Inspiration
Written by Lindsay Krause
If laying back in a hammock with uninterrupted views of palm fringed beaches is what you crave, Africa’s secluded, private islands are waiting for you. From archipelagos off the coast of Mozambique to a remote island accessed by helicopter in Madagascar, Africa offers an array of island destinations to be discovered. With 34% of travelers wanting to visit an island paradise in 2019, we present Ker & Downey® Africa’s 5 of the Most Beautiful Islands in Africa.
Famous for being an island frequented by celebrity honeymooners such as Prince William and Duchess Kate, North Island is what we call the crème de la crème of private islands. Located off the eastern coast of Africa, the private North Island is one of 115 islands making up the Seychelles archipelago. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, travelers to the exclusive North Island can relish in barefoot luxury and personalized experiences. With only 11 villas on the island, North Island offers complete privacy to guests. Your day to day itinerary can be tailored to your mood, from sunset cruises and marine safaris to guided island walks and private beach yoga classes.
The best time to visit the Seychelles is during the spring and autumn months, typically from April to May and October to November. These months are the driest months, ensuring plenty of sunshine.
The Seychelles offers a wonderful selection of animals, both above and below the waves. The Seychelles are famed for the Aldabra Giant tortoise, hawksbill turtles, a highlight of any wildlife enthusiast’s trip, as well as the Seychelles black parrot, fruit bats, tree frogs, frigate birds, hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks.
The Seychelles boast several outstanding national parks, including the Morne Seychellois National Park in Mahe, a vast area of towering forests that are home to diverse flora and fauna and a great spot to view scops owls and white-eyes; the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve, famed for the coco Der mer nut and home to the black parrot and blue pigeon; and Praslin National Park, home to vast swathes of protected wetlands where hawksbill turtles and green turtles are a regular sight on the beaches.
There is a superb selection of up-scale luxury accommodations available in the Seychelles, many positioned on white sandy beaches with views of the Indian Ocean. We have access to a selection of the most luxurious hotels and lodges in the Seychelles. Contact our Africa experts today and let us create a bespoke travel experience to the Seychelles.
Nosy Ankoa makes its way onto our list of private African islands for being an off-the-beaten-track destination that is as luxurious as it is remote. Board your private helicopter in Nosy Be for a 1 hour transfer to the Nosy Ankao island located off the north east coast of Madagascar. Covering an area of 10 square kilometers, Nosy Ankao is the largest of the five islands in the Nosy Ankao archipelago. For the adventurous traveler, Nosy Ankao invites visitors to explore its lemur-filled jungles and discover an abundance of marine life off its pristine shores. Time + Tide Miavana offers 14 luxurious villas with direct access to the beaches of this marine reserve. Enjoy shipwreck dives, whale watching excursions and witness turtles nesting on the shore.
April to December is often considered the best months to visit the island of Nosy Ankao, with the best weather and wildlife viewing opportunities experienced between July and October.
Madagascar boasts some amazing national parks, however highlights must include Andasibe National Park, Ankarana National Park, Isalo National Park, and Ranomafana National Park. All of these spectacular parks can be visited from Nosy Ankao via private helicopter.
Madagascar is rich in wildlife, including many species that can be found nowhere else on Earth. Must-see animals to look out for include, Fossas, Madagascar’s largest carnivore, and a wide-variety of lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemur, the indri lemur, and the aye-aye lemur. Finally, make sure you keep an eye out for Madagascar’s chameleons and the radiated tortoise, a critically endangered species.
Time + Tide Miavana is without question one of Madagascar’s most luxurious resorts, set on the private island of Nosy Ankao, one of the most exclusive islands in Africa. On mainland Madagascar you’ll also find a superb selection of luxury resorts and safari lodges. We have access to the most luxurious and exclusive accommodations in Madagascar. Contact our safari specialists in Africa today.
Stay here on Ker & Downey® Africa’s Northern Islands Madagascar Wildlife Safari.
Hidden off the northern coast of Mozambique in East Africa you will find Quilalea Private Island. The uninhabited island is surrounded by the marine sanctuary of the Quirimbas Archipelago, home to an array of marine life from humpback whales* and bottlenose dolphins to the elusive dugong and turtles. The award-winning Azura Quilalea features 9 seafront villas and accommodates a maximum of 18 guests. For the ultimate private island experience, the Azura Quilalea is available for exclusive-use, perfect for a large family or group of friends. Experience private picnics on the pristine Turtle Beach, see the island from above on scenic helicopter flights, kayak through the island’s mangrove and watch the sunset over the horizon on a private dhow cruise.
*Humpback whales can be spotted off the island from July to October
The best time to visit this idyllic paradise is between April to September, which is during the drier months.
Humpback whales, which can be seen off the coast of Quilalea Private Island from July to October are an undisputed highlight. Other wildlife viewing opportunities include dolphins and turtles, while the surrounding coral reefs are teeming with a host of colorful fish. On the African mainland, Mozambique offers some superb national parks that can easily be explored from Quilalea Private Island via private helicopter. Expect to see the Big 5, along with a wide range of other majestic animals such as zebras, giraffes, impalas, and wild dogs.
Yes, you can explore mainland Mozambique while visiting Quilalea Private Island. Contact our safari specialists and we will curate a bespoke itinerary that includes the best of Quilalea Private Island and the African mainland of Mozambique.
Set in Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, the exclusive-use Thanda Island is located 30 km off the east mainland of Tanzania. Surrounded by a coral reef, the private island features an exclusive-use 5 bedroom villa and two rustic Tanzanian bandas making it ideal for families and groups of friends in search of a private island experience. An aquatic playground, spend your days swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling with marine turtles, and discovering the island on a kayak or canoe.
Thanda Island enjoys stunning weather year-round. From June to October you can expect superb weather with occasional short rain showers. From December to March you can enjoy the north-easterly Kakazi trade winds, and from April to May you can expect an increase in rainfall, although you will still enjoy plenty of sunshine.
The beauty of Thanda Island is that you can do as much or as little as you wish. Just some of the activities on this small island paradise include conservation safaris, cultural tours, private cruises, water sports, wellness experiences, and wildlife safaris. Of course, spending time on the island’s beautiful beaches is always a highlight of any stay. Our luxury Africa safari specialists can curate an itinerary that perfectly meets your desired getaway on Thanda Island.
There’s lots of wildlife to see on Thanda Island, including whale sharks, five species of sea turtles, and dolphins, along with an array of colorful fish and marine critters. Above the waves, you can spot a host of rare birds that call the island home.
Yes, you can easily visit the Tanzania mainland from Thanda Island, which is located just 30 kms away. Tanzania offers a selection of thrilling and unrivaled wildlife encounters as well as cultural experiences.
Some of the best national parks in Tanzania include the Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Conservation Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Selous Game Reserve. We can create an incredible safari experience that enables you to experience the tropical paradise of Thanda Island, one of the best islands in Africa, along with the sheer beauty of Tanzania’s national parks.
A 20 minute boat crossing from the north coast of Zanzibar is all it takes to transport you to the private African island paradise of Mnemba Island. Accommodating a mere 24 guests, &Beyond Mnemba Island boasts 10 beachside bandas overlooking the coral reefs of the Mnemba atoll. The island is home to a variety of dive and snorkel sites where you can often spot turtles, dolphins and rare coconut crabs. Enjoy candle-lit dinners served on the beach, private beach picnics, traditional dhow cruises, a variety of water sports and unwind with yoga sessions on the beach.
The peak season is from July to October, when you can expect sun-drenched days with limited rainfall. The temperatures are also slightly cooler, making it an ideal time to maximize time on the island’s white sand beaches. These months also coincide with the migration of humpback whales along the coast of Zanzibar; a thrilling must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. December to February is also a superb time to visit, when Mnemba island’s famous green turtles lay their eggs. While the temperatures are slightly warmer than July to October, they are still comfortable. March to May is the island’s rainy season, which can limit outdoor activities.
Soaking up the sun on the island’s white sand beaches and enjoying the crystal-clear waters are highlights on Mnemba Island. Other experiences include tranquil Dhow cruises, daily yoga sessions and wellness treatments, sipping on signature cocktails and gourmet cuisine, and simply relaxing.
Yes you can! &Beyond Mnemba Island is located just a short boat or helicopter ride from the island of Zanzibar and within easy reach of Tanzania on mainland Africa, making it ideal for a thrilling Indian Ocean island and African safari vacation experience. Our luxury Africa travel specialists can curate a bespoke itinerary that includes a stay at this top island in Africa with experiences both on the island of Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Contact our team today!
The best national parks can be found on the island of Zanzibar, which can be easily reached from Mnemba Island via helicopter, as well as in nearby Tanzania. Some top national parks within close proximity include the Jozani Chaka Bay National Park on the island of Zanzibar, and Selous Game Reserve, renamed Nyerere National Park, in southern Tanzania.
The best way to book a luxury getaway at the best islands in Africa is to work with an experienced luxury travel specialist with in-depth knowledge of Africa, including the most exclusive, smaller islands in Africa that are off the beaten track. Get in touch with our Africa Adventurists today to craft your dream island adventure!
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
