thatched beach villa, then kayak to a private islet for breakfast.
• Cacao plantations-turned-boutique lodges (yes, you can eat chocolate straight from the tree).

🐢 Wildlife Without the Zoo Vibes

• Snorkel with sea turtles at Tinhosas Islands, a seabird-packed rock formation.
• Spot Príncipe’s dwarf olive ibis—a bird found nowhere else on Earth.

The Local Vibe:

• Sip palm wine with fishermen at sunset.
• Try calulu (smoky fish stew with local greens) at a family-run quinta.

Top Things to Do:

• Hike to Pico Cão Grande
  
• Explore Obo National Park’s rainforests
• Tour cocoa plantations and taste local chocolate
• Visit the colonial architecture in São Tomé city
• Swim at Praia Jalé, where turtles nest
• Discover Roça Sundy plantation village on Príncipe

Pro Tip:

Fly via São Tomé (the bigger sister island)—its colonial capital and roça plantations are worth a stop. But save most of your time for Príncipe. This is the Africa you’ll brag about discovering first.

6. Nosy Be, Madagascar

Location: Northwest of Madagascar

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Getting There: Flights to Fascene Airport (NOS) from Antananarivo

Nosy Be: Madagascar’s Wild Paradise (Where Lemurs Meet Beach Bliss)

After trekking through Madagascar’s jungles in search of lemurs and chameleons, Nosy Be is your reward—a volcanic island where the jungle spills onto white-sand beaches, and the ocean glows like liquid sapphire. Just a short hop from the mainland, this is where adventure meets barefoot luxury, with a side of vanilla-scented breezes.

Why Nosy Be Belongs on Your Madagascar Itinerary:

🏝️ Beaches with a Side of Wild

• Andilana Beach: Powder-soft sand and turquoise waves, perfect for sunset cocktails.
• Nosy Tanikely: A tiny marine reserve where you’ll snorkel with turtles and reef sharks (don’t worry—they’re friendly).

🌋 Volcanic Wonders & Vanilla Dreams

• Hike to Mount Passot for 360° views of crater lakes—then cool off in a hidden waterfall.
• Tour a vanilla plantation (Madagascar produces 80% of the world’s vanilla!) and breathe in the sweet, spicy aroma.

🦎 Wildlife On and Off the Shore

• Spot lemurs in Lokobe Reserve (yes, they live here too—no need to leave island mode!).
• Nighttime magic: Watch for bioluminescent plankton glowing in the waves.

🍍 Local Flavors & Island Vibes

• Feast on fresh lobster at a beachside grillade (try Chez Nono in Hell-Ville).
• Sip rhum arrangé (local fruit-infused rum) as dhows sail past at sunset.

Top Things to Do:

• Dive/snorkel around Nosy Tanikely
• Visit Lokobe Reserve for lemurs and chameleons
• Explore Hell-Ville market
• Watch humpback whales (seasonal)
• Take a boat to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Komba
• Relax on Andilana Beach

Pro Tip:

Visit September–November for whale-watching (humpbacks migrate past the island) or April–June for dry, sunny days without the crowds.

Nosy Be isn’t just a beach stop—it’s the perfect finale to your Madagascar adventure. Ready to swap trekking boots for flip-flops?

7. Mohéli, Comoros

Location: Between Mozambique and Madagascar

Best Time to Visit: May to November

Getting There: Fly to Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH)

Mohéli, Comoros: The Secret Island Where Turtles Outnumber Tourists

Forget everything you know about crowded island getaways—Mohéli is the Indian Ocean’s best-kept secret. The smallest of the Comoros Islands, this untouched paradise trades mega-resorts for empty beaches, where sea turtles nest under the stars and dolphins are your only neighbors. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a tropical island all to yourself, start packing now.

Why Mohéli is the Ultimate Escape:

🐢 Snorkel in a Real-Life Aquarium

• Mohéli Marine Park: Swim with green sea turtles in crystal-clear lagoons, drift over technicolor coral gardens, and spot reef sharks (the harmless kind).
• Whale & Dolphin Show: From July–October, humpback whales breach just offshore—no boat tour required.

🏝️ Beaches Without a Footprint

• Nioumachoua Beach: A crescent of white sand where the only “crowd” might be a curious hermit crab.
• Private Island Vibes: With barely any tourism infrastructure, you’ll feel like a castaway (in the best way).

🌿 Jungle Meets Ocean

• Hike through lush rainforests to hidden waterfalls, keeping an eye out for Comoros’ endemic fruit bats.
• Stay in eco-bungalows where the soundtrack is waves and rustling palms—no Wi-Fi, no problem.

Local Secrets:

• Feast on langouste à la vanille (vanilla-infused lobster) at a beachside shack.
• Sail with fishermen on a traditional dhow at sunrise—their nets might just catch your breakfast.

Go Now Because:

• It’s cheap (think $10 lobster dinners).
• It’s authentic—no souvenir shops, just smiling locals and salt-kissed air.
• It won’t stay this quiet forever.

Mohéli isn’t just off the grid—it’s a reminder of what travel used to feel like. Ready to disappear into paradise?

Top Things to Do:

• Hike Mount Karthala, an active volcano
• Explore Moroni’s medina and Grand Mosque
• Snorkel or dive in crystal-clear coral reefs
• Visit the waterfalls of Nioumachoua
• See giant bats in the forest reserves
• Learn about ylang-ylang oil distillation

8. Djerba, Tunisia

Location: Mediterranean Sea, off the southeast coast of Tunisia

Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to November

Getting There: Fly to Djerba–Zarzis International Airport (DJE)

Djerba, Tunisia: Where North African Charm Meets Island Ease

Forget the typical beach break—Djerba is a sun-soaked slice of Tunisia where Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean cultures collide in the most delightful way. This island off North Africa’s coast serves up golden beaches alongside ancient synagogues, labyrinthine souks, and that perfect slow-paced island rhythm.

Why Djerba Stands Out:

🏝️ Beaches with Personality

• Sidi Mahres: Powder-soft sand meets calm, shallow waters (ideal for families)
• Seguiya Beach: Where locals go—think colorful fishing boats and fresh-caught seafood grills

🕌 A Cultural Tapestry

• El Ghriba Synagogue: Africa’s oldest Jewish house of worship (with a stunning blue-and-white interior)
• Houmt Souk: A maze of stalls selling spices, pottery, and palm-woven baskets—haggle like a pro!

🌴 Unexpected Island Adventures

• Ride a camel along the shore at sunset
• Explore Djerbahood, an open-air museum of vibrant street art in a traditional village
• Day trip to the surreal Ksour (ancient Berber granaries) on the mainland

🍋 A Feast for the Senses

• Bite into brik (crispy pastry with egg and tuna) at a beachside café
• Sip mint tea in a courtyard filled with the scent of orange blossoms

Top Things to Do:

• Roam the traditional souks of Houmt Souk
• Visit the ancient El Ghriba Synagogue
• Ride camels on the beach
• Discover Djerba Explore Park and crocodile farm
• Visit the Museum of Popular Arts & Traditions
• See the murals of the Djerbahood street art project

Pro Tips:

• Visit in spring/fall for perfect temps without the summer crowds
• Stay in a traditional menzah (whitewashed villa) for authentic charm
• Don’t miss the weekly markets in Ajim and Guellala for local crafts

Djerba proves North Africa has island magic too—one where you can beach by morning and bargain for ceramics by afternoon. Ready for a different kind of island escape?

9. Sal Island, Cape Verde

Location: North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal

Best Time to Visit: November to June

Getting There: Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)

Sal, Cape Verde: Where Golden Sands Meet Atlantic Adventures

Trade predictable beach breaks for Sal—Cape Verde’s sun-drenched island where African rhythms, Portuguese colonial charm, and endless ocean adventures collide. This wind-whipped paradise offers more than just postcard beaches (though yes, they’re spectacular). It’s where you can kite-surf world-class waves by morning and sip grogue cocktails to live morna music by night.

Why Sal Should Be Your Cape Verde Basecamp:

🏄♂️ An Ocean Playground

• Santa Monica Beach: 8km of untouched golden sand with waves perfect for surfing
• Kite Beach: Africa’s top kiteboarding spot (Nov-June = ideal winds)
• Pedra de Lume Salt Crater: Float in surreal pink-tinged salt lakes (like the Dead Sea, but warmer!)

🌊 Santa Maria Vibes

• The colorful harbor town serves up fresh tuna steaks at beachside esplanadas
• Don’t miss: Bodegon di Tortuga for authentic cachupa stew
• Nightlife tip: Bar Music Club for live Cape Verdean beats

🐢 Beyond the Beach

• Blue Eye Cave: Swim in this mystical natural pool with glowing blue waters
• Shark Spotting: Take a boat to Buracona to see harmless lemon sharks

Top Things to Do:

• Swim in the salt crater of Pedra de Lume
• Kite surf or windsurf in Santa Maria
• Spot humpback whales (Feb–May)
• Enjoy live Creole music and seafood in local bars
• Relax on Kite Beach or Ponta Preta
• Take a quad-bike tour through the desert dunes

Pro Travel Hacks:

✔ Best Time: October-April for sun (avoid rainy Aug-Sept)
✔ Island Hop: Quick flights to Boa Vista (dunes) or São Vicente (cultural hub)
✔ Local Transport: Rent a bike—the island’s flat and small

Sal proves Cape Verde isn’t just a beach destination—it’s where Atlantic energy meets island ease. Ready to ride the trade winds?

10. Réunion Island

Location: Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Getting There: Flights from Paris and Johannesburg to Roland Garros Airport (RUN)

Réunion: Where France Meets the Tropics in One Epic Island

Forget choosing between adventure and relaxation—Réunion delivers both, with a side of croissants. This French overseas department (yes, technically Europe in Africa) packs volcanic drama, emerald jungles, and Creole spice into one mind-blowing destination.

Why Réunion Defies All Island Stereotypes:

🌋 Walk on the Wild Side (Literally)

• Piton de la Fournaise: Hike one of Earth’s most accessible active volcanoes (check eruption alerts first!)
• Lava Tunnel Explorations: Crawl through cooled magma tubes with headlamps
• Zip-line over waterfalls in Takamaka’s misty canyon

🏞️ Landscapes That Shift Like a Movie

• Cirque de Mafate: A roadless volcanic amphitheater only reachable by foot or helicopter
• Langevin River: Turquoise pools and cascades perfect for a jungle swim

🍛 A Foodie Fusion You Won’t Find in Paris

• Carri poulet: Spicy Creole curry with French wine pairings
• Samoussas: Indian-inspired street snacks at Saint-Paul’s marché forfait
• Vanilla bourbon: Taste the island’s famous pods at a plantation

🏖️ Beaches with a Twist

• Boucan Canot: Volcanic black-sand shores with reef-protected swimming
• L’Hermitage: Classic white sand fringed by casuarina pines

Top Things to Do:

• Hike the trails of Piton de la Fournaise volcano
• Go canyoning or paragliding in Cilaos
• Explore lava tunnels and waterfalls
• Relax on the beaches at Saint-Gilles
• Visit the cirques of Salazie, Cilaos, and Mafate
• Taste Creole cuisine at local markets

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Trip:

• Rent a car—the island’s winding roads are half the adventure
• Hire a guide for volcano hikes (weather changes fast)
• Fly a drone over Cirque de Cilaos for epic cloud-piercing footage

Réunion doesn’t just borrow from France and Africa—it creates something entirely new. One question: Adrenaline or croissants first?

From the spice-scented alleys of Zanzibar to the volcanic peaks of Réunion, the islands off the coast of Africa offer more than just a beach getaway—they deliver a full cultural and natural immersion. Whether you’re in search of vibrant marine life, ancient traditions, or dramatic landscapes, each of these islands has its own story to tell and adventure to offer.

No matter which destination you choose, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views, warm hospitality, and unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, set your sights beyond the mainland, and discover the magic waiting just off Africa’s shores.