Dreaming of an African island escape? You may be surprised to know that paradise lies just around the corner. There are a number of exquisite destinations that lie just a few hours off the coast of Africa. For South Africans longing for a quintessential beach holiday, this is great news.
Whether you are planning your island honeymoon, thinking about a much-needed break with friends, or organising an annual family holiday, we have put together a list of African island hotspots that are perfect for your getaway.
Top Choices for an African Island Escape
Whatever your budget, whenever you plan to travel, paradise is at your doorstep. The top picks for any African island holiday include the following:
Mauritius
Mauritius is just 3,637km away from South Africa. From Johannesburg, a flight would take a little over five hours to get to paradise. Famous for its well-rounded blend of beaches, natural attractions, gardens, friendly people, rich culture, delicious food, bustling capital city and wide range of things to do for all ages, this island is a great choice for just about any type of holiday you may be planning. It is also affordable for most South Africans, with a healthy exchange rate that favours the South African Rand.
Seychelles
It takes just under six hours to fly to Seychelles. This island is situated about 4, 296km from South Africa. Known for its sense of remote, untouched beauty, the Seychelles is ideal for honeymoons. Here, you can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking to scuba diving, snorkelling, boat cruises and relaxation. There are many amazing Seychelles resorts that cater to leisure and romance travellers.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is much closer to South Africa. Flying from Johannesburg would take roughly three and a half hours, with this island being just over 2000km from South Africa. Zanzibar lies off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. This is where you will find picture-perfect beaches, spectacular scenery, dhow (dug out canoe) cruises, dreamy resorts and plenty to see and do, from spice markets to relaxing on the beach.
Now that you have a better idea of which islands are in easy reach of South Africa, you can start planning your dream holiday. To make your decision, it is always best to consider the time of year you wish to travel, which island has the activities suited to your preferences, and which resorts make you want to jet off to the Indian Ocean the most. Once you consider those factors, you can choose your dream African island and start planning a trip to remember.
