I’ve spent a fair amount of time on researching the islands of Africa. Not only was i born and raised on one, but island destinations appear to be a reoccurring theme on people's travels.
I love the sea, who doesn't? Enjoying the beach, the sun, and swimming on the salty water is just mesmerizing. Living on an island though is another story. You get to wake up everyday with the smell of the sea, the breeze and all.
There is always a feel of comfort by the sea, being able to orientate yourself and feel at ease. No wonder people are now trying to live closer to the beach because of the expanse a sea or ocean brings with it: the solitude, the continuity, the relentlessness.
I love the sea, who doesn't? Enjoying the beach, the sun, and swimming on the salty water is just mesmerizing. Living on an island though is another story. You get to wake up everyday with the smell of the sea, the breeze and all.
There is always a feel of comfort by the sea, being able to orientate yourself and feel at ease. No wonder people are now trying to live closer to the beach because of the expanse a sea or ocean brings with it: the solitude, the continuity, the relentlessness.
At the same time, people enjoy sprawling lands that offer anonymity. The best of many can be found on some of the largest islands in Africa. Here’s why they make fantastic destinations for the adventurous traveller, family or just a seeker. I bring you, Africas top 10 largest islands. (first on internet)
AREA IN KM:854 km2 (330 sq mi)
POPULATION:171,856 (2011)
COUNTRY: SÃO-TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE
With a population similar to that of the Isle of Wight and an economy dominated by cocoa, the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe fits more with the image of a beguiling tropical backwater than a cutting-edge services hub for some of the world’s fastest-expanding economies.
Until now, the sleepy West African archipelago has been best known for its role in proving Einstein’s theory of relativity – thanks to its location on the Equator during a solar eclipse – and a yet darker history as a key marshalling point for the transatlantic slave trade.
09.PEMBA
AREA IN KM:988 km2 (381 sq mi)
POPULATION:406,808 (census 2012)
COUNTRY: TANZANIA
Pemba Island is part of Tanzania's Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of East Africa. It's known for its lush, green hills and clove plantations. The Pemba Channel, with its coral reefs and abundant marine life, separates the island from mainland Tanzania. The main town, Chake Chake, has a ruined 18th-century fort with a museum. Offshore, Misali Island is home to the Fischer's turaco, a colorful rare bird.Pemba's terrain is hilly and lushly vegetated, while much of the coast is lined with mangroves and lagoons, interspersed with idyllic beaches and islets. Offshore, coral reefs offer some of East Africa's best diving.
Throughout, Pemba remains largely 'undiscovered', and you'll still have most things to yourself, which is a big part of the island's appeal. For much of its history, Pemba has been overshadowed by Zanzibar Island, its larger neighbour to the south. Although the islands are separated by only 50km of sea, relatively few tourists cross the channel. Those who do, however, are seldom disappointed.
08.SANTIAGO
AREA IN KM:991 km2 (383 sq mi)
POPULATION:272,312 (2010)
COUNTRY: CAPE VERDE
Santiago is the largest island of Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago off West Africa. It's a wonderful fusion of all Cape Verde. Praia, the capital, is a bustling, vibrant city built over several plateaus. But head off into the interior and you’ll find mountain peaks and fertile valley of manioc and banana.
If you only have one day on Santiago, then you should definitely visit the archipelago’s oldest settlement Cidade Velha, which became a UNESCO World heritage site in 2009.
Nowadays a charming village along the coast, the area attracts a lot of people, wanting to visit the fort which overlooks the village, the churches and the pelourinho a 16th century pillory used to punish slaves.
AREA IN KM:991 km2 (383 sq mi)
POPULATION:272,312 (2010)
COUNTRY: CAPE VERDE
Santiago is the largest island of Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago off West Africa. It's a wonderful fusion of all Cape Verde. Praia, the capital, is a bustling, vibrant city built over several plateaus. But head off into the interior and you’ll find mountain peaks and fertile valley of manioc and banana.
If you only have one day on Santiago, then you should definitely visit the archipelago’s oldest settlement Cidade Velha, which became a UNESCO World heritage site in 2009.
Nowadays a charming village along the coast, the area attracts a lot of people, wanting to visit the fort which overlooks the village, the churches and the pelourinho a 16th century pillory used to punish slaves.
07.ANJOUAN (NDZOUANI)
AREA IN KM:424 km2 (164 sq mi)
POPULATION:277,500 (2006)
COUNTRY: COMOROS
Anjouan is an autonomous island in the Indian Ocean that forms part of the Union of the Comoros. Its chief town is Mutsamudu.
Anjouan is called "the Perfume Island" because of the quality and quantity of the islands fragrant agricultural products which include ylang-ylang, jasmine, basil, cloves, vanilla, coffee and more.
The south of the island has more to offer tourists, this is where the southern slope of Mount Ntrigui is found, between Moya and Foumbani.
The fauna and flora is rich and diverse in Pomoni including species such as aquatic plants and garlands forests where we find the Livingstone fruit bats and lemurs.
Sultan Salim allowed the 1st British Consul and Mr. Stanley Planter land in Pomoni to create the first colonial society on Anjouan.
Visit the remains of the first sugar factory and other vestiges of colonial buildings near Pomoni.
AREA IN KM:424 km2 (164 sq mi)
POPULATION:277,500 (2006)
COUNTRY: COMOROS
Anjouan is an autonomous island in the Indian Ocean that forms part of the Union of the Comoros. Its chief town is Mutsamudu.
Anjouan is called "the Perfume Island" because of the quality and quantity of the islands fragrant agricultural products which include ylang-ylang, jasmine, basil, cloves, vanilla, coffee and more.
The south of the island has more to offer tourists, this is where the southern slope of Mount Ntrigui is found, between Moya and Foumbani.
The fauna and flora is rich and diverse in Pomoni including species such as aquatic plants and garlands forests where we find the Livingstone fruit bats and lemurs.
Sultan Salim allowed the 1st British Consul and Mr. Stanley Planter land in Pomoni to create the first colonial society on Anjouan.
Visit the remains of the first sugar factory and other vestiges of colonial buildings near Pomoni.
06.GRANDE COMORE (NGAZIDJA)
AREA IN KM:1,025 km2 (396 sq mi)
POPULATION:316,600 (2006)
COUNTRY: COMOROS
The grande comore or the ngazidja in native comoros is an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is the largest island in the Comoros nation. Most of its population is of the Comorian ethnic group. Its population as of 2006 is about 316,600. The island's capital is Moroni, which is also the national capital. The island is made up of two shield volcanoes, with Mount Karthala being the country's highest point at 2,361 m (7,746 ft) above sea level. According to the 2009 revision of the constitution of 2002, it is governed by an elected Governor, as are the other islands, with the federal government being much reduced in power. The name Ngazidja is sometimes seen in the now nonstandard form Njazidja.
Hitchhiking is very easy and very safe on Grand Comore. Wave your hand rather than putting out a thumb. Locals do it frequently and you always meet friendly people. Of course, some people may try to charge you for the ride. Be sure you specify that you are seeking an "auto-stop".
AREA IN KM:1,025 km2 (396 sq mi)
POPULATION:316,600 (2006)
COUNTRY: COMOROS
The grande comore or the ngazidja in native comoros is an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. It is the largest island in the Comoros nation. Most of its population is of the Comorian ethnic group. Its population as of 2006 is about 316,600. The island's capital is Moroni, which is also the national capital. The island is made up of two shield volcanoes, with Mount Karthala being the country's highest point at 2,361 m (7,746 ft) above sea level. According to the 2009 revision of the constitution of 2002, it is governed by an elected Governor, as are the other islands, with the federal government being much reduced in power. The name Ngazidja is sometimes seen in the now nonstandard form Njazidja.
Hitchhiking is very easy and very safe on Grand Comore. Wave your hand rather than putting out a thumb. Locals do it frequently and you always meet friendly people. Of course, some people may try to charge you for the ride. Be sure you specify that you are seeking an "auto-stop".
05.MORFIL
AREA IN KM:1250km2 (480 sq mi)
POPULATION: 2640 (2002)
COUNTRY: SENEGAL
is an island lying between the River Senegal and the Doué River in northern Senegal. Morfil is an antiquated French term for raw ivory. It is separate from the mainland for almost 150 km.
Around the 11th century, Morfil was the centre of Tekrur, one of the first Islamic Sub-Saharan states. As such, it was an important centre of trans-Saharan trade. The island later became part of the Ghana Empire, then the Mali Empire, and was finally conquered by the French. The French named the island for the elephants which once roamed the island, but are now locally extinct. The French colonists would use the island for elephant hunting. The main towns on the island are Podor and Salde.
AREA IN KM:1250km2 (480 sq mi)
POPULATION: 2640 (2002)
COUNTRY: SENEGAL
is an island lying between the River Senegal and the Doué River in northern Senegal. Morfil is an antiquated French term for raw ivory. It is separate from the mainland for almost 150 km.
Around the 11th century, Morfil was the centre of Tekrur, one of the first Islamic Sub-Saharan states. As such, it was an important centre of trans-Saharan trade. The island later became part of the Ghana Empire, then the Mali Empire, and was finally conquered by the French. The French named the island for the elephants which once roamed the island, but are now locally extinct. The French colonists would use the island for elephant hunting. The main towns on the island are Podor and Salde.
AREA IN KM:1,666 km2 (643 sq mi)
POPULATION:896,721 (2012)
COUNTRY: TANZANIA
Unguja is the main island of Zanzibar. Unguja is well-known for historical Stone Town, beautiful beaches and nature, both on-land and the surrounding coral reefs. There is a variety of different beach destinations, where everyone can find their own preferable choice.
Unguja is the home for most of Zanzibar’s population. Nowadays Stone Town is the main port and commercial centre of the whole Zanzibar. It also hosts many cultural events and festivals.
Unguja is very easy to reach. Many international flight companies fly to Zanzibar Airport close to Stone Town. There are also local flights from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and Mombasa. Many travelers coming from mainland Tanzania prefer to take a passenger ferry –lowest cost-
POPULATION:896,721 (2012)
COUNTRY: TANZANIA
Unguja is the main island of Zanzibar. Unguja is well-known for historical Stone Town, beautiful beaches and nature, both on-land and the surrounding coral reefs. There is a variety of different beach destinations, where everyone can find their own preferable choice.
Unguja is the home for most of Zanzibar’s population. Nowadays Stone Town is the main port and commercial centre of the whole Zanzibar. It also hosts many cultural events and festivals.
Unguja is very easy to reach. Many international flight companies fly to Zanzibar Airport close to Stone Town. There are also local flights from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi and Mombasa. Many travelers coming from mainland Tanzania prefer to take a passenger ferry –lowest cost-
03.MAURITIUS
AREA IN KM:2,011 km2 (776 sq mi)
POPULATION:1,264,866 (2007)
COUNTRY: MAURITIUS
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, it is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.
Mark Twain once wrote, 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius'. He was right.
Mauritius is rightly famed for its sapphire-blue waters, powder-white beaches and, yes, luxury resorts that provide a front-row seat onto some of the most beautiful views in the Indian Ocean. These are places of the utmost refinement, of impeccable service, of facilities that range from pampering spas, designer rooms and extensive watersports options to dreamy swimming pools, expansive palm-strewn grounds and world-class restaurants. Your stay will live long in the memory and will have you dreaming of a return. Partly that’s because of the supreme levels of comfort and luxury. But it’s also thanks to the resorts’ discretion and warmth, and the unmistakable sense of being treated like royalty.
AREA IN KM:2,011 km2 (776 sq mi)
POPULATION:1,264,866 (2007)
COUNTRY: MAURITIUS
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, it is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.
Mark Twain once wrote, 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius'. He was right.
Mauritius is rightly famed for its sapphire-blue waters, powder-white beaches and, yes, luxury resorts that provide a front-row seat onto some of the most beautiful views in the Indian Ocean. These are places of the utmost refinement, of impeccable service, of facilities that range from pampering spas, designer rooms and extensive watersports options to dreamy swimming pools, expansive palm-strewn grounds and world-class restaurants. Your stay will live long in the memory and will have you dreaming of a return. Partly that’s because of the supreme levels of comfort and luxury. But it’s also thanks to the resorts’ discretion and warmth, and the unmistakable sense of being treated like royalty.
02.BIOKO
AREA IN KM:2,017 km2 (779 sq mi)
POPULATION:334,463 (2015 Census)
COUNTRY: EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Bioko is an island of Equatorial Guinea, northwest of the mainland. Malabo, in the north, is the country’s capital and home to a neo-Gothic cathedral. In the south, turtles lay eggs on the beaches around Ureca in the dry season. Also during this time, Arena Blanca Beach, near the western town of Luba, teems with butterflies. The dense rainforest in the Luba Crater Scientific Reserve provides a habitat for primates.
The island was first sighted by the Portuguese explorer Fernão do Pó, probably in 1472, and was originally named Formosa (“Beautiful”). It was claimed by Spain after 1778, although the first attempt at firm Spanish control came only in 1858. Bioko was one of the first African territories to grow cocoa. Timber and coffee are other important products. The discovery and development of the country’s oil reserves in the 1980s and ’90s led to an increase in business and development on the island.
AREA IN KM:2,017 km2 (779 sq mi)
POPULATION:334,463 (2015 Census)
COUNTRY: EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Bioko is an island of Equatorial Guinea, northwest of the mainland. Malabo, in the north, is the country’s capital and home to a neo-Gothic cathedral. In the south, turtles lay eggs on the beaches around Ureca in the dry season. Also during this time, Arena Blanca Beach, near the western town of Luba, teems with butterflies. The dense rainforest in the Luba Crater Scientific Reserve provides a habitat for primates.
The island was first sighted by the Portuguese explorer Fernão do Pó, probably in 1472, and was originally named Formosa (“Beautiful”). It was claimed by Spain after 1778, although the first attempt at firm Spanish control came only in 1858. Bioko was one of the first African territories to grow cocoa. Timber and coffee are other important products. The discovery and development of the country’s oil reserves in the 1980s and ’90s led to an increase in business and development on the island.
01.MADAGASCAR
AREA IN KM:587,041 km2 (226,658 sq mi)
POPULATION:22,005,222 (July 2012 est.)
COUNTRY: MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and the largest island in the Indian Ocean. If your hoping to visit Madagascar know that it is an incredibly diverse island with huge swathes of virtually uninhabited land to explore . It is also home to some stunning scenery and unusual wildlife. In fact, 5% of all known animal and plant species can be found on Madagascar alone. The island alone is home to 250000 species of animals. 70% of them are found nowhere else in the world. It has 14000 different species of plants and 90% of them are endemic to the Island.
The cat-like looking lemurs are only found in the forests of the Madagascar Island.
The Toliara coral reef in the Southwestern Madagascar is the third largest coral system in the world.
The Madagascar Island was created about 88 million years ago by its separation from the Indian subcontinent. This Island is home to many unique species of plants and animals. Thus, Madagascar is also called as ‘eighth continent’ or ‘alternate world’.
AREA IN KM:587,041 km2 (226,658 sq mi)
POPULATION:22,005,222 (July 2012 est.)
COUNTRY: MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and the largest island in the Indian Ocean. If your hoping to visit Madagascar know that it is an incredibly diverse island with huge swathes of virtually uninhabited land to explore . It is also home to some stunning scenery and unusual wildlife. In fact, 5% of all known animal and plant species can be found on Madagascar alone. The island alone is home to 250000 species of animals. 70% of them are found nowhere else in the world. It has 14000 different species of plants and 90% of them are endemic to the Island.
The cat-like looking lemurs are only found in the forests of the Madagascar Island.
The Toliara coral reef in the Southwestern Madagascar is the third largest coral system in the world.
The Madagascar Island was created about 88 million years ago by its separation from the Indian subcontinent. This Island is home to many unique species of plants and animals. Thus, Madagascar is also called as ‘eighth continent’ or ‘alternate world’.
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