Between the turquoise blue water and the spectacular coral reefs lie islands so intriguing they boast some of the high tourist numbers of the islands in the world. 5 Main Islands are the product of the Indian Ocean. They are in no particular order Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Mombasa and Zanzibar. White sandy beaches offer lazy days in the sun. A True beach holiday is the Indian Ocean islands.

Islands highlights:

Mauritius
East of the African continent lies Mauritius, the island of Love. Popular for a variety of hotels and offer excellent value for money and perfect for honeymooners and weddings. Only 4 hour flight from South Africa and no visas are needed by South-Africans. At present no Inoculations or malaria precautions are needed which make it an easy affordable destination for South-African families and couples.

Mauritius resorts boast some of the biggest variety water sports between the islands which are a must on any beach holiday and most are included in packaged deals. Mauritius accommodation is mostly hotel style or beach villas.

Maldives
North East of the African continent approximately 9 hours direct flight to the islands of Maldives. Maldives consist of Atolls which make up the separate islands. Most resorts are positioned on their own island which makes it a truly unique experience. Some of the best diving sites are in the Maldives and because of the remote location and protected reefs Maldives are generally more expensive than Mauritius.

Accommodation in the Maldives range from Beach Bungalows to Water Villas that are built on stilts in the water.

Seychelles
Seychelles are uniquely different to all the islands. Flights from South Africa are approximately 5 hours. Protecting the coral reefs Seychelles have enforced limited number of hotels to its islands. Only 16 of the 115 islands offer accommodation of which only 3 offers more than one hotel - Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

Limiting the amount of people that can visit these islands ensures no overcrowded beaches. This however does come at a price and Seychelles are more expensive than Mauritius.

Zanzibar
Across its mainland Tanzania lays the island of Zanzibar also called Unguja. This island offers are real rustic beach holiday. Luscious palms to old city (Stone Town) tours everything is offered in Zanzibar. Flight time from South Africa is 4 hours. A yellow fever inoculation for South Africans, Malaria precautions and a tourist visa to be paid for is some of the requirements to visit. Resorts are excellent and offers fine dining and great variety. Traditional shows and warm tropical water promises a great holiday or honeymoon.

Mombasa
Mombasa is just off the coast of Kenya, connected to the mainland by two deepwater harbors and about 5 hours flight from South Africa.

Ideal to combine a beach holiday and safari adventure as Kenya offers truly great parks. Reasonably priced with a variety of resorts Mombasa is a great holiday escape. A yellow fever inoculation and vaccination against cholera for South Africans and Malaria precautions are the requirements to visit.

The Indian Ocean islands are a must for your next holiday or that once in a lifetime special honeymoon.