Tropical Treasures

Tropical Treasures, if powdered white sand, swaying palms, and turquoise water are your idea of paradise, then check out Africa's MOST BEGUILING TROPICAL SPOTS, the perfect places to relax while you sip fresh coconut juice.

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA

Musty, hot, and atmospheric, Zanzibar exudes exoticism. In the UNESCO-listed historic center of Stone Town, iconic crumbling buildings, such as the House of Wonders ( which collapsed partially just recently), the Old Fort, and the Palace Museum, lure in the tourist. Food lovers should visit the Forodhani Gardens food market and stop in at the simple Beyt Salaam hotel in Kelele square. Aside from wandering through the maze of streets, Zanzibar's numerous festivals are the added attractions, such as the Sauti za Busara music festival in February and the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July. Plenty of white, sandy beaches lines the coast, although unchecked hotel growth has made some areas noisy. For party time, try Nungwi in the north; for long beach, walks go to the quieter Matemwe in the east. Glorious sunsets and an altogether more social, hippy vibe emanate from the west coast's Kendwa Beach. Even Fumba in the southwests- traditionally only a dolphin-spotting area, now has laidback lodging. All senses are satiated on this island, as they have been for thousands of years. Head more inland to visit Zanzibars tropical spice plantations, where cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper, as well as coconuts and pineapples, grow in wild profusion.

PRINCIPE ISLAND

Principe Island

Sao Tome and Principe's gorgeous two-island nation lies in the Gulf of Guinea, some 250 km off the west coast of Africa. Principe, the smaller of the two at a mere 142 sq km, is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and a real desert island paradise. The intact equatorial rainforest covering 90 percent of the land is rich with birdlife, including the Principe Weaver, Principe Kingfisher, and some very tame African Grey parrots. Principe has more endemic species per sq km than anywhere on Earth. Humpback whales migrate between August and October, and several turtle species nest on its empty white beaches. The timeless sense of the undiscovered is what makes the island so appealing. Largely uninhabited until Portuguese mariners arrived around 1470, Principle's population hover around 1500, and it still sees only a few tourists a year. There are no newspapers, no buses ad no rush. However, some delightful community-focused lux resorts, including Bom Bom, connect Principe to a smaller satellite isle via a charming wooden walkway and the tented Sundy Praia. For those who like their tropical paradise serene and undiscovered, there are a few places to visit.

MALINDI, KENYA

With its hybrid mix of I/talian, Arab and Kenyan influences, Malindi retains a laidback coastal charm. Founded by Arabs in the 13th century, the town became an important port at the end of the 15th century with Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama's arrival. Watamu, 30 minutes south of Malindi airport, is the best for enjoying endless white sand fringed by casuarinas and palm trees, and it's where houses for rent sit unobtrusively back from the beach. Seafarers can try a spot of deep-sea fishing, for which Watamu is famous. For the whole family, there is Turtle Rehabilitation Centre at Local Ocean Conservation and the fascinating Bio- Ken Snake Farm, which ostensibly houses the most extensive collection of snakes in East Africa.

Meanwhile, yogis will love the treehouse high in the canopy above the Arabuko -Sokoke Forest for their daily practice. The ruins of Gedi- a settlement from the 13th century-provide an atmospheric reminder of the area's past. Giant baobabs and dilapidated buildings indicate a settlement of some stature.

MAURITIUS

2000 km off the southeast coast of Africa and almost surrounded by coral reefs, this charming Creole Island counts tourism as its number one foreign earner. It is an international favorite that gives way to various pretty beaches and stunning harbors dotted with resorts. From family-friendly to golfers paradise, replete with superb service and plenty of activities, there's something for everyone here. To the southwest, around the UNESCO- listed Le Morne Penisula, you'll find fabulous beaches at the foot of an old volcano ( with terrific views from the top), a golf course, prolific reefs, and quite a few sharks. Belle Mare beach boasts calm waters, white sand, and a host of private coves to the east, each with its resort. Pereybere beach in the north has some charming guesthouses for those wanting a more integrated stay, while the small town, Trouaux Birchesm, is the place for a surreal submarine safari. Mauritius is also a destination rich in cultural history. Visitors can view pagodas, temples, and plantation housing that reflects the island's multiple cultures before returning to the beautiful beaches.

COMOROS

The quartet of islands that make up Comoros attracts a mere 4000 travelers each year, belying its clear suitability for tourists. The subline empty beaches- surrounded by craggy islets- are reason enough for a visit here. Each island has its flavor. Grand Comore's capital, Moroni, is near Mount Karthala, the world's largest, continually erupting volcano. Spectacular solidified black lava flows pocket the white, sandy beaches, and the town itself has a laidback Arabic vibe. While Anjoua, "the Pearl of Comoros," is a tropical getaway with air scented by ylang-ylang, vanilla, and closes ( Comoros largest export is perfume essences). Moheli is more popular. It's remote, underdeveloped, and unspoiled; everything you could want from an island holiday. Moheli also has the most accessible accommodation: Moheli Laka Lodge in the spectacular Parc Marin de Moheli. Many people come here for fantastic diving and immaculate beaches with powder-soft sand and clear blue water. And, the coral reefs are some of the best in the Indian Ocean.

SEYCHELLES

Living up to the country's slogan, " as pure as it gets," Seychelles prides itself on its slow- impact tourism, with 50 percent of the entire land area under conservation. A hotel with more than 25 rooms is considered large here, and most are small and very exclusive. This exclusivity has made Seychelles a favorite for famous honeymooners, such as George and Amal Clooney, and Prince William and Kate. They have jetted in to enjoy the extremely private pleasures of numerous lux resorts devoted through the Seychelles 115 far-flung islands. While all of the islands have beautiful beaches in secluded coves, each one has its flavor. The larges island Mahe is the most crowded and contains a lovely mix of French plantation and Creole architecture. Praslin is known for its majestic untouched primary forest in the Vallee de Mai Nature reserve, replete with elusive black parrots and the unique fruit, coco de Mer, another Seychelleois symbol. Nearby, La Digue is a favorite for those seeking Creole culture. The bat curry is a specialty here.

Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi to all of these destinations up to five times per week.

Thanks to Msafiri and Shalini Gidoomal for the content

“ The island is ours. Here, in some way, we are young forever.
~ E. Lockhart”