AFRI

On the southwestern shores of Madagascar along the Mozambique Channel, Toliara is embraced by the unique natural habitat of this fascinating island in the Indian Ocean. While a day could easily be spent relaxing on white sand beaches and snorkeling or diving the coral reefs in the clear waters offshore, you may well wish to explore beyond the beach. South of Toliara, Tsimanampetsotsa National Park features a large salt lake, limestone cliffs and majestic baobab trees — diverse ecosystems that are home to lemurs, rare tortoises and many species of endemic bird and plant life.

The capital of Réunion, Saint-Denis offers a blend of French colonial charm, Creole culture and stunning natural surroundings. A stroll along Rue de Paris reveals the city’s architectural heritage in landmarks like Saint-Denis Cathedral. The island’s biodiversity comes to life in the Natural History Museum, set in the heart of a botanical garden featuring exotic palms, orchids and banyan trees. Shop the local market for vanilla, rum, spices and geranium oil before heading out to explore the striking landscapes outside of town.

Richards Bay opens a window onto the cultural and natural heritage of the KwaZuluNatal province. Not far from the city are game reserves such as Hluhluwe and Thula Thula, where you can embark on a safari in an open-air vehicle in search of Africa’s Big Five: lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros. A UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park encompasses vast savannas and lake systems home to hippos, zebras, giraffes and more than 500 species of birds, as well as a sheltered beach on the coast of Cape Vidal that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Mauritius is a spectacularly beautiful island where sandy white coasts lined with calm turquoise waters rise into emerald mountains. South of Port Louis, explore the multihued sand dunes known as Seven-Colored Earth and the cliffside cascades of Chamarel Waterfall, and then taste some of the island’s famous rum at a local distillery. To the north, the renowned centuries-old Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden displays giant water lilies, baobab trees and other rare tropical plants.

Before setting off to explore the natural wonders of the Andaman Islands, learn a bit about their history at the Cellular Jail, a colonial-era prison that played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence. History buffs will also appreciate the British ruins on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Port Blair’s Anthropological Museum lends insight into the region’s indigenous tribes, and the Indian Navy operates the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, which enlightens visitors about the aquatic ecosystems of the islands.

The capital of the Maldives offers access not only to the white sand beaches and aquamarine waters that make this archipelago a natural paradise, but also a wealth of museums and historic sites illuminating Maldivian culture. While the city of Malé itself has lovely manmade beaches on its shores, there are island hideaways with long stretches of pristine sands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs just a short boat ride away. To explore the fascinating history of this atoll, visit the Maldives National Museum, located within the tranquil gardens of Sultan Park in the heart of the city.

The largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, Mahé is a tropical paradise known for its gorgeous beaches and mountainous landscapes. Hike the trails of Morne Seychellois National Park to get to know the indigenous flora and fauna of the island and take in breathtaking panoramic views before descending to the beautiful shoreline. The most famous beach is Beau Vallon, known for its white sands and calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling and other watersports.

Anse Source d’Argent may be the most photographed beach on the stunning island of La Digue because of the striking granite boulders in shades of pink and gray that adorn the shore, providing a uniquely scenic backdrop to the shallow aquamarine waters. The small island is easily explored on foot or bicycle if you’d like to find your own secluded stretch of sand among the beautiful white beaches lining the coast.

The ideal spot for a relaxing getaway, Kuda Bandos offers a glimpse of the Maldives' astonishing natural beauty. While just a boat ride from the bustling Maldivian capital of Malé, this tiny island is a tranquil hideaway blanketed in lush vegetation. Swaying palms shade the powdery beaches, where you can easily spend a day relaxing on white sands and swimming in crystalline waters. Home to a wide variety of marine life, the surrounding reefs allow snorkelers and divers to observe colorful fish, sea turtles, vibrant corals and gentle mantas.

Also known as Fort Dauphin, Taolagnaro has miles of beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming and surfing, while the surrounding nature sanctuaries protect the astonishing biodiversity of exotic flora and fauna unique to Madagascar. Just minutes from town in the lush forests of Nahampoana Reserve, you’ll find the island’s most famous residents, diverse species of lemurs such as ring-tailed and sifaka.