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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.