Tag: Maldives

A Guide to Africa’s Exquisite Indian Ocean Islands

Indian Ocean Islands,Travel Tips
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By Matthew Sterne on

We are all in desperate need of a holiday! If, like us, you are in a world brimming with constant stimulation and find yourself spending large parts of your day in a holiday fantasy, we have some great news for you. Stop dreaming of your idyllic island holiday and start planning your Indian Ocean getaway now.

Forget the crowded beaches of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Africa has undeniably a set of unbeatable, authentic beach destinations which outshine their more illustrious counterparts. Not only that, they offer the perfect isolation getaway we are all craving. Consequently, here’s our Indian Ocean Islands guide!

A view of Praslin
Crystal clear waters, powdery white sands and swaying palms? Image credit: Paradise Sun Hotel

Even for those experienced travellers it can be tricky to differentiate between all Africa’s Indian Ocean islands. If you struggle to tell the difference between the Maldives and Mauritius or your sea shells from your Seychelles then this is for you. Each island enjoys its own unique attractions and qualities and all are worth visiting in their own right. To help you tell which one appeals specifically to you we crafted this special guide.

Our Indian Ocean Islands Guide

1. MAURITIUS

  • Islands: 1 (3 other islands form part of the Republic of Mauritius)
  • Best time to visit: April to June, and September to December
  • Activities: Scuba Diving – Deep Sea Fishing – Surfing – Hiking
Sunset on the pool of a Mauritius resort
Sunset on the pool of a Mauritius resort

Mauritius is considered the ideal island getaway. Postcard perfect beaches and world-class resorts ensure that this palm-fringed oasis of beautiful beaches, coral reefs and tropical rainforests is immensely popular.

Mauritius has a number of destinations, each offering a unique experience. Many travellers head north to Grand Baie, a seaside village and large beautiful bay that’s popular with tourists. The west coast is sheltered with calm waters while the east coast is rougher with a rocky coastline. The south is the least developed with more stretches of wild nature and offers a secluded getaway. There is a wide variety of accommodation on the island – you can choose from rustic retreats, luxury lodges or five-star hotels.

2. MALDIVES

  • Islands: 26 atolls & 1190 coral islands
  • Best time to visit: December to April
  • Activities: Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Beach Relaxing
The Maldives is an unmatched island paradise
The Maldives is an unmatched island paradise

Another amazing destination are the Maldives. These atolls is your quintessential island paradise of powder-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water and just enough palm trees to string up a few hammocks. The richness and variety of the marine life are astonishing with the Maldives being home to some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. The warm underwater playground is home to beautiful coral labyrinths and a dizzying array of life from tropical fish to turtles and even whale sharks.

As the Maldives possess some of the best beaches in the world it is a popular romantic holiday destination. Every resort in the Maldives is its own private island, and with over 100 to choose from the only problem is selecting where you want to stay.

3. REUNION

  • Islands: 1
  • Best time to visit: All year
  • Activities: Hiking – Canyoning – Snorkelling – Rafting – Paragliding – Mountain Biking
Discover the volcanoes on Reunion: view of Salazie
Discover the volcanoes on Reunion, Credit: Thomas McGowan

This French enclave has a range of cultural influences but the real star of the show is the incredible rugged landscape that holds stunning forests, mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes and beaches. It is an outdoor lover’s ideal destination as the wide range of activities allow visitors the opportunity to see this beautiful island from the land, sea, river or air.

Considered a little off the track compared to the likes of the more well-known islands, this island of adventure offers non-stop excitement for intrepid travellers. Reunion deserves the nickname is has earned of “Little Hawaii”.

4. SEYCHELLES

  • Islands: 115
  • Best time to visit: All year
  • Activities: Island hopping- Scuba Diving – Snorkelling
Tropical Islands Seychelles
Tropical Islands Seychelles aerial view

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands of white sand beaches and tropical forest with pristine coral reefs that hold an abundance of tropical fish. Towering palms frame rustic retreats, which open up onto this unspoiled getaway.

The Seychelles is ideal for island hopping. This is a fantastic experience and a very popular way to see the different islands either via plane, cruise or private yacht. The major destinations are Mahe Island, which is the main island, Praslin Island and La Digue Island which is smaller and more remote.

5. ZANZIBAR

  • Islands: 2 Main islands – Unguja and Pemba, with many smaller islands
  • Best time to visit: Great year-round destination (rainy season is generally in April & May)
  • Activities: Watersports – Cultural and Culinary Tours in Stone Town
One of the islands that make up the Zanzibar archipelago from the air.
One of the islands that make up the Zanzibar archipelago from the air

Only 40-kilometres from Tanzania’s mainland, Zanzibar is at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The influence on the culture, cuisine and architecture is evident in Stone Town especially and it is this aspect of Zanzibar that makes it the most interesting Indian Ocean destination.

Zanzibar also offers some of the world’s best beach resorts (you can check our Top 6 Best Zanzibar Resorts). And then of course there are the beaches of Zanzibar. These world-class beaches are perfect for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a lazy and luxurious beach vacation, or relax after a busy East Africa safari.

6. MADAGASCAR

  • Islands: 1 main island (4th biggest in the world), with 250 smaller ones
  • Best time to visit: May to October
  • Activities: Safari – Hiking – Snorkelling – Diving.
Ilha Nosy Be em Madagascar
Nosy Be Island, Madagascar

Filled with a spectacular array of amazing wildlife and ringed by stunning beaches, Madagascar is an entirely unique holiday destination. Roughly the size of Texas or France, this haven for tropical fauna and flora is one of the world’s premier conservation areas possessing thousands of endemic species.

Madagascar is home to strange and alluring lemurs, magnificent baobabs, fascinating reptiles, soul-stirring landscapes and pristine beaches. This incredibly diverse land has roughly 5,000km of coastline, 450km of barrier reef and 250 islands. Divers will relish the chance to see rays, whale sharks, reef sharks and more. Snorkelers will be awed by the dynamic colour and vitality of the corals, turtles and fish. Madagascar’s diversity, and therefore uniqueness, ensures that it holds a special place in the hearts of all who visit it.

Why Travel with Rhino Africa?

Our passionate team of Rhinos at the Rhino Africa HQ
Our passionate team of Rhinos at the Rhino Africa HQ

As the leading safari company in Africa, we pride ourselves in knowing everything there is about our magical continent. Whether it’s an East Africa safari, a mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta or a beach holiday of your dreams, our expert consultants are on hand to make your dream holiday come true.

If you enjoyed this Indian Ocean Islands guide and are thinking of going on a trip to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches then don’t hesitate to contact one of our Travel Experts!

Resort Hotels VS Boutique Hotels

General,Indian Ocean Islands,South Africa
2 comments
By Tamlin Wightman on

Where To Stay On Your Holiday

Resort Hotels versus Boutique Hotels. Both are luxurious and a far cry from Fawlty Towers, but why choose to stay at one over the other?

In this article we highlight the pros and cons of each to help you choose the right type of property for your holiday. In a nutshell, while the standard of service should be top notch in both, resorts are all encompassing, providing guests with restaurants, bars, sports, entertainment and shopping in a microcosm. In contrast, boutique hotels are smaller, offering fewer facilities but a warmer, more intimate experience integrated with the destination.

Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa
Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa

Resort Style Hotels

Traveller Match: All work and no play? Had enough of car hooters, board meetings and dirty diapers? Sometimes an all-in-one stop is just what’s needed. Catch a few rays by the pool, allow yourself to be pampered to within an inch of your life and take a well-deserved break from reality. Resorts are ideal for: families, honeymooners, golfers, sun worshippers, VIPs, businesspeople, and yuppies on the edge.

PROS

  • You never have to leave – everything is onsite – Eat, sleep, shop and play, even work and exercise. Under one roof. 
  • Stress- and fuss-free – Resorts are ideal if you want to get away from it all, forget the daily grind and enjoy being pampered. Simply arrive and leave everything in the staff’s capable hands while you enjoy everything on offer.
  • Activities – Resorts tend to have luxury spas  and gyms, so you can keep fit and beautiful while on holiday, as well as swimming pools and other activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, golfing, casinos and safaris, to name but a few (depending on the destination).

Watch our video of Cape Towns’ One& Only for a closer look at resort hotels:

  • Dining and entertainment – Resorts often provide entertainment for guests, from karaoke evenings to Mauritian Sega dances. They also have restaurants and bars for you to wine and dine to your stomach’s content.
  • Childcare facilities – Many resorts offer services and activities tailored to kids of all ages, such as playrooms with TVs, DVDs, Playstations, computers, toys, jungle gyms, etc. This way you can be sure your young ones will be entertained and you, as the parents, have more personal time to relax, knowing your children are occupied and safe.

Resort Style Hotels – CONS

  • Resorts aren’t for everyone. They’re generally more expensive and food and drink are sold at resort prices. It’s easy and convenient to order food and drink, so just watch that tab!
  • Since guests don’t really need to ever leave the resort, they get a rather sheltered experience of the destination they’re visiting.

Zimbali

Recommended:

South Africa

Indian Ocean Islands

If you’re interested in finding out more about resorts in South Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands contact one of our expert travel consultants for free advice and an obligation-free quote.

Majeka House

Smaller Boutique Hotels

Traveller Match: Real travellers. Modern-day explorers who want to experience a destination in comfort and style without feeling like they’re on a Gap year. Boutique Hotels are ideal for: independent travellers, honeymooners, the young and hip, businesspeople and romantic getaways.

PROS

  • Generally more affordable
  • Privacy – Boutique Hotels are a smaller, more intimate option. There are fewer people, giving you a more exclusive feel.
  • Personal touch – The service is more personalised and personable, especially at owner-run establishments.
  • Character – They have a warmer, more “home away from home” atmosphere and a distinctive style.
  • Great base to explore the area from – Boutique Hotels are generally well integrated into cities and the surrounds in great locations from which to meet locals and really get under the skin of your destination.

Watch our video of MannaBay for a look at boutique hotels:

Smaller Boutique Hotels – CONS

    • You don’t have the luxury of having all the services and facilities that you might need in one place. Many have gyms, spas and restaurants on site, but most do not, encouraging you to branch out and explore your new surroundings – the knowledgeable staff, however, are most times happy to help organise tours for you.

Recommended:

For more about great boutique hotels  in South Africa or to book a stay, contact one of our expert travel consultants.

Turbine Hotel

Wish You Were Here! – Postcards from the Indian Ocean Islands

Indian Ocean Islands,Mozambique
1 comment
By Craig Harding on

Look at all the pretty pictures! Sometimes writing about a destination just won’t do it justice. Sure if you’re a master of the pen and your descriptions rival those of the Bard himself, that’s perfect. Unfortunately our esteemed writer and resident master of the written word, Tamlin is currently out of the office. This leaves the task to me and I’m still struggling too, to, two learn the difference, if you get my drift. So instead I’ve put together a visual feast showcasing the Indian Ocean Islands. The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water in the world and nestled in its warm waters are some of Rhino Africa’s most romantic destinations.

Find out more about the Indian Ocean Islands on our website here.

Would you be happy with your husband on the phone in the Maldives?

Touch down in the Seychelles and stay for awhile.

The Indian Ocean is known for exceptional scuba diving.

Romantic dinner for two on a beach in Mozambique

Discover Madagascar, land of Lemurs and chameleons and find out about travelling to Madagascar on our website. If you’re looking for further reading, David Ryan wrote a great series of posts about his trip to Madagascar, right here on the Rhino Africa Safaris blog.

Catching a ride on a traditional dhow at Mnemba Island Lodge

Whooo hoo, what fun. Sking for kids in Mauritius.

Get in touch with your thoughts alone on a beach in Mauritius

Water based accommodation options in the Maldives

Situated in the western waters of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the deep blue sea. Find out how you can book your trip to the Seychelles with Rhino Africa Safaris on our website.

Chilling out in your private plunge pool in the Maldives

Kick back and relax in Reunion

Work on your tan on a beach in Mauritius

Mention the word Mauritius, and travellers picture a palm-fringed oasis in the Indian Ocean, while those who have been here heave a sigh of contentment. Discover more about this fantastic island getaway on the Rhino Africa website.

Enjoy a ride ona traditional dhow in Mozambique

Take a stroll on fregate Beach in the Seychelles

If you’re looking for an idyllic honeymoon destination or just want some time out on a secluded and luxurious island retreat, the Maldives is the perfect destination for you, find out all about travel to the Maldives on the Rhino Africa website.

Champagne dinner on the dock in Mauritius

Champagne on the Rocks in the Seychelles

Kids jumping at sunset - Zanzibar

Dinner on the beach in Mauritius

Other great Indian Ocean Island destinations include the eclectic Zanzibar Island and in Mozambique you’ll also find the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos. The best thing about all these fantastic island destinations is that they are very easily combined with a safari in the Kruger National Park or elsewhere.

Contact Rhino Africa to book your own trip to any one of these fantastic destinations.

 

Overachieving Africa

Cape Town,Namibia,Tanzania
2 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this morning’s mob of groggy, puffy eyed Capetonians were the product of a citywide spike in libido, but I assure you that our sleepless night was due to the 18°C night-time low (cue a collective gasp from the Northern Hemisphere). With the 2010/2011 summer touted by many to be a record breaker, I thought I’d continue the general overachiever theme and highlight some curious top ten record holders from across the continent. In no particular order:

1. For the hotheaded, a trip to Oldoinyo Lengai Volcano in northern Tanzania will reveal the world’s coldest erupting lava. The natrocarbonatite lava bubbles from the deepest earth at a nippy 500-600°C (a good 1000 degrees below the norm).

2. To escape the crowds, plan a visit to the country with the smallest population of any African state. With a population of some 84,000 the entire nation of the Seychelles could fit into Wembley Stadium with a seat or 6,000 to spare.

3. For those who enjoy a good paddle and a seaward challenge, follow in the footsteps of an intrepid South African who covered a distance of 6,152 km on a surf-ski between Hout Bay, South Africa, and Lamu, Kenya. With a strategic, luxury night or two on either end of the journey, I’m sure the 5 months at sea will fly by.

4. If you prefer to remain dry but still enjoy the thrill of surfing. The monstrous dunes outside Swakopmund, Namibia, have played host to the fastest recorded sand skiing run, clocking in at 92.12km/h.

5. While you have the momentum, try and match the fastest ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, credited to a Frenchman who ran the 34 Km up to the summit in 5 hours and 26 minutes.

6. From the roof of Africa and her highest point, to well, the basement. The Maldives have the lowest general elevation of any African state at just 1.5 metres above sea level. If you fancy a hike, their highest peak is also the lowest highest point on the planet- a towering 2.3 metres above sea level.

7. For those who have a taste for all things sparkly, on a trip to Madagascar you will find yourself at the site where the world’s largest emerald in a matrix was discovered. Weighing in at 536 kg I think customs will be more than a little suspicious at the hefty hand luggage you are hauling around departures.

8. If you’re feeling a little homesick due to the lack of historic buildings, get your dose of yesteryear in Stone Town, Zanzibar, which is the world’s oldest, functioning Swahili village dating back to the early 1800’s. And you thought history was invented in Europe.

9. After your blast from the past, a leap over the Bloukrans River Bridge tethered to a bungee cord will leave you with only 18 more jumps to go to beat the record breaking 19 bungee jumps in one hour.

10. If, perhaps, Africa has grown on you more than you would like to admit and you can’t bear to go home, I would suggest you settle down on the island of Reunion. As the southernmost of the Outermost Regions of the European Union you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home; like driving on the right and being able to use the euro as legal tender. We must warn you though, they are… French.

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