5 of the Most Beautiful Islands in Africa

North Island, Seychelles

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.

Nosy Ankao, Madagascar

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.

Stay here on Ker & Downey® Africa’s Northern Islands Madagascar Wildlife Safari.

Quilalea Private Island, Mozambique

Hidden off the northern coast of Mozambique 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

Thanda Island, Tanzania

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.

&Beyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

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, variety of water sports and unwind with yoga session on the beach.