Islands of the Indian Ocean

BOTSWANA: Paradise Island

Paradise Island, Botswana is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta. No where is the delta more beautiful than in this area where its crystal clear, papyrus lined channels meander through ancient wooded islands which are home to a diversity of African wildlife. Nothing is as rewarding as a serene mokoro (dug out canoe ride) through the quiet waterways of the delta or a walking safari which brings you close up to the animals in a quiet and natural environment.

GABON: Evengue Island

Evengue Island, Gabon is wonderfully tranquil and a safe-haven for birds, mammals such as the water chevrotain (small, water-loving "mouse deer") and reptiles like the dwarf crocodile.  Evengue is actually a gorilla sanctuary managed by Apenheul, a Netherlands zoo specializing in primates. A family group of 8 gorillas made up largely of orphaned individuals is housed on the island where visitors can get a good look at the gorillas while closely observing their behavior.

MADAGASCAR: Ile St Marie

Ile St. Marie, Madagascar is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Its dense vegetation and the difficulty of navigating the lagoons which surround it made it an ideal base for pirates and, later, a colony for convicts.

MADAGASCAR: Iranja Island and Tsarabanjina Island

Iranja Island, Madagascar is idyllic, with stunning beaches surrounding a lush tropical island covered with coconut palms, Filao trees and tropical flowers. The bird life is diverse and remarkable and the island is also home to huge coconut crabs. The northern island, Nosy Iranja Be, is home to a delightful lighthouse designed by Gustav Eiffel and a small, traditional African fishing village.

MALI: Djenne

Djenne, Mali is an exotic and enchanting island oasis in the middle of the Niger inland delta. It is the oldest known city in Sub-Saharan Africa, founded as a center for traders between the deserts of Sudan and the tropical forests of Guinea. Gold, slaves, and kola nuts were traded here for Saharan salt, making Djenne one of Africa's richest and most cosmopolitan cities at one time. The town of 10,000 people is sustained by its agricultural industry, but still retains the mystical feeling of its past.

MAURITIUS

Mauritius will enchant you, it will uplift your soul and make you feel that you belong to the chosen few - but only if you have a big travel budget!  It is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean, easily accessed after a safari to southern Africa. Boasting a tropical paradise and the most elegant accommodation found anywhere in the tropics, you live the life of luxury in Mauritius.

MOZAMBIQUE: Benguerra Island

Mozambique's Benguerra Island is the largest island in the famed Bazaruto Archipelago, which was once part of the African Continent. Throughout the centuries, the low lying coastal areas were gradually swallowed up by the rising ocean until only the islands of the archipelago remained. Over the millenia Benguerra has become an island paradise. It is the perfect place for a post safari beach getaway, a romantic honeymoon, or the ultimate dive vacation.

NAMIBIA: Impalila Island

Impalila Island, Namibia is a unique and beautiful island located at the convergence of two mighty African rivers, the Zambezi and the Chobe. It is also the only place in the world where four countries are joined at one point. Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana converge here in a mosaic of waterways, bushveld and floodplains.

SEYCHELLES: Praslin

Praslin, Seychelles is home to sheltered valleys, ancient palm forests, glorious beaches of soft white sand that frame crystal clear water in shades from dark blue to emerald green. It is a sight which never fails to lift the soul and calm the mind. Praslin is also home to some of the world's rarest birds, such as the fruit pigeon, black parrot, and Seychelles bulbul. The coastline is scattered with large, volcanic rocks and is surrounded by vibrant, coral reefs offering phenomenal snorkeling and diving. One of the world's most beautiful beaches, Anse Lazio, is a popular sunbathing spot on the west coast of the island.

TANZANIA: Mafia Island

Mafia Island, Tanzania is a little known island paradise just to the south of Zanzibar. It is a beautiful Indian Ocean tropical resort that is famous for deep sea fishing and absolutely fantastic for scuba diving. Aquatic life is abundant and the coral gardens are pristine due to the protection of the Mafia Island Marine Park. The reefs around Mafia are home to over 400 species of fish and marine animals. The warm, colorful waters of the park provide an ideal location for many sea activities.

UGANDA: Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island, Uganda is a fascinating and easy daytrip from Entebbe. Located on the equator in Lake Victoria, the island houses a chimpanzee sanctuary where orphaned chimpanzees find a safe and natural home. The Ngamba Island Sanctuary also plays a vital role in educating communities and schools about the need to protect chimpanzees and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat. Ngamba Island provides an excellent forest habitat for other wildlife species including fruit bats, spiders, fish eagles, hippos (the only three in the area), otters, a crocodile and monitor lizards.

ZAMBIA: Siankaba Island and Sindabizi Island

Siankaba Island, Zambia is a classic, small, isolated island in the middle of the mighty Zambezi River near the Siansimba Rapids. It is located 24 miles upstream from the internationally renowned 'Victoria Falls' and just 30 miles from the magnificent Chobe National Park. The real charm of the place is in its solitude and location with large overhanging trees sheltering the island.

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar ...the beautiful exotic island just off the coast of Tanzania. Even the name speaks romance and adventure. Once the center of the slave trade, it is an island with many cultural influences. With ancient Islamic ruins, noble Arabic houses and traditional African markets, Zanzibar has much to offer. The pristine, white sand beaches and magnificent coral reefs offer divers and snorkelers an experience of a lifetime, while life on the island is never dull but always relaxed.