African Island holidays
Better than another busbreak
The hidden gems of Africa
I am a proud African, and definitely a super patriotic South African. HOWEVER…And don’t cancel me for this – I am a bit over the “Bosveld”. Yes, giraffes are majestic and lions are lovely and sunsets over savannas are all well and good, but I need a bit of beach and balmy nights next to the pool. Add a frozen Margarita and I’m happy as a clam. (which you can get to see when you go snorkelling…)
Storytime:
I was never really a beach babe. Probably because I’m as pale as a ghost and need SPF 100 just to walk to my car in the summer.
But then I became a mom and I realised my usual pass times of reading, writing, painting or puzzle building don’t go down well with a rowdy 2 year old boy. This is how I started loving the beach life. As long as you keep your kid out of the surf, a beach is a great place to give them some space and find some solace. Over the past 7 years I have become a beach connoisseur and I can sniff out a blue flag beach with a lekker café and a baby changing station in the loo’s like a beachbum-bloodhound.
Now, first of all, we are SPOILT in Msanzi with multiple pristine beaches. All along our nearly 3000km of coastline we have amazing beach conditions. Our oceans are unpolluted, our beaches uncrowded and our views unlimited.
But – we do not have pearly, coral-reefy beaches. We have warm, tropical Natal, and we have crisp Atlantic westcaost, but I’m in the mood for a sultry, sandy island break.
Tripping over the next obstacle in my road to the beach:
The two-year-old is now a seven-year-old and he has a sister…I don’t know when last you checked in with reality, but kids are damned expensive and if it’s a family holiday you are looking for, most islands, especially in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean are completely unaffordable. (Never mind the nightmare of having to deal in Forex.)
Saffa’s fix our own problems
Step 1, bring out the atlas and check around the African coast. South Africa itself is a bit short on islands. Unless you want to join the scientific missions on Marion Island, but I have it on good authority that Marion doesn’t have a single palm tree or cocktail bar.
Step 2, find all the other islands up and down the African coastline and start googling.
Step 3, pick your dream destination, back your swimmies and sunnies and hop over to one of these tropical paradises.
Let’s hope by this time next year I can show you some of my very own Island escape pics!
São Tomé and Príncipe
Accommodation options for this island:
This is one of the least populated sovereign states of Africa and set in the Gulf of Guinea off the northwestern coast of Africa.
Quick Fact: São Tomé and Príncipe consist of two archipelago’s and despite some civil unrest in the early 19th century, it has been one of the most stable and safe democratic countries in Africa.
The islands boast multiple white sandy beaches and because it is basically on the equator, the water temperature on these beaches are a consistent 26̊C…Talk about an endless summer! Apart from coffee and cacao cultivation, tourism is a major part of it’s economy, which means you will have your pick of accommodations and resorts. With the warm oceans and great weather your trip will be largely beach based, with diving and snorkelling. There are some interesting cultural spaces to visit and you can book tours into the central parts of the island, but we would just laze away our days on the beach…
Top Tip: Historically, São Tomé and Príncipe does not accept card payments. Yes. This is a cash-based economy, and what’s more, local ATM’s don’t work with international cards…So yeah – that’s something to get used to…For a full breakdown and guidelines on visiting this island paradise, check out this blog. It is best to double check and confirm payment options before you leave your home country!
Getting there is a bit of a hustle, but it is well worth it! The safety and geniality of the people make this an amazing, relaxing break.
If traveling to São Tomé and Príncipe sounds like too much fuss, you can also pick a more mainstream tourist destination for your beach fix:
Zanzibar
Accommodation options for this island
One of the larger African islands, and only a short hop by plane from Tanzania, this historic island has a long history of influence from many different seafaring cultures. The historic centre of Stone Town is a great day trip, and you can combine a bit of culture with your sunny beach holiday. Book a sunset cruise on an authentic fishing Dhow. Drink a fruit drink. Watch your kids play in the low surf and remember to wear sunscreen. You are welcome.
Quick Fact: In contrast with Sao Tome, Zanzibar is just over 3 hours of flight time from South Africa.
Other African island hops that are worth a google, include:
- The Seychelles,
- Mauritius
- Reunion Island (less beachy but very outdoorsy and mountainous)
For even MORE inspiration, go and spend some time browsing these websites…
Also read our article on South African snow birds.
