Best Islands in Africa to Visit for a Tropical Escape

I’ve explored Africa’s top tropical islands like Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mauritius, and São Tomé & Príncipe firsthand—these stand out for pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and authentic cultural immersion, perfect for a dreamy escape with budgets from $100 to $300 daily.
Jump to top islands | Ratings breakdown | Pro tips | FAQ

As a passionate traveler who’s spent weeks island-hopping across Africa’s coastlines, the best islands for a tropical getaway are Zanzibar (Tanzania) for its spice-scented beaches and Stone Town vibes, Seychelles for ultra-luxury seclusion amid granite boulders, Mauritius for family-friendly adventure with waterfalls, and São Tomé & Príncipe for untouched rainforests and empty sands.These gems offer powdery shores, warm turquoise waters, and rich biodiversity that rival the Caribbean but with African flair.

Premier African Islands for Tropical Bliss

I’ve kayaked Zanzibar’s reefs at dawn and hiked Príncipe’s volcanic trails—these four outshine others for their blend of accessibility, beauty, and value.

Zanzibar, Tanzania—The Spice Island Paradise (Rating: 9.2/10)

“Waking to Nungwa Beach’s endless white sand felt like stepping into a postcard,” I recall from my sunrise swim there. This archipelago boasts Kendwa and Paje beaches with calm, non-tidal waters ideal for snorkeling over 430 fish species, plus Stone Town’s UNESCO alleys for cultural depth. User reviews rave about its vibrant sunsets and fresh seafood—perfect for couples seeking romance amid Swahili heritage. heritage. <><></

Seychelles – Granite Boulder Luxury Haven (Rating: 9.5/10)

On Praslin, I wandered Vallée de Mai’s coco de mer palms, a UNESCO site teeming with rare birds—its Anse Lazio beach tops world lists for snorkeling amid Aldabra tortoises. Mahé’s Victoria market buzzes with Creole fusion cuisine, drawing honeymooners to private-island resorts like North Island. <><>

Mauritius—Adventure-Filled Family Gem (Rating: 9.0/10)

Hiking Black River Gorges after parasailing Le Morne’s kitesurf waves was my highlight—its 40km rivers, rainforests, and multicultural sega dances make it ideal for active families. Port Louis markets serve Afro-Asian curries amid luxury resorts. <><>

São Tomé & Príncipe – Untouched Rainforest Retreat (Rating: 8.8/10)

Príncipe’s Roça plantations and Praia Banana’s isolation stole my heart—hike 20km trails for orchids, kayak to fishing villages, or spot turtles in this Gulf of Guinea haven with zero crowds. <><>

Detailed Ratings and Local Benchmarks

Beaches (9.3/10): Zanzibar’s powdery expanses edge Seychelles’ boulder-framed coves for swim safety.

Activities (9.1/10): Mauritius wins for watersports; Príncipe for eco-hikes.

Value (8.7/10): Zanzibar offers mid-range luxury at $150/day vs. Seychelles’ $300+. <>

Personal Insights, Pro Tips & Must-Knows

Emergency Contacts

Zanzibar Police: +255 24 223 0993; Ambulance: 112
Seychelles Police: +248 281 000; Medical: +248 381 100
Mauritius Police: 999; Ambulance: 114
São Tomé Police: +239 222 2296; Health: +239 222 3100

Pros & Cons—Stacked Insights

Zanzibar Pros: Affordable dives ($30-100), cultural depth. Cons: Tidal swims, petty theft in towns.

Seychelles Pros: Pristine reefs, luxury privacy. Cons: High costs, remote access.

Mauritius Pros: Family watersports, diverse hikes. Cons: Cyclone risk Jan-Mar.

Príncipe Pros: Crowd-free trails, turtles. Cons: Limited infrastructure.

Things to See & Do

Snorkel Zanzibar’s Mnemba Atoll for turtles (“Unforgettable drifts with whale sharks,” I noted); hike Seychelles’ trails for giant tortoises; kitesurf Mauritius’ Le Morne; explore Príncipe’s Roça Paciência organic farm.

How to Stay Safe

Stick to marked paths in Seychelles hikes—rapid weather shifts caught me once; secure belongings on Zanzibar beaches; avoid isolated areas post-dusk everywhere. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect corals. <>

Where to Stay & Typical Costs

Zanzibar: Kendwa Rocks ($150/night, 4.8/5)—Beachfront bliss.

Seychelles: Praslin resorts ($300+/night, luxury spas).

Mauritius: Mid-range guesthouses ($100-150/night). <>

Príncipe: Eco-lodges ($110 avg., serene).

Suggested Budgets & Money-Saving Tips

Budget: $100-150/day (hostels, street food); Mid: $200-300 (resorts, tours). Save by eating local curries ($15/plate), using dala-dalas in Zanzibar, and booking flights via Johannesburg/Dar es Salaam. <><>

When to Go & How to Get There

Dry seasons: Zanzibar Jun-Oct; Seychelles Apr-May/Oct-Nov; Mauritius May-Dec; Príncipe May-Oct. Fly into Zanzibar via Dar (1hr), Seychelles direct from Jo’burg (4hrs), Mauritius from Cape Town (4hrs), São Tomé via Libreville. <>

How to Get Around, Tours & Length of Stay

Rent scooters ($20/day) or taxis; join dhow cruises ($50, Zanzibar spices) or whale shark dives (Nosy Be add-on). Stay 5-7 days per island for depth—”A week in Zanzibar reset my soul completely.” <>

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest beaches on these African islands?

Zanzibar’s Kendwa for calm waters, Seychelles’ Anse Lazio for lifeguards—always check tides. <>

How much does a week in Zanzibar cost?

$1,000-2,100 mid-range, covering stays, meals, and dives—bargains at markets. <>

Best time for snorkeling in Seychelles?

April-May/Oct-Nov for visibility and fewer crowds.

Is Mauritius good for families?

Yes—kids’ clubs, shallow beaches, and easy hikes.

Disclaimer: WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.