Mauritius Archives | Rhino Africa Blog

1 JuneJune 22, 2023

A Guide to Africa’s Exquisite Indian Ocean Islands

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By Matthew Sterne on June 1, 2023June 22, 2023

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!

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

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

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, 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 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

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.

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

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!

14 MayMay 11, 2023

Timing Your Tropical Getaway: When to Visit Mauritius

Indian Ocean Islands,Travel Tips

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By Michelle Welvering on May 14, 2023May 11, 2023

Bonjour, fellow island lovers! Wondering when to visit Mauritius, huh? Well, we don’t blame you for wanting to visit this exquisite paradise! With the dreamiest beaches, ritziest resorts, and more fun than you can shake a palm tree at, it’s the dream holiday. Well, lucky for you, as frequent Indian Island inspectors, we know all the best times to travel to Mauritius.

Mauritius does, without a shadow of a doubt, hold true to its idyllic island image

When to Visit Mauritius?

Sure, for most of the year the sun-kissed beaches will welcome you with open arms. But if you’re particular about seasons, let us break it down for you: there’s a wonderfully cooler winter, a stunningly warm summer, and a brief smidge of wet and windy weather in-between. So, let’s dive right in and find your perfect time for ideal island vibes.

Palm-fringed oasis of beautiful white sands and sapphire waters

When to Visit Mauritius – Summer

Mauritius turns up the heat in November through April and gets those tropical vibes pumping! The weather is hot and humid, with the mercury hitting peak levels in December, January, and February. Sure, there are the occasional showers here and there, especially in the central plateau, but that just adds to the lush, green beauty of the island.

Furthermore, this is the perfect time to dive into some epic scuba action – especially from December to March – or reel in some serious fish on a deep-sea fishing adventure.

Endless stretches of powdery sand, turquoise water bursting with coral life and colourful fish

November

November in Mauritius brings some pleasant summer sizzle! Things are heating up, with a touch of humidity following suit. But don’t worry, as it’s not all sweaty sauna vibes – most days are straight-up tropical bliss. With longer daylight hours, you can soak up that sweet Vitamin D before those sporadic tropical summer showers sneak in.

But hey, rain or shine, it’s time to dive into the fun! And quite literally, as November is the perfect month to grab your scuba gear and get ready to swim with some seriously cool marine life. Hawksbill and green turtles are just the beginning of the underwater encounters that await you. So, let’s make a splash!

When to visit Mauritius? Well, during turtle season, of course!

December

If you’re wondering when to visit Mauritius for activities and adventures, then December should definitely be on your radar! Sure, the humidity levels rise as the month goes on, and you might get caught in a shower or two later in the day, but the sun almost always reappears in a jiffy.

And don’t even get us started on the water – it’s wonderfully warm! It’s the ideal time to break out the snorkelling and scuba gear or try windsurfing and kayaking. However, it’s no secret that December is a hot ticket item for a beach getaway, so we suggest you plan ahead and book your slice of paradise before it’s all snapped up!

When visiting Mauritius, try your hand at wind and kite surfing

January

January is one of the year’s wettest months, but that won’t stop the holidaymakers from flocking to the island after the festive season. Even though there are heavy downpours in the afternoon – and you should maybe keep an eye out for some epic storms on the horizon – it’s still a great time for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.

Mauritius’ warm tropical waters are just bursting with marine life!

February

February in Mauritius is no less exciting! The island is still sizzling with hot and humid weather, and although it may rain a bit, the showers usually pass quickly. February is your go-to month if you’re looking for a more peaceful vacation with fewer crowds. Just be warned, cyclones can be a buzzkill, so avoiding travelling this time of year may be best if you’re looking for postcard-perfect beach days.

Crystal clear waters surround coral-filled shores

March

When to visit Mauritius for a colourful cultural experience? We highly recommend the month of March! This time of the year is a lot drier than January and February. So grab your friends, put on your funkiest outfits, and get ready to mix with the locals to paint the town red (and blue, and green, and pink…)!

The year’s third month brings the Holi Festival and a lot of fun! At this time, you can join the locals in celebrating the “Festival of Colours” as they pay homage to the mighty Lord Krishna. And during this time, the streets are lined with enthusiastic attendees dancing and throwing around vibrant hues of powdered fun.

Holi celebrations in Mauritius last two days with traditional cuisine feasts, singing and dancing to folk songs

April

April in Mauritius is prime time to hang ten and catch some gnarly waves or dive into those gorgeous crystal-clear waters for some snorkelling shenanigans. During this time, the sun is shining, and the ocean shores are absolutely divine! However, the beaches get busier during Easter, so if you’re seeking serenity, we’ll help you set your sights on a different date.

This coastal paradise will help you forget all your worries back home, Image Credit: The Oberoi Mauritius

When to Visit Mauritius – Winter

Winter in Mauritius, from May to November, is dry and warm – need we say more? However, if you’re planning on exploring the east coast, you might want to hold off until after August to avoid those trusty trade winds…

May

May might mark the start of the chilly season, but don’t let that freeze your travel dreams. During this time, Mauritius enjoys comfy mid-range temps (with cooler evenings) and way less humidity – so no sticky icky feeling. Trust us, with some sweet travel deals on offer, May is the perfect time to jet off to this paradise.

You can still indulge in all sorts of aquatic adventures. But we’ve got a hot tip for you – don’t miss out on the epic Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark! This place is seriously mind-blowing, with sand in different hues like green, blue, brown, yellow, red, violet, and purple. It’s like nature decided to paint the earth in a vibrant burst of expression.

The Land of 7 Colours at Chamarel offers a unique experience not only for geology and nature lovers but anyone

June

Calling all June bugs for some radiant vibes because this month brings sunny days galore! Now, if you’re all about that blazing hot heat, you might find the temperatures a tad chillier than you’d like, with average highs around 24°C. But fear not. Just throw on some layers for those evenings outdoors, and you’ll be good to go.

Winds start picking up in June, so we suggest you gravitate toward the west coast, where the shores are more sheltered. But for all kite-surfing fundis curious about when to visit Mauritius for breezy times – we’ve got a hot tip for you – make a beeline for the windy side of the island. The wind is blowing, and the energy is electric!

June is the perfect month to visit Mauritius if you’re an avid kite-surfer

July

July in Mauritius keeps the good vibes going with mild winter temps, crystal-clear skies, and some gnarly waves for all you surfing fanatics out there. But if you want to soak up the sun in the best possible weather, head on up to the north of the island. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Now, we’ve got to be real with you – the ocean might be feeling a bit feisty for some underwater adventures like diving and snorkelling. But there’s still plenty of fun to be had on the shores with world-class resorts curating loads of recreational activities, and we can assure you from personal experience that they’ll keep you busy so you won’t get bored.

Mauritius has many luxury resorts to choose from, Image Credit: The St. Regis Mauritius Resort

August

August in Mauritius is where it’s at – the temperatures are milder, the rain is a no-show, and the humidity is just right. It’s also the month of festivals! So, get ready to party it up with the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, where you’ll spot stunning statues of the Elephant God all around the island, honouring this beloved deity.

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Mauritius

September

If you’re planning a trip to Mauritius, let us tell you a little secret – September is the way to go! September is the unofficial start of peak season, so you get all the perks without the crowds. The strong trade winds calm down, the temps start to heat up, and those long days of sunshine are just begging for some beach time.

Plus, you’ll score some sweet deals on flights and accommodations, so you can indulge more in all those marvellous Mauritius experiences. Think exploring hidden coves, snorkelling with colourful fish, and tasting all the local delicacies.

Explore vibrant coral reefs when visiting Mauritius

October

October in Mauritius is phenomenal. The air is full of that tropical warmth you crave, and you’ve still got a few months before those pesky rain storms roll in. Sure, it’s a bit busier at the most popular spots, but that’s just more people to party with!

And speaking of parties, get ready for another spirited celebration because the Hindu festival of Diwali is in full swing! This Festival of Lights transforms Mauritius into a magical wonderland, with candles and lamps lighting up the island in the most enchanting glow. This spectacular display is the perfect cherry on top of your sensational holiday sundae!

The island is a glowing display of sheer natural beauty

When to Visit Mauritius – Ready, Set, Beach!

We’ve given you the scoop on when to visit Mauritius. This paradise on earth is where crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and luxury resorts collide to create the ultimate beach holiday experience. So, why wait? Pack your sunnies, flip-flops, and a dash of spontaneity because it’s time to start planning your ultimate island adventure.

7 NovemberDecember 18, 2019

Redefining Paradise on the Island of Mauritius

Indian Ocean Islands

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By Daryll Williams on November 7, 2019December 18, 2019

You don’t need me to wax lyrical about bleached sands, swaying palms and sapphire waters. This is the island of Mauritius. It has all of the above in spades, and you already knew that.

But what sets this Indian Ocean islet apart from your archetypal beach utopia isn’t anything to do with those things, nor the kaleidoscopic coral reefs or melodramatic sunsets that have come to define its place in the world. Ask anyone who’s visited, and they will tell you it’s the people.

Getting to know the island’s cultural tapestry

One of several iconic Mauritius views | Photo credit: The St Regis Mauritius Resort

While Arab and Swahili sailors knew of Mauritius long before the 16th century, the island was largely uninhabited until the Dutch arrived in 1638. Since then, a steady stream of traders, travellers, settlers, slaves, pirates and princes have checked in from Britain, France, Africa, India, China and the Middle East, resulting in a boisterously bizarre mishmash of cultures that ripples through the streets. And this endless variety is the key to Mauritius’ charm.

Brightly coloured Hindu temples and shrines pepper the landscape, and those of Indian descent can still be seen wearing the traditional clothes of their forebears. But Mauritius is all about a diversity of races and cultures living side by side. Because of the multicultural nature of the society, hardly a week goes by without some celebration or religious ritual taking place, from Tamil fire-walking and Hindu body-piercing ceremonies to Catholic pilgrimages and Chinese dragon dances.

And while many who make the trip to this iridescent outpost come simply to lie on the beach, perhaps with a quick snorkel or spot of waterskiing thrown in for good measure, those who venture beyond the swimming pool and sun lounger will be rewarded with a variegated dollop of culture that is unlike anything found elsewhere.

A short history of modern-day Mauritius

An aerial view of the Four Seasons | Photo Credit: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius

As it is, Mauritius first boomed as a holiday island in the 1970s and ’80s, which resulted in rapid overdevelopment on some of the island’s best beaches: too many big hotels, too many sun loungers, too many guests, and all this while many of the world’s beach destinations were going boutique. But now the island is back.

Today some obstinately insist that “west is best”, but we prefer the island’s more exclusive east coast. And while each end of the island (including north and south) does provide unique perks, the eastern side’s more blissful beaches and glorious golfing greens are out of this world. This is also where you’ll find the gorgeous One&Only Le Saint Géran Beach Resort and opulent LUX* Belle Mare Hotel.

Off the beaten path

The incredible landscape of Black River Gorges National Park

Journeying away from your resort, however, will quickly yield rare treasures. Heading inland, striking mountain formations dominate the vista. Hiking and high adventure abound, whether it be scaling Le Morne Brabant, trekking through the rainforest in the Black River Gorges, or zip-lining across the multicoloured landscape at Chamarel.

There are also endless opportunities to connect with the culture and history of the island: the day-to-day dealings of sugar production, towers and forts built in the 1800s, and mysterious shipwrecks that are scattered throughout. Mauritius speaks to the adventure-seeker, coastline-clinger and honeymooner alike, boasting trails through pristine forests, around tumbling waterfalls, and up mystical mountain paths. The island’s crystalline waters surround coasts that explode with life, offering some of the best diving and snorkelling in all of Africa.

Throw in volcanic crags overrun with chattering monkeys and swooping kestrels, and this textbook island getaway you’ve seen plastered across postcards suddenly becomes anything but so.

Acclimating to the island’s change of pace

Mauritius is renowned for its laid-back island lifestyle | Photo Credit: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius

Recently the world’s definition of “paradise” seems to have morphed into something overly superficial – less Robinson Crusoe and more Las Vegas, filled with garish beachside carnivals of cocktails and bombastic attitudes. In other words, completely the opposite to that which is endemic to Mauritius.

But the island has safely returned to its roots as of late, allowing anyone to find their own slice of heaven here. This is the place where island dreams are made. Where paradise is achieved by the people you meet along the way, leaving you and your temporary corner of sun and sand more enriched than ever before.

If you’re on the lookout for a beach break, get into the groove of this laid-back island getaway.

6 DecemberNovember 21, 2019

A Couple’s Romantic Mauritius Getaway

Experiences,Honeymoon,Indian Ocean Islands,Travel Tips,Traveller's tales

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By Megon Venter on December 6, 2018November 21, 2019

Journey with us on our Mauritius getaway, a star in the constellation of Indian Ocean islands. We travelled for a week between April and May when the weather was warm but not unbearable. After a short flight and being a little nervous about what we would find, we were blown away once we stepped into the humid autumn air. Who could be anything but cheerful when you live in paradise?

Photo Credit: Larry Venter

Accommodation

We stayed in Belle Mare, Flacq with our own private beach right on the property! Many of the Mauritian resorts and accommodation have access to private beaches or swimming pools but here the house was remote and tucked into the wild.

It was the day before my boyfriend Tjaart’s birthday when tropical cyclone Fakir hit the shores of the island. The morning was spent safely locked indoors as our pristine beach disappeared under massive crashing waves and our palm trees were being plucked from the ground by powerful swirling winds. By that afternoon, however, the wind had all but disappeared and the calm turquoise ocean returned.

A magical birthday gift arrived at our doorstep in the form of a local woman who greeted us with a warm smile as we tentatively opened the door to assess the damage. She showed us a box full of freshly caught seafood from which we chose a lobster for the afternoon barbecue. In Mauritius you can be assured that everything is always fresh and tropical!

Photo Credit: Megan J. Hohls

Tours

While almost everything could be found at our accommodation, we opted to venture out to Grand Baie to scour the markets on our third day. Here we found curios and the usual tourist assortment that can be done on a Mauritius getaway but the day after the storm, a local guide pulled up to the house with an entire bus just for us. He proceeded to take us on a special tour complete with a panoramic view of the island, fresh coconut and sugar cane juice!

Photo Credit: Tjaart Taljard

We found the Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery where rum is made – a local specialty. Next, we headed off to Chamarel Waterfall which has a pool for swimming below. It’s also possible to trek to the Seven Coloured Earths from here and the walk there is considered one of the greatest hikes throughout Africa because of how rare the sights are, complete with endemic fauna and flora. Last, we explored the Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano that showcases lush forest scenery and a crater lake where an array of colourful birdlife resides.

Photo Credit: Megan J. Hohls

Roads and Driving

We had rented a car for the trip but only used it once to get groceries because the island turned out to be very accessible – plus the beauty of the surrounds could be seen right from our beach. Directly after the storm we found the roads inaccessible due to water or fallen vegetation and we thought it best to just absorb the tranquility of island life. Some other wildlife activities offered included taking a walk in search of rare Aldabra Giant Tortoises (originally native to Seychelles) or a swim with the Bottlenose dolphins.

Photo Credit: Megan J. Hohls

Finally, heading home was a melancholy feeling (sweetened by some final sips of coconut juice) but we so enjoyed our adventure that we’ve both decided we definitely have to travel back at some point. We hope our journey inspired you as much as it did us.

If you’re looking to plan your own Mauritius getaway, speak to one of Rhino Africa’s travel experts and create a bespoke Indian Ocean island adventure.

Story: Megan J. Hohls

Featured Image: Larry Venter

18 NovemberNovember 21, 2019

14 Most Beautiful Beaches in Africa and Her Surrounds

Cape Town,Kenya,Top Lists

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By Ali Findlay on November 18, 2016November 21, 2019

The sun is warm on your face. As you stand up, a slight breeze moves the air around you. The baked white sand heats the bottom of your feet as they carry you towards the ocean. Water laps softly over your toes, and, as you wade deeper, the transparent sea surrounds you in its cool but refreshing embrace. You stroll back to your deck chair, book, and G&T… the stresses of life having long since exited your mind.

Although, Africa is renowned for its safari holidays, the continent and its surrounds hold some of the world’s most exquisite beaches. Here are some of our favourites. Warning: get ready to experience extreme levels of wanderlust.

1. Tsarabanjina beach:

This tiny idyllic island is located off the coast of Madagascar, near Nosy Be. Home to dreamy turquoise waters and powdery sand, the remote beach is also devoid of crowds as the island is only accessible via boat. This is perfect for an intimate beach getaway.

Image credit: Carlo Quadrini

2. Watamu beach:

In Kenya’s Watamu National Marine Park you’ll come across this quiet sandy paradise. A renowned snorkeling destination, this beach hides beauty beneath its ocean surface as well. In ideal weather conditions, try your hand at kite surfing.

Image credit: Make It Kenya

3. Anse Source d’Argent:

Surrounded by towering smooth boulders and cascading jungle, Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in Seychelles. Finished by soft snow-coloured sand and dreamy cerulean ocean, this beach is nothing short of spectacular. Feel free to swim or enjoy the sun with picnic baskets at hand.

Image credit: Jean-Marie Hullot

4. Nungwi beach:

Home to a plethora of travel-brochure beaches, most of Zanzibar’s coastlines will leave you starry-eyed and drooling, including the picture-perfect Nungwi beach. With unimaginably turquoise water and practically untouched sand, it’s perfection personified.

Image credit: Moongateclimber

5. Camps Bay beach:

With prime views of the Twelve Aspostles Mountain Range, combined with sky blue water and powdery white sand, Camps Bay is certainly one of the Mother City’s most renowned beaches. Although the water is a little chilly, this is the place to be on a hot day — the views will never disappoint. Across the road, several excellent restaurants and ice cream shops serve up treats to match the view.

6. Anse Georgette:

One of the less frequented beaches of Praslin, Anse Georgette is no less beautiful. Often less crowded than other beaches and with unbelievably clear water, this beach is pure paradise for water babies in Seychelles. Be sure to pack picnic to complete the day of relaxation.

Image credit: Franck Collias

7. Diani beach:

You’ll find Diani Beach approximately 30km south of Mombasa along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. With dense verdant vegetation, platinum sand, turquoise-green sea, and magnificent sunsets, Diani beach definitely had to make it on to our list. You can enjoy a variety of activities from kite surfing to glass-bottom boat tours.

Image credit: Łukasz Ciesielski

8. Boulders Beach:

Home to idyllic scenery and a large colony of African penguins, Boulders is hidden in Simon’s Town, just outside of Cape Town. A visit to this renowned beach means you are likely to share a swim with these amazing flightless birds. Be sure to bring your camera with for scenic shots.

Image credit: Bas Leenders

9. Anse Intendance:

Found on Mahe Island, Anse Intendance is yet another picture-perfect Seychelles spot. With a luscious green-covered mountain backdrop and only one resort, this wild and unspoiled beach is also a favourite surfing location.

Image credit: Jean-Marie Hullot

10. Pemba Island:

Located off the coast of Tanzania near Zanzibar is the remote and unspoiled Pemba Island. Known as the “Green Island” in the past, Pemba is home to lush tropical greenery and is surrounded by lagoons, mangroves, and coral reefs. Snorkeling, anyone?

Image credit: Kerstin Erler

11. Flic en Flac beach:

Packed with picturesque sandy spots, Mauritius is one of the most popular Indian Ocean islands. Flic en Flac is everything you think of when you dream of Mauritius: silver sand, clear water, and lush greenery… African island paradise.

Image credit: Sandy Marie

12. Île aux Nattes:

You’ll find this teeny tropical island just off the southern tip of Sainte Marie, near Madagascar. Only 3km in diameter, this island is the real-life version of your tropical island dreams. Blue skies, cream-coloured sand, palm trees, and azure-gradient ocean… need I say more?

Image credit: Gloumouth1

13. Anse Lazio:

Located on Praslin Island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, this picturesque combination of sand and sea is flanked by mountain peaks on each side and sheltered by a thick collection of palm and takamaka trees. Whether you snorkel, swim or tan there’s no way of ignoring the dazzling scenery of this legendary beach.

Image credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

14: Clifton:

Next to Camps Bay you’ll find Clifton’s four beaches. Smaller and more sheltered than their renowned neighbour, the white sand and blue waters are an ideal host on windier days or in the evening when the sun makes its daily descent.

Image credit: South African Tourism

21 JuneNovember 21, 2019

Resort Hotels VS Boutique Hotels

General,Indian Ocean Islands,South Africa

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By Tamlin Wightman on June 21, 2012November 21, 2019

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.

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.

Recommended:

South Africa

Indian Ocean Islands

Seychelles – Maia Luxury Resort & Spa; North Island Lodge and Frégate Island Private – see more here.
Mauritius – Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa, Royal Palm, One&Only Le Saint Geran – see more here.

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.

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.

19 AprilNovember 21, 2019

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

Indian Ocean Islands,Mozambique

1 comment

By Craig Harding on April 19, 2012November 21, 2019

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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