Indian Ocean

Africa’s Indian Ocean region offers travelers some of the world’s best beaches, phenomenal scuba diving or snorkeling and opportunities to encounter incredibly unique wildlife. The top destinations in the region are Madagascar and the Seychelles. Other popular areas include Zanzibar, a vibrant Swahili island off the coast of Tanzania and the Bazaruto Archipelago, a diver’s paradise off the coast Mozambique.

Pristine white sand beaches and warm turquoise coves beckon travelers to the Seychelles. Unwind with an indulgent spa treatment, read good book in a hammock beneath a fringe of swaying palms or dive beneath the waves to snorkel along reefs teeming with life. Venture into the rare spiny forests of Madagascar in search of lemurs leaping through the treetops or watch as chameleons hunt insects with their lightning-fast tongues. Wander the maze of the limestone tsingy or go diving with whale sharks and manta rays.

Whether your travel style is luxurious and chic, off-the-beaten track or somewhere in between, we have scoped out the best properties in the most coveted locations across the Indian Ocean. From sleepy bungalows tucked away in a remote coastal rainforest to stunning private villas dripping with luxury, there is something for every type of traveler.

Click on the different countries to discover each destination and what makes it so intriguing.