The Islands

The Islands

Zanzibar, The Maldives, The Seychelles & Mauritius Custom Guided Tours

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa, and should be the first on your list of islands to visit. Because of its high production of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, Zanzibar is sometimes called the “Spice Islands,” and as a result spices are a huge part of the local cuisine. Tourism is another one of Zanzibar’s main industries, primarily thanks to the clear, turquoise-blue water and shallow sandbars perfect for wading. There are many small, nearly deserted islands virtually unvisited by tourists to explore as well. Be sure to explore the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter, or just go beach to beach between Zanzibar’s tiny fishing villages. Each one is unique and more beautiful than the last.

Maldives

After Zanzibar, head over to the Maldives, where you can visit Malé Friday Mosque, built in 1658 and one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the city of Malé. For more history, visit the National Museum, home to a large collection of historical artifacts ranging from stone artifacts to fragments of royal antiquities. Then, to finish up a long journey or day of exploration, stop at the beaches of Hulhulmalé, which is a reclaimed, artificial island off the coast of Malé.

Seychelles

For a more natural experience, the archipelago of Seychelles is a wonder to behold.  Home to numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves, as well as rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises, Seychelles’ beauty is a must-see on a tour of the islands. While here, stop in at the palm forests of the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, where you can see the amazing coco-de-mer plants and appreciate the area’s largely untouched beauty. For more beauty, also see the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. This area is famous for its clear waters and excellent snorkeling conditions, and for the well-preserved state of the islands there. Sainte Anne Marine National Park is best known as a haven for wildlife.

No trip to Seychelles is complete without seeing the astounding Bicentennial Monument firsthand. This architectural wonder stands to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Victoria.

Mauritius

The island nation of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its varied flora and fauna, and recognized as the only known home of the dodo bird which went extinct shortly after the island’s settlement. A visit to Mauritius offers a glimpse into a rich culture with many influences. Experience the area’s Sega music or enjoy the local cuisine, a combination of Creole, French, Chinese, and Indian.

When you visit The Islands, there’s no limit to what you can do and see. Every day is a diverse cultural experience, and one you will remember for years to come.

Make sure to visit the Spice Islands of Africa and Islands in the Indian Ocean. We offer Custom Guided Tours to Zanzibar, Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius as either separate destinations or as custom extensions to our other African Tours.