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Photograph by Mike Myers
Mauritius
Mauritius has a much more highly developed tourist infrastructure than most of its "neighbors". There are excellent resorts of international standard offering a full range of watersports, some entertainment and other features like tennis. The island is most easily reached from South Africa and is a frequent destination for South African travelers so packages including airfare from Johannesburg are a good value. Several of the best hotels are: Le Touessrok, and the Saint Geran both of which offer all the 5 star resort amenities expected by international travelers.
Seychelles
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The Seychelles archipelago consists of some 100 islands, only a few of which are inhabited. The islands offer a real taste of paradise on their many unspoiled palm fringed beaches. On the whole, development been ecologically sensitive; no building is permitted to be built higher than the palm trees and most resorts are small. There are many rare indigenous species of birds and animals. A wide variety of watersports are available and there is particularly good SCUBA diving. The islands most often visited are Mahe (site of the international airport), Praslin and La Digue. Visitors staying more than a few days should plan to visit more than one island as each has its own flavor. The islands boast many spectacular resorts and hideaways... none more wonderful than Wilderness Safaris' North Island Lodge which opened in 2001 and has won many awards including the "Best of the Best" from The Robb Report and Conde Nast. www.north-island.com
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South Africa
South Africa boasts thousands of miles of coastline and a huge variety of coastal experiences. Cape Town, Durban and their surrounding coastal resorts offer a full range of accommodation options and excellent watersports. Surfing, diving, deep sea fishing, swimming, and shark encounters are among the activities available. Rocktail Bay, on the Kwa Zulu Natal Coast, was recently named one of the world's most beautiful beaches by a leading travel magazine. Rocktail Bay Lodge offers the visitor a remote getaway that combines beach time with wildlife viewing.
Zanzibar
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Zanzibar is actually two main islands and a group of tiny islets located off the coast of Tanzania. It is easy to reach (by air from Arusha or Nairobi or by air or hydrofoil from Dar es Salaam) and is a great place to go for a quick beach "add-on" to a Tanzanian safari. Historically linked with the Arabia, Zanzibar maintains an exotic feel. Stone Town, the main town on Zanzibar island is a wonderful place to explore... full of winding streets, little shops, courtyards, mosques and semi-ruined reminders of the town's Persian past. The Zanzibar Serena Inn on the edge of town is a good base for these explorations and for touring the the island. The islands' many beach hotels provide excellent water sports and opportunities for relaxation. For true "barefoot luxury", Mnemba Island Lodge located on an islet off the east coast of Zanzibar island, offers ten self-contained cottages with ensuite bathrooms and private verandahs. The lodge offers snorkelling, diving, beach walks, boating and wonderful food and service.
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