Madagascar
There's more to do in Madagascar than lazing on a sandy beach and dipping into crystalline waters to peek at coral reefs now and again. Madagascar's forests are home to lemurs, chameleons, periwinkles and baobabs, aloes, geckoes, sifakas and octopus trees. Cut off from the African mainland for millions of years, Madagascar's teeming forests have been preserved so that you will find flora and fauna that exist nowhere else in the world.
(see itineraries)

Seychelles
Seychelles archipelago off the coast of Mozambique and just north of Madagascar encompasses some of the richest flora and fauna to be found in the Indian Ocean. With many of the islands visited by fewer than 500 people a year, you can see why it is called the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean". Be one of the few to experience the idyllic white sand beaches, cinnamon and vanilla plantations, exquisite turquoise lagoons and endless island charm. While you're there you may snorkel to see the brilliant-colored coral or walk through virgin forests to spot birds, such as the Flycatcher, and species of plants, like the "coco de mer" (double coconut) that are not seen anywhere else in the world.
(see itinerary)

Benguerra, Mozambique This is the second largest island in the Bazaruto archipelago and is known for its high dunes, inland lakes and beautiful beaches. Legend has it that the Portuguese disposed of prisoners by dropping them off on these exposed islands leaving the tides and the sharks to seal their fate. Benguerra Lodge has been recently refurbished in beautiful “Robinson Crusoe chic’ style… The romantic chalets feature huge beds surrounded by mosquito netting and lovely beach views. Food is top notch and features specialties from the sea.

Benguerra has a total of 164 species of birds and the small patch of indigenous forest near the north point rings with their sounds and those of squirrels and monkeys. The island has rich cultural life with dhows regularly sailing past the northern point of the island dragging nets, or going to nearby reefs. If you wake up early and you might see them sharing their catch on the beaches. Two Mile Reef offers the best reef diving in Mozambique with beautiful staghorn corals and tropical fishes from tiny clownfish to moray eels and black-tipped reef sharks. Dugons also frequent the area. Its large protected pool called the Aquarium is a must for snorkelers. Fishing by lure and by fly is also very popular and the lodges host annual big-game fishing competitions. In Mozambique, fishing is carefully monitored and all catches are tagged and then released.

Mozambique has been likened to the Caribbean of 30 years ago – undeveloped, simple and friendly with fabulous coral. But at the same time it is uniquely African, with a heady mix of Arabic and Portugese influences. It's a colorful, relaxing and romantic destination. It is also a very safe and stable destination and very easily reached (a one hour flight from Johannesburg) after safari in South Africa or Botswana!

Zanzibar, Tanzania
For over two centuries now Zanzibar has evoked the magic of 'A thousand and one nights' to the world. Merchants, geographers, scholars and rulers risked the rough seas to embrace the charm of these enchanting islands. They came, they saw and they also conquered. For very few who set foot on these evergreen islands, with their limitless expanse of blue-green ocean, never wanted to leave. The result is a cosmopolitan culture which has added color to the already hypnotic atmosphere.

If one were to be asked to name a single characteristic which makes these exotic spice islands so unique, one would be simply lost for words. Zanzibar defies description. It is not just the mesmerizing beauty of the place; it is not only the proverbial hospitality of the ever smiling, ever joyous and witty people; it is not even the variety of the cuisine and the abounding fruits which are literally scattered over the streets. It is everything; something which is easy to feel, but difficult to express.

You have to visit Zanzibar to know what makes people love most about these East African islands, places which have acquired an international reputation out of proportion to their size.

Pemba Island, Tanzania
Pemba Island is the sister island to Zanzibar and lies across the Pemba Channel to the north.

Lamu, Kenya
This is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at it's own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of it's medieval stone town ...

Mauritius
An island just east of Reunion, surrounded by white sand beaches, Mauritius is known for its giant water lilies, soil in seven colors, crystal-clear lagoons and wide-spread volcano landscapes and spice markets.

There are no set departure dates for this trip. Please contact EXPLORE Africa as to the time you would like to travel and we can book this itinerary or another customized itinerary for you.

Find A Trip | About Explore Africa | The Explore Africa Experience
Contact Explore Africa | Return to Explore Africa Home Page

Explore Africa Site Map