Top Ten Island Retreats – Africa and the Indian Ocean

As the winter winds howl, let your mind drift to a sun-drenched tropical escape. Swap grey skies for turquoise waters and the soft sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean islands – a water lovers paradise and the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Did you know Fothergill Island in Zimbabwe and Sindabezi in Zambia also offer unique wildlife viewing and water activities?

Our Travel Expert’s favourite island retreats

1. Sindabezi, Zambia

Located in the mighty Zambezi River, Sindabezi combines island living with the thrill of safari. Watch elephants and hippos from your stilted chalet or toast the evening on a sunset river cruise or at the floating bar. With Victoria Falls only 12km away, Sindabezi is the perfect base to witness one of the world’s seven natural wonders by microlight, helicopter or for the more adventurous white water rafting.

2. Fothergill, Zimbabwe

Fothergill sits along the shores of Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake, framed by the rugged mountains of Matusadona National Park. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Lake Kariba offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. Spot elephants, buffalo, zebras, and antelope as they roam the grassy floodplains right by the camp. Hippos bask in shallow pools and giant crocodiles lounge on sandy banks. For a memorable excursion, take a boat trip to the iconic drowned forests or try your luck at catching the ferocious tiger fish.

3. Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Benguerra Island, part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, is a piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of southern Mozambique and encircled by protected marine waters, this island offers world-class scuba diving and snorkelling over coral reefs with regular sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. Take a traditional dhow cruise to secluded sandbars, gallop along the beach on a horse, or savour dinner in a dhow boat with your feet in the sand. The island is only accessed by helicopter, a fitting way to begin a luxurious retreat here.

4. Fanjove Island, Tanzania

This is where I imagine James Bond would come to lie low after a big mission for some much-needed R&R. Fanjove is home to 7 miles (11km) of preserved coral reefs, a playground for marine life such as green turtles, reef sharks, and dolphins. As the sun dips below the horizon, indulge in Tanzanian seafood at the top of a historic lighthouse restaurant.

5. Makunudu Island, Maldives

A 50-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport brings you to this remote Maldivian treasure. This six-acre private island has 36 traditional thatched bungalows nestled amongst the palm trees. Join the local fishermen early morning as they head out on their traditional dhows to reel in the catch of the day for true island living.

6. Bawe Island, Zanzibar

Just a short helicopter ride from bustling Stone Town, Bawe Island offers a luxurious beach escape. Each villa is tucked away into the lush surroundings and features a private plunge pool and breathtaking views. Indulge at any of the four restaurants and the “Meet the Chef” experience is a must for foodie enthusiasts. Learn about authentic Zanzibari flavours and tickle your tastebuds on a journey through Asian flavours at the Teppanyaki Restaurant as you dine under the branches of an ancient baobab tree.

7. The Sands at Chale Island, Kenya

Chale Island is Kenya’s only private island marine, 600m from the mainland and connected at low tide, this is the perfect beach flop addition to your traditional safari. Families will delight in spotting colobus monkeys in the treetops. Visit between August and October and you be lucky enough to witness green turtles nesting on the sandy shores or catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback whale. November to February is the best time to spot the largest of the sharks – the whale shark. The Sands is ideal for an adventurous yet family-friendly escape.

8. Denis Private Island, The Seychelles

For many, the Seychelles is synonymous with romance and honeymooners. However, Denis Island is a great example of how the Seychelles can be for families, too. Explore the 375-acre island on foot or by bike, seek out turtle nesting sites, or feed the ancient giant tortoises.  The surrounding tropical reefs are uniquely rich and biodiverse due to the island’s position on the edge of the Seychelles Bank, ranking as one of the finest diving areas in the Seychelles that offer regular sightings of turtles, sharks, stingrays, sailfish, tuna and dolphins and whale sharks and manta ray.

9. Mnemba Island, Tanzania

Just 2 kilometres from Zanzibar, Mnemba Island is a family friendly retreat with 12 exclusive beachside bungalows sheltered among lush greenery. Children can bake turtle-shaped cookies, embark on pirate-themed boat trips, and learn about marine conservation at the coral nurseries while parents sit back and unwind on the beach. For safari-seekers, this island pairs beautifully with a Serengeti adventure making the perfect safari beach combo.

10. Kaya Mawa, Malawi

On Lake Malawi’s northern edge lies Likoma Island, a rustic haven where local fishing life meets island luxury. Enjoy relaxed lakeside living, with each suite offering lakeside views and a private plunge pool. Dive into the freshwater Lake Malawi teeming with hundreds of species of cichlid fish and many more aquatic delights. Explore the historic St. Peter’s Cathedral, or embrace adventure with laser sailing and kitesurfing.

Now for the tricky part – deciding which of these idyllic islands to visit, or which to visit first! Luckily, our team at Aardvark Safaris offers a wealth of knowledge in all of these locations and would be delighted to help you plan your next adventure to experience them for yourself.

What’s next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday encompassing any of the stays and trips mentioned here. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and can offer expert advice on everything from family and beach holidays to city escapes and riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally, we make suggestions. If this is your first time in Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.

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