While islands like Mauritius and the Seychelles have long been favorites among honeymooners and travelers, Africa is home to many lesser-known gems that remain off the beaten path.
For those looking to escape the crowds and discover new adventures, the continent boasts a variety of hidden paradise islands. With breathtaking beaches, unique wildlife, and extraordinary land and sea experiences, these destinations offer something truly special. Here are eight African islands that promise an unforgettable getaway.
Nosy Be (Madagascar)
Nosy Be, meaning “Big Island” in Malagasy, may be smaller compared to mainland Madagascar, but it holds its own with remarkable natural beauty. The island’s Lokobe Natural Reserve shelters an ancient rainforest, home to a variety of species including vibrant panther chameleons, Madagascar owls, and endangered lemurs like the tiny mouse lemur. A local guide will lead you through the park via a traditional pirogue canoe.
The offshore waters are equally impressive. Nosy Tanikely Marine Park and other dive spots provide opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with whale sharks, which pass through during October and November.
Bazaruto (Mozambique)
Part of a five-island archipelago off Mozambique’s coast, Bazaruto is famed for its wild, untouched beaches and towering sand dunes. The island is a haven for marine life, with its coastal waters home to dugongs, turtles, and even rare species like the rhino ray. Inland, freshwater lagoons attract birds and crocodiles, adding to the diversity of wildlife.
Bazaruto Island Resort offers a luxurious escape, with options for scuba diving, dhow sailing, sandboarding, and guided wildlife safaris.
Lamu (Kenya)
Lamu Island is a testament to the rich Swahili culture that thrives on Kenya’s northeastern coast. The town of Lamu is a hive of traditional boatbuilding activity, with triangular-sailed dhows dotting the waterfront. Beyond the town, you can explore the ruins of 15th-century Takwa on Manda Island or relax on the windward beaches after a scenic walk through Shela village.
For accommodation, choose between the stylish Lamu House in town or the eco-friendly Kizingo Lodge on the beach.
Fogo (Cape Verde)
Fogo, one of Cape Verde’s most dramatic islands, is dominated by the Pico do Fogo volcano, which rises over 9,000 feet above the coastline. A trek to the summit with a local guide reveals stunning views of the island’s black sand beaches and twisted lava fields. São Filipe, one of the oldest colonial towns, adds a historical flair with its cobbled streets and colorful sobrado houses.
For a stay with character, check into Hotel Savana, located in one of the old Portuguese mansions, or enjoy the more rustic Casa Marisa inside the volcanic caldera.
Réunion (French Overseas Territory)
Réunion is a tropical paradise located east of Madagascar, blending French and Creole cultures in a stunning volcanic landscape. While the island’s rugged interior offers excellent hiking, the coast boasts over 30 kilometers of beaches. From the popular Plage de L’Hermitage to the more secluded Plage de l’Etang Sale, there’s a beach for everyone.
For a more refined experience, indulge in the French cuisine and live Creole music found in Saint-Denis. Stay at the Blue Margouillat, a boutique hotel offering stunning ocean views.
Elephantine (Egypt)
Located in the middle of the Nile near Aswan, Elephantine Island offers a rich historical experience. Visitors can explore ancient temples dating back to 3,200 B.C.E., as well as a nilometer that was once used to measure the river’s water levels. The island’s waterfront cafes provide a perfect spot to relax and soak in the sights of traditional feluccas sailing by.
Stay at the Mövenpick Aswan Resort for luxury, or opt for one of the island’s charming guesthouses.
Bissagos Islands (Guinea-Bissau)
The Bissagos Archipelago is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve consisting of 88 islands, home to a variety of ecosystems including mangroves, tropical forests, and savannahs. Rare wildlife such as ocean-going hippos and diverse bird species make this a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Ilha de Bubaque offers modest but comfortable accommodations, with lodges like EcoLodge Ponta Anchaca catering to those wanting to explore the remote outer islands.
Pemba (Tanzania)
Pemba, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, is less visited than its famous neighbor, but it offers incredible diving and beautiful palm-fringed beaches. The island is known for its healthy coral reefs, macro creatures, and large pelagic fish. Humpback whales migrate past its shores from July to August, providing even more reasons for divers and nature enthusiasts to visit.
Pemba’s top dive sites are located around the north end, where Afro Divers and Dive 360 Pemba offer PADI certifications and excursions.
Conclusion
Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning and unspoiled islands, many of which remain relatively unknown to mainstream tourism. From Madagascar’s Nosy Be to Tanzania’s Pemba, these destinations offer the perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re diving in pristine waters or trekking up volcanic peaks, these African islands provide a unique escape from the ordinary. Discover your next island paradise with Travel to Islands.