Idyllic Indian Ocean Islands to pair with your Safari

Beautiful pool with a view overlooking the Indian Ocean

The breathtaking islands scattered throughout the Indian Ocean are extremely popular destinations due to their pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, gorgeous scenery and natural landscapes.  They are perfect to pair with one of our safari itineraries, so you can get the best of both – an adventure holiday as well as a truly relaxing one. Here are our top picks of where to go if you are thinking of visiting an Indian Ocean island as part of your trip.

Mombasa

Mombasa is Kenya’s second city, located on the eastern coast of Africa, and is a mix of cultures, thanks to its vast history. It is particularly famous for its marine life, and a popular diving and snorkelling destination. It’s history is interesting, with a blend of Arabian, Portuguese and British influences, and it remains a popular tourist destination today.

Malindi is located just a few hours north of Mombasa, and offers complete relaxation combined with world-class scuba diving and outstanding international and local cuisine. Watamu, like Malindi, is a small beach village with a few small shops. The beaches are one of the main attractions and the coral reefs offer some of the best diving in Kenya.

You can find out more about Mombasa here.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a delightful melting pot of African, Arabian, and European cultural influences, located just off the coast of Tanzania. With colourful coral reefs and gorgeous waters, its beaches are stunning, and it is also famous for lush green rainforests, spice plantations and an abundance of wildlife.

The UNESCO-listed Stone Town, named such as it is built from coral stone, is a must visit, giving a great perspective of Zanzibar’s history.

Zanzibar boasts amongst the best beaches in the world, with coconut palms and powder soft coral sands washed by shimmering clear seas. There are more than 25 fantastic beaches, and some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is the ocean.

You can find out more about Zanzibar here.

Mauritius

Mauritius

Mark Twain once wrote, ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius‘. Mauritius is an award-winning, luxury destination, surrounded by the world’s third largest coral reef, and is a stunning island full of outstanding natural beauty. It has beaches that are strikingly white, lush green tropical rainforests, gorgeous landscapes, and a rugged mountainous landscape.

Golfers will be pleased to know that it offers some spectacular golf courses too. The ideal island to relax and escape reality for a little while – after all it is considered to be the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

To get around the island I highly recommend hiring a car from Discover Cars for excellent deals. By having your own car you can explore the island at your own pace and with greater flexibility and discover lots of hidden gems as you drive around.

Inspired to visit one of these stunning destinations?

Call us on 020 8423 3000 or complete an enquiry form to receive a quotation from our booking experts.

You can also find out more on our website: https://www.somak.com