Top African Islands for an Unforgettable Beach Holiday

Africa may be famous for its golden savannahs and the legendary Big Five, but its shores hold a secret. Just beyond the mainland, the African islands shimmer with white-sand beaches, coral gardens alive with colour, and waters that shift from deep turquoise to endless blue. Here, cultures blend as effortlessly as the tides, and every meal, every sunset, feels like an invitation to linger a little longer.

So why not consider one of these islands for your next holiday? Or, better yet, add an island visit to the end of your next safari! Picture lying back on the sand, watching the swaying palms of the Zanzibar Archipelago or dipping into the tropical waters of Lamu Island, ready to be entranced by the underwater world. Here are some of Africa’s top island destinations to consider for your next beach holiday.

Zanzibar Archipelago: For Culture, Art, and Architecture

Located just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the Zanzibar Archipelago is one of Africa’s most well-known island destinations and has widely been praised as the ideal place for post-safari decompression. After your Tanzania safari, consider a bit of coastal relaxation here!

Unguja – Stone Town

In addition to crystal-clear waters, unique marine life, and sandy beaches, the Zanzibar Archipelago is also known for its cultural heritage that blends Swahili, Arab, and European influences. Unguja is the largest island in the archipelago and is home to the historic city of Stone Town.

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has historically been one of the busiest trading routes in the world and has brought together and homogenised elements of several different cultures over more than a millennium.

This is prominently reflected in its buildings, which are designed to keep the interiors cool in Zanzibar’s tropical heat. Their walls are thick, lime-plastered, and often weathered into soft shades of white, cream, or pale ochre. Windows are small and shaded with carved wooden shutters, sometimes framed by delicate stucco work or Indian-style arches.

The most famous feature, though, is the ornate wooden doors – masterpieces of carving that are both decorative and symbolic, many of them inscribed with dates and Quranic verses.

Pemba Island

Compared to the larger and busier main island of Unguja, Pemba Island provides a more authentic island experience. Pemba Island offers tranquil, secluded beaches and some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Southern Hemisphere.

The island is carpeted in clove plantations, coconut palms, and dense mangrove forests, with rolling hills and valleys that give it a softer, more rural charm than the bustling streets of Stone Town.

Its coastline is lined with sandy white beaches, hidden coves, and some of the richest coral reefs in the world – known for its visibility, dramatic drop-offs, and an abundance of marine life. This includes dolphins, whales, and hammerhead sharks.

The spice trade has a long history in Pemba, and its villages are full of traditional Swahili houses, ancient ruins, and mosques that are hundreds of years old. Life here moves at a gentle pace, with dhows sailing across turquoise channels and farmers tending to spice groves. Pemba doesn’t have the big resorts that Unguja does, but it does have a few exclusive eco-lodges and boutique stays. This makes it a wonderful place for people who crave peace and wish to unwind and rejuvenate in paradise.

Zanzibar is the perfect extension to an East African safari. This East Africa Beach Extension will give you four days to soak in the bliss at Zuri Zanzibar Hotel

Mauritius: Luxury, Adventure, and Romance

Lying in the Indian Ocean just a stone’s skip east of Madagascar, the volcanic island of Mauritius is a nation known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and lush landscapes brought to life by the volcanoes that nourish it.

Mauritius is a tropical paradise, complete with the warm currents of the Indian Ocean. It is ideal for luxury travel enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and romantic getaways. Popular spots like Gran Baie, Flic en Flac, and Belle Mare offer a variety of water sports, while the calm turquoise lagoons that surround the island are protected by massive coral reefs spanning approximately 150 km (93 miles) in length.

Beyond its sandy shores, Mauritius is a treasure trove of experiences for every type of traveller. Those seeking adventure can hike through Black River Gorges National Park, where rainforests hide tumbling waterfalls and rare birds. It’s one of the island’s last remaining native forests and provides over 50 km (31 miles) of hiking trails, suited to both beginners and seasoned mountaineers.

If you’re a newlywed and looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, look no further! The island’s romantic ambience has made it a top contender for some of the world’s best honeymoon destinations year after year. Stroll hand-in-hand along tropical beaches, stay at secluded luxury resorts, and snorkel together over untouched coral reefs.

After an exciting South African safari in the Greater Kruger, why not unwind in Mauritius? This luxury safari and beach holiday includes a stay at Sabi Sands, one of the best wildlife destinations in South Africa, as well as a relaxing few days in Mauritius.

Lamu, Kenya: Paradise on the Swahili Coast

The Lamu Archipelago is situated just off the northern coast of Kenya. At its heart lies Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s best-preserved Swahili settlements. Picture centuries-old stone buildings, hand-carved wooden doors, and bustling markets telling the stories of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European traders who shaped its history.

The original name of the island was “Amu”, which the Arabs termed “Al-Amu” and the Portuguese called “Lamon”, hence the name “Lamu”, which is still used today. By the 16th century, Lamu had grown into a wealthy city under the rule of a council of elders, greatly influenced by Islamic scholarship and culture. This influence continues to this day, as the majority of the island’s inhabitants are Muslims.

Much of the charm of this African island comes in its simplicity. There are no cars – instead, donkeys and wooden dhows are the main modes of transportation. While here, you can spend days wandering the coral-stone streets, where the scent of spices floats from local kitchens and the call to prayer drifts over its rooftops.

For a more profound look into the islands’ maritime heritage, consider a dhow cruise at sunset. For a coastal experience, the warm waters of Shela Beach offer an inviting presence. Meanwhile, further inland, the mangrove forests are alive with birdlife.

Mozambique: Untouched Island Bliss

Stretching along Africa’s southeast coast, Mozambique boasts a splattering of islands in the Indian Ocean. Known for their unspoiled beauty, warm waters, and thriving coral reefs, these islands offer an idyllic blend of luxury and charm.

Bazaruto Archipelago

Just off the coast of Vilanculos lies the Bazaruto Archipelago, a protected marine park and one of Mozambique’s most sought-after island escapes. Five main islands – Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangwe – boast sugar-white beaches, shifting sand dunes, and pristine waters.

For the marine wildlife enthusiast, the archipelago became a National Park in 1971 and is home to an abundance of reef fish, including surgeons, Moorish idols, parrots, angelfish, and butterfly fish, to name but a few. These warm waters are also home to sea turtles, devil rays, whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, and dugongs.

If you’re keen on whale shark sightings, the best time to visit is in the summer, from October to March, when plankton blooms attract dozens of them. For sightings of the majestic humpback whale, visit between June and December, and you could witness these gentle giants and their calves from shore or while on a boating excursion.

Snorkelling and diving here are exceptional, with coral reefs sheltering all of the coast’s stunning marine life. A popular dive site is the Two Mile Reef, which is situated between Bazaruto and

Benguerra and is considered one of the best marine safari spots in the region. Benguerra Island, in particular, is known for its luxurious eco-lodges where guests can spend their days exploring deserted sandbanks, horseback riding along the beach, or dining on freshly caught seafood under a canopy of stars. For travellers looking for the ultimate romantic escape, this luxury Mozambique holiday includes four days of bliss at Benguerra Island.

From the spice-scented alleys of Zanzibar to the romantic shores of Mauritius, the coral-stone charm of Lamu, and the wild, untouched beauty of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, Africa’s islands offer far more than just a place to unwind – they are gateways to culture, history, and adventure.

Whether you’re looking for barefoot luxury, cultural immersion, marine exploration, or simply a sun-drenched retreat after a safari adventure, there is an island that matches your travel dreams.