beautiful African islands. The largest peninsulas in Africa - names, photos and a brief description

When mentioning an African vacation, most people will probably think of a safari tour, a visit to ancient Egyptian monuments, a trip to Cape Town or Marrakech. However, Africa has several amazing islands.
For example, Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world, but there are also several smaller islands that are definitely worth your vacation. These African islands have a fascinating history, a unique wild nature and beaches that easily rival those of the Caribbean.
Sao Tome This is the most big Island Sao Tome and Principe. Portuguese is spoken on these islands, the island is located between the Equator and west coast Central Africa. Few tourists make it to this island, so those who do can enjoy the chic uncharted waters and explore the tranquil fishing villages who live at their own, leisurely pace. What else is interesting about this island is that you can go to a chocolate factory, or enjoy the best coffee in the world.

Sal
Sal is the most popular island Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 African islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean. Sal Island, which means salt in Portuguese, has become popular because of its wonderful sandy beaches, some of the best wild beaches peace. Main city- Santa Maria, where there are restaurants, bars, music and night life.

moheli
Moheli, also known as Mwali, is the smallest of the three African islands that make up the Comoros group. It is a wild, sparsely populated place with few modern amenities. And also, this island is home to the only national park in Comoros, marine park Mohéli, where you can snorkel and look for superb colorful Coral reefs, which are plentiful here. sea turtles, dolphins and whales - they are all protected by the park.

nosy be
The small island of Nosy Be - the main thing tourist place Madagascar, destination for thousands of tourists from all over the globe who come here all year round. Although the beaches of Nosy Be are not idyllic and less attractive than other beaches in Indian Ocean, they do win a few points in the column of calmness and tranquility. And the main factor is the clear turquoise waters and excellent seafood restaurants where you can order seafood right on the beach.

Djerba
Djerba is the largest island North Africa located close to the coast southern Tunisia. He has beautiful sandy beaches and peaceful, quiet rural life. This is one of the few places that still remain in Tunisia where the Berber language is spoken. The city of Ajim was the location where the scene with Mos Eisley in the first film was filmed in 1977. star wars.

reunion
Reunion - French foreign territory with a population of approximately 800,000, located in the east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius, the nearby island. Arab and Portuguese sailors visited the island, but it was first visited by French sailors who colonized it in 1665. Reunion is similar to the island of Hawaii in that both are located above hot spots in the earth's crust. The island has volcanic origin, most high volcano- Piton des Neiges is located at 3,070 meters above sea level.

Lamu Island
Lamu Island is part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya. Lamu Old Town is the main town on the island, one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Made from coral stone and mangrove timber, the city features courtyards, verandas, and beautifully carved wooden doors. There are no roads on the island, just paths and trails, so there are very few Vehicle.

Mauritius
Mauritius is a small, multicultural island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southeast of the Seychelles. Mauritius was desert island until the Dutch arrived here in 1598. The Dutch left this island in 1710 due to harsh climatic conditions. The French then surrendered the island to the British in 1810. From then on, the island was renamed Mauritius and remained under British rule until it achieved independence. Mauritius is famous for being the only known habitat for the dodo. This bird was easy prey for settlers due to its weight and inability to fly, and disappeared less than 80 years after European colonization began.

Zanzibar
Zanzibar (also called Unguja) is the largest and most inhabited island semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. The African island has been important for centuries shopping mall, a mixture of African, Indian and Arab influences. The main attraction of Zanzibar is stone city, with its whitewashed, coral buildings, charming shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards. Another attraction of this island is the beautiful white sandy beaches that reunite with the turquoise sea.

Praslin
Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles with a population of approximately 6,500 people. Once a haven for pirates and Arab traders, the island is now a popular tourist destination with several hotels and resorts. These are white sandy beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which are considered the most beautiful in the world. Praslin also has stunning expanses of rainforest with rare birds, such as the local Nightingale of the Seychelles. Beautiful nature reserve Valle de Maya is famous for its unique coconut de mer and vanilla orchids.

Seychelles on the map of Africa

Seychelles is the smallest of the African countries with an area of only 455 km². The state unites the placer small islands and reefs in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar, east of the coast of Tanzania.

Geographical position

The Seychelles are located just south of the equator. The archipelago consists of more than seventy flat coral atolls that delineate the outer boundaries, and forty-two hilly inner islands from granite, the largest of which is Mahe. It is here that the most noticeable hill is located - Mount Morne-Seychellois. There are no permanent rivers and lakes, and there are basically no springs on reefs fresh water.

The country is located in the tropics, but local climate very soft, without extreme heat, cloudy days or strong winds. Average annual temperature keeps within +26 - +28 °C. The coldest months are
July and August, at this time the thermometer occasionally drops to +20 °C.

On coral atolls Precipitation practically does not fall during the year, and two seasons are conditionally distinguished on the main islands: dry (cool), which occurs in summer and autumn, and wet (hot) - from the beginning of winter to May. There are almost no typhoons and prolonged downpours that the rest of East Africa is familiar with - as a rule, all rains begin at night and end by morning.

Flora and fauna

The local flora can hardly be called diverse, although truly unique representatives of the plant world can still be found on the territory of the country (first of all, the Seychelles fan palm, whose giant nuts weigh up to 15-20 kg). In the central part of the granite islands, original tropical forests are preserved.

Ancient sea turtles live in the huge lagoon of the Aldabra Atoll, and many birds nest on the uninhabited islands. In coastal waters there are sharks (tiger and whale), hammer and swordfish, manta rays (sea devil), barracuda. There are no dangerous insects in the region.

State structure

Seychelles map

The Seychelles is a republic headed by a president. The parliament is unicameral, there are only three registered parties. The country is divided into 25 districts (districts). The capital is Victoria. The judicial system is based on two types of law at once: English (criminal) and French (civil).

Population

At the time of discovery by Europeans, the islands were uninhabited; their active settlement began in the 18th-19th centuries by immigrants from India and China. At the same time, the British and French colonialists imported slaves for their plantations, which were supplied by the continental countries of Africa. Today, about 90 thousand people live in the Seychelles, who are almost impossible to be divided along ethnic lines (the absolute majority of the citizens of the republic are mestizos).

The government has achieved undoubted success in the social sphere. High duration life, decent health care, almost one hundred percent literacy of the adult population favorably distinguish the state from its neighbors. The country has three official languages: Creole and two European (French and English). In religious terms, Catholics predominate (more than 80%), but almost all of them simultaneously perform pagan gris-gris cults.

Economy

The main article, due to which the state budget is filled - international tourism(it brings to the treasury three-quarters of all foreign exchange earnings). Thanks to unique climate, incredible natural beauties and decent infrastructure Seychelles becomes more popular every year.

The authorities also pay attention to the development of industry and agriculture (the cultivation of cinnamon, bananas, vanilla). The basis of exports is seafood, canned fish, spices, and imports are fuel, machinery and manufactured goods. The unemployment rate is low (only about four percent).

The Portuguese were the first to map the Seychelles, the British landed on the coast, and the French began to create settlements. For a long time these lands were a haven for pirates. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the islands were considered the official possession of Great Britain, which in 1976 granted independence to its overseas colony.

Immediately after that, the country was in the grip of a political fever - one after another, attempts were made to overthrow and overthrow the existing rulers. At the moment, the situation has finally stabilized.

Attractions

For a look at the legendary Seychelles palm trees, it is best to go to national park Praslin, and on the island of St. Anne you can visit the unique Botanical Garden. in the capital for curious tourists there will be interesting museums And architectural monuments (Clock tower, Cathedral Immaculate Conception). But the main attraction of the "African paradise" is its amazing beaches and clear ocean waves.

Seychelles photo

Africa attracts tourists, because this place is beautiful, exotic and unusual. But besides this, the Black Continent is the hottest, the local weather has a lot of features that need to be taken into account when planning to African countries.

To highlight the best seasons for holidays in Africa, you need to decide on the desired activities and the country where you want to do all this. It is clear that beach relaxation will be best in warm and dry weather, but it is better to make excursions in cool weather. It should be taken into account that the African heat can be a special and tough test for a foreigner, so the timing of the trip is extremely important as a guarantee of a successful vacation.

Those located in the northern part of the mainland are the most attractive for tourists with their location and services, but here you can usually relax all year round, which also contributes to their popularity. However, the summer months here, as well as almost everywhere, are especially hot, and winds are not uncommon, all this can make the rest problematic.

As for, among them there will always be those who are ready to receive travelers, regardless of the time of year. This country is truly universal, because both winter and summer seasons V different areas bring the best memories. The local beaches are always open, but when the heat is not so severe, you can go on unique excursions.

Other North African countries are considered popular among tourists:

Morocco;
Tunisia;
Algeria.

You can go here already from May, at this time the best seasons for relaxing on local beaches open. And such conditions last until the beginning of autumn, in September-October it only ends the Velvet season, which is especially warm and pleasant here.

In addition to northern Africa, tourists often travel to other regions, having fallen in love with certain countries:

Oriental;
Southern.

And if in the first sub-region the leaders of visits are Tanzania and Kenya, which surprise with the unique African nature that creates excellent conditions for a memorable safari, then in the second the list of countries is much larger:

Madagascar;
Mozambique;
Namibia;
Zimbabwe;
Zambia;
Botswana.

There is such a division into seasons:

dry - from July to September, from December to March;
wet - October-November, from April to June.

Wherein best season it is impossible to single out for recreation, because you can bask on the beaches and get acquainted with the local amazing nature all year round.

In southern Africa, there are such seasons:

hot - from October to April;
cool with rains - from May to September.

Holiday season in Africa

Traveling in Africa is usually associated not only with various types of safaris, but also with exotic paradise nature, which is present on the islands around the mainland, and colorful beaches. It is here that you can completely forget about civilization, retire and plunge into an unknown world.

The largest African island in the Indian Ocean is not the size that attracts tourists, but the special local nature that has gone through a unique development path. There are the rarest examples of representatives of flora and fauna, besides, the local beaches delight with convenience, cleanliness and picturesqueness.

All year round this island is interesting and hospitable, but the most convenient are the dry seasons of rest on the islands, here it is the period lasting from April to November.

Unforgettable for sure will be, and because the local beaches are an ideal idea of \u200b\u200brest, having cleanliness and white sand. Excursions to ancient districts with sights are also interesting here.

At any time in Zanzibar you can find entertainment, and only rain can interfere, but they are possible:

from April to May;
from November to December.

For the best beach holiday you can also go to the island of Principe, because there is an ideal Sandy shore and rocky bottom. But the holiday season on the island is short (June-September), because only at this time the number of cages is minimal.

The neighboring island, which makes up the first part of the country's name, is also popular with vacationers, but people come here mainly because of the sights, because the most convenient dry season for walking and relaxing is June-September, and just at this time the coastal water is the coolest.

The best beaches with snow-white landscapes are collected on the island of Sal, only surrounding nature not happy with the colors. To feel the cleanliness of local beaches and the warmth of ocean water, come here in June-December.

The Seychelles and the Maldives are loved and known by many, here the holiday season on the islands is not limited, the whole year tourists are waiting for warmth, exoticism and flavor. Just on Maldives it sometimes rains during the summer months.

The African continent is surrounded by many large and small islands. Some of them are so distant from the mainland that it would be more correct to attribute them to oceanic islands. Flora and fauna are not always very different from coastal areas mainland, but endemic life forms are often found. Washed down warm waters Atlantic and Indian Oceans, African islands look like heavenly corners among the endless expanses of water. This article provides a list of the ten largest islands in Africa with names, a brief description, photos and location on the map.

Tristan de Cunha archipelago

Tristan da Cunha Island

The total area of all the islands of the archipelago is 207 km², and the most large island Tristan de Cunha has an area of 98 km². The island is round in shape and 9.5 km in diameter. This is the most distant land from the African mainland, located in the southwest. Tristan de Cunha was formed thanks to the once active volcano Queen Mary about 1 million years ago.

Tristan de Cunha on the map/Wikipedia

The island has a rocky coast and mountainous relief. The island is dominated rainy weather with the winds. There are practically no mammals; among the birds, the Tristan shepherd also lives. The flora is represented by shrubs and dwarf trees. Tristan de Cunha, together with the islands of Saint Helena and Ascension, belongs to overseas territories Great Britain. The permanent population lives in administrative center Edinburgh.

Sao Tome

The area of the island is 854 km²; length - 48 km, width - 32 km. Sao Tome is located off the western coast of the African continent at a distance of 240 km from port city Port Gentil, Gabon, and also 2 km north of. The island is of volcanic origin. Along coastline convenient bays and bays were formed. Most of the island is occupied by mountains up to 2024 m high. The sources of fresh water are rapids.

Sam Tome Island on the map/Wikipedia

Sao Tome is famous for its citrus and peach groves. Coconut and banana palms grow on the plains. The coastal waters are inhabited by thorns, sailfish. There are a lot of amazing and endemic bird species on the island. Of the animals, sea turtles are remembered, which lay their eggs on local beaches. Sao Tome is part of the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe. The indigenous people are descendants of slaves, in addition to them, Creoles live on the territory. In total, the island is home to over 150,000 people, or 96% of the country's total population.

Zanzibar

The area of the island is 1666 km²; length about 85 km, width - 30 km. The island is located in the Indian Ocean near east coast continent. Zanzibar is mainland island, which was formed about 20 million years ago. The coast is replete with small islands, rocks and reefs. In the central part of the island, Mount Karnukhala is located, having a height of 136 m. There are many rivers on the island that flow into the Zanzibar Strait.

Zanzibar Island on the map/Wikipedia

The flora is not very diverse, dominated by several types of palms. Due to the abundance, a variety of bird species make their nests on the coasts. The national park is teeming with monkeys, flying dogs and turtles. The island belongs to Tanzania. Zanzibaris are natives of continental Africa.

Mauritius

The area of the island is 1865 km²; length - 65 km, width - 45 km. The island is located in the Indian Ocean at a distance of about 900 km from Madagascar. Mauritius is of volcanic origin. The island has mountains that used to be active volcanoes.

Mauritius Island on the map/Wikipedia

About 400 plant species grow in Mauritius. coastal zone chosen by various amphibians. almost not represented. Mauritius is island nation. Indigenous people calls themselves Indo-Mauritians.

Bioko

Bioko area - 2017 km²; length about 70 km, width - 32 km. The island is located 32 km off the west coast of Africa. Bioko is of volcanic origin. On the territory of the island there are many craters of extinct volcanoes. Before the sea level rose about 10,000 years ago, Bioko was a peninsula attached to what is now Cameroon. The highest point of the island - Pico Basile has a height of 3012 m above sea level.

Bioko Island on the map/Wikipedia

Varied due to fertile soil. Most of area covered tropical forests. is also rich, which is explained by its proximity to the continent and the absence of large ones. The island belongs to Equatorial Guinea. The indigenous people call themselves Bubi and Fernandino.

Tenerife

The area of the island is 2034 km²; length about 80 km, width - 11 km. The island is located in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa, and is the largest in the archipelago. Canary Islands. Tenerife is of volcanic origin. There are many rocks along the banks, and the area itself is mountainous.

Tenerife island on the map/Wikipedia

The climate of the north and south is influenced by mountain range, dividing the island in half. unique flora represented by balsamic spurge, Canary pine, dracaena. Nowhere else in the world can you find the Tenerife gecko, spotted lizard and skink. The island belongs to Spain. Indigenous population by all indications - the Spaniards.

Comoros

Mayotte Island

The area of the archipelago is 2236 km². The Comoros are of volcanic origin and are located in the Indian Ocean between continental Africa and Madagascar. Most ancient island archipelago - Mayotte has an area of about 360 km²; length - 39 km, width - 20 km. All year round, the archipelago is dominated by a humid climate without significant temperature fluctuations. Animal and vegetable world despite this, they are varied.

Comoros on the map/Wikipedia

Most of the area is covered with evergreen forests. live in coastal coral reefs different kinds fish, as well as sharks and manta rays. Of the animals, lemurs, turtles, bats and mongooses live here. The islands of the archipelago belong to Comoros and France, and are inhabited by natives, Arabs and immigrants from France.

reunion

The area of the island is 2511 km²; length - 63 km, and width - 45 km. The island is located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar and 175 km from Mauritius. Reunion was formed as a result volcanic activity. It has large lava fields, part of the area is covered with forests.

Reunion Island on the map/Wikipedia

Many species of birds live here. An oceanarium and a croco park have been created on the island. Reunion belongs to the overseas possessions of France. Creoles are considered to be the indigenous inhabitants, besides them, Indians and French live on the island.

Socotra

The area of the island is 3626 km²; length - 130 km, width - 42 km. Socotra is located in the Indian Ocean east of the mainland, 240 km from the Horn of Africa. It was formed as a result of a shift tectonic plates. The coast is dominated by coral reefs and rocks.

Socotra Island on the map/Wikipedia

The island has a unique flora and fauna. Only here you can see the dragon tree, the long-tailed starling and the Socotran sunbird. Socotra belongs to Yemen. The population is mainly represented by the local ethnic group, the Socotrians.

Madagascar

The area of the island is 587041 km²; length - 1600 km, width - 400 km. It is a mainland island, which is located in the southeast direction from the coast of mainland Africa. The mountainous terrain smoothly turns into plains. highest point is dormant volcano Marumukutru, 2876 m. river system replete with waterfalls and rapids. The climate is monsoonal, equatorial.

Madagascar Island on the map/Wikipedia

Minerals have been discovered on the island. Flora and fauna have been preserved since ancient times and about 90% of the species are endemic. Only here you can see the iron tree, baobab, rosewood tree. Madagascar is known for lemurs, tomato frogs and leaf-tailed geckos. The territory of the island is under the control of the Republic of Madagascar. The population of about 25 million people is represented mainly by the Malagasy ethnic group.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Sao Tome

It is the largest island in Sao Tome and Principe. These islands speak Portuguese and are located between the Equator and the west coast of Central Africa. Few tourists make it to this island, so those who do can enjoy the gorgeous uncharted waters and explore the tranquil fishing villages that live at their own leisurely pace. What else is interesting about this island is that you can go to a chocolate factory, or enjoy the best coffee in the world.

Sal
Sal is the most popular island of Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 African islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean. Sal Island, which means salt in Portuguese, has become popular because of its wonderful sandy beaches, some of the best wild beaches in the world. The main town is Santa Maria, where there are restaurants, bars, music and nightlife.

moheli
Moheli, also known as Mwali, is the smallest of the three African islands that make up the Comoros group. It is a wild, sparsely populated place with few modern amenities. Also, this island is home to the only national park in the Comoros, the Moheli Marine Park, where you can snorkel and look for the superb colorful coral reefs that abound. Sea turtles, dolphins and whales are all protected by the park.

nosy be
The small island of Nosy Be is the main tourist destination of Madagascar, a destination for thousands of tourists from all over the world who come here all year round. While the beaches of Nosy Be are less idyllic and less inviting than other beaches in the Indian Ocean, they do score a few points for tranquility and tranquility. And the main factor is the clear turquoise waters and excellent seafood restaurants where you can order seafood right on the beach.

Djerba
Djerba is the largest island in North Africa, located off the coast of southern Tunisia. It has beautiful sandy beaches and peaceful, quiet rural life. This is one of the few places that still remain in Tunisia where the Berber language is spoken. The town of Ajim was the location where the scene with Mos Eisley in the first Star Wars movie was filmed in 1977.

reunion
Réunion is a French overseas territory with a population of approximately 800,000, located in the east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius, the nearest island. Arab and Portuguese sailors visited the island, but it was first visited by French sailors who colonized it in 1665. Reunion is similar to the island of Hawaii in that both are located above hot spots in the earth's crust. The island is of volcanic origin, the highest volcano - Piton des Neiges is located at 3,070 meters above sea level.

Lamu Island
Lamu Island is part of the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya. Lamu Old Town is the main town on the island and one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Made from coral stone and mangrove timber, the city features courtyards, verandas, and beautifully carved wooden doors. There are no roads on the island, just paths and trails, so there are very few vehicles.

Mauritius
Mauritius is a small, multicultural island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southeast of the Seychelles. Mauritius was an uninhabited island until the Dutch arrived in 1598. The Dutch left this island in 1710 due to harsh climatic conditions. The French then surrendered the island to the British in 1810. From then on, the island was renamed Mauritius and remained under British rule until it achieved independence. Mauritius is famous for being the only known habitat for the dodo. This bird was easy prey for settlers due to its weight and inability to fly, and disappeared less than 80 years after European colonization began.

Zanzibar
Zanzibar (also called Unguja) is the largest and most populated island of the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago, off the coast of Tanzania. The African island was for many centuries an important trading center, a mixture of African, Indian and Arab influences. The main attraction of Zanzibar is Stone Town, with its whitewashed, coral buildings, charming shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards. Another attraction of this island is the beautiful white sandy beaches that reunite with the turquoise sea.

Praslin
Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles with a population of approximately 6,500 people. Once a haven for pirates and Arab traders, the island is now a popular tourist destination with several hotels and resorts. These are white sandy beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which are considered the most beautiful in the world. Praslin also has stunning expanses of rainforest with rare birds such as the native Seychelles Nightingale. The beautiful nature reserve of Valle de Maya is famous for its unique coconut de mer and vanilla orchids.