Besides the South Pacific, one of the best places in the world to visit undeveloped, picture perfect tropical islands is in Africa. Most are undeveloped and aren’t very touristy, they are often very rugged, the water is crystal clear, the sea life abundant, and their beaches a piercing white. If there were any places that looked like post cards, these places would be it.

Zanzibar is an island that is part of Tanzania. Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world and still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union. The capital is Zanzibar City, and its old quarter, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site. The beaches here are very undeveloped and the area around the island has an amazing amount of fish, as evident by the piles at the fish markets. It is still sometimes referred to as the Spice Islands because of the significance of its production of cloves.

Madagascar is a large island nation in the Indian Ocean in Africa. The country is one of the biggest islands in the world and is home to 5% of all the Earths species, of which more than 80% are endemic to Madagascar. The eastern part of the island is home to many tropical rainforests, while the western and southern sides, which lie in the rain shadow of the central highlands are home to tropical dry forests, thorn forests, and deserts. For people wanting tough jungle trekking, refreshing streams, and breathtaking waterfalls, a holiday to Madagascar should be on your travel list.

Mauritius is an island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers east of Madagascar. Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Reunion to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues to the northeast. This island is home to white sand and palm fringed beaches, warm water, and friendly locals. Its out of the way location makes it a great place to go to get away from the crowds. Interestingly, the island of Mauritius is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo.

An island of true contrasts, Reunion is relatively unheard of to many of the world’s travelers. This diverse location in the middle of the Indian Ocean is simply one of the most stimulating destinations in the world. With an active volcano on its south coast, 17 miles of beautiful beaches in the west, and many mountains and forests in between, Reunion offers a bit of variety to people. Its far away location means that few people are there. Like Mauritius, it is also part of France.

Africa may be known for safaris, jungles, desert, and poverty but the continent also offers great tropical islands. With so many great places to visit, consider a trip to the islands in Africa the next time you are planning your tropical vacation.

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