Africa’s coastlines and inland lakes are home to a scattering of spectacular islands—some volcanic, others coral-ringed, some full of colonial echoes, others pulsing with Swahili culture.
While Seychelles and Zanzibar get most of the glory, there’s a host of overlooked alternatives still under the radar. Best of all? If you’re a South African passport holder, these island escapes come with no visa requirements. Here’s where to set your compass.
Ibo Island – Mozambique
Picture/Les deux pieds dehors
Part of the Quirimbas Archipelago off northern Mozambique, Ibo Island feels like a place suspended in time. Once a trading hub along East Africa’s Swahili coast, it’s now a quiet settlement where timeworn Portuguese forts and old colonial mansions peek through overgrown bougainvillaea. There’s no rush here—life flows to the rhythm of the tides.
Things to do: Walk among the ruins, take a dhow safari through mangrove channels, or learn traditional silver jewellery-making from local artisans. Snorkelling and diving reveal vibrant coral reefs, while the island’s tranquil vibe makes it ideal for a digital detox.
South Africans can visit Mozambique visa-free for up to 30 days.
Nosy Komba – Madagascar
Picture/Madagascar Travel and Tours
Overshadowed by its glitzy neighbour, Nosy Be, Nosy Komba offers a more authentic Malagasy island experience. With no roads or cars, visitors travel on foot or by pirogue, weaving through rainforest trails or sunbathing on black volcanic beaches.
Things to do: See black lemurs in their natural habitat, browse locally embroidered linens in the market, and enjoy a rustic seafood lunch with ocean views. For hikers, the trail to the summit offers panoramic vistas over turquoise waters and the surrounding islets.
Visitors do not need a visa if travelling for 15 days or less but must pay a EUR10 administrative fee on arrival
Lamu Island – Kenya
Stanislav Lvovsky/Unsplash
Lamu is a living relic of Swahili coastal culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. Located off Kenya’s northern coast, this island feels like it’s been untouched by modern hustle. Narrow alleyways weave through coral stone houses, where donkeys still reign as the main form of transport.
Things to do: Visit Lamu Museum, take a sunset dhow cruise, or attend one of the island’s lively festivals like the Lamu Cultural Festival or the Maulidi Festival. The combination of centuries-old architecture, artisanal markets, and beachside serenity makes this island ideal for cultural immersion and deep rest.
South Africans can stay visa-free in Kenya for up to 90 days.
Idjwi Island – Democratic Republic of Congo
Picture/Final Boarding Call/Samual Cobley
Tucked inside Lake Kivu between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Idjwi Island is Africa’s second-largest inland island—but barely makes it onto travellers’ maps. Idjwi is peaceful, isolated, and deeply green, where fishing boats drift on still waters and coffee cooperatives provide the main income for islanders.
Things to do: Stay at a local eco-lodge, kayak the lake’s tranquil waters, or visit community development projects focused on sustainable agriculture and reforestation. Idjwi offers a rare opportunity to travel slowly and connect deeply with local life.
While a visa is technically required for the DRC, South Africans can often obtain one via a visa on arrival or an e-visa, depending on their point of entry.
ALSO READ: Top scenic spots in South Africa that are worth the effort
Île aux Nattes – Madagascar
Picture/Avisd’assiette
Just off the southeastern tip of Île Sainte-Marie lies the tiny Île aux Nattes—a picture-perfect slice of island life with no cars, no crowds, and no concrete resorts. Palm trees sway above powdery beaches, and you can circle the island in a leisurely hour on foot.
Things to do: Swim in crystal-clear shallows, snorkel coral gardens, and sip fresh coconut water under a thatched parasol. It’s the ultimate place to disconnect—ideal for couples, solo wanderers, and off-grid seekers.
Visitors do not need a visa if travelling for 15 days or less but must pay a EUR 10 administrative fee on arrival
Chole Island – Tanzania
Picture/Tanzania Specialist
Located in the quiet Mafia Archipelago off Tanzania’s coast, Chole Island is a place where ancient baobabs grow through the ruins of Omani trading posts, and eco-lodges blend seamlessly into the forest. It’s a shining example of low-impact tourism and slow travel.
Things to do: Dive or snorkel with whale sharks (seasonal), explore crumbling ruins now overtaken by jungle, and sleep in treehouse lodges that support local development. The island’s charm lies in its wildness and the strong bond between people and place.
South Africans can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
São Tomé Island – São Tomé & Príncipe
Picture/Timbuktu Travel
Often called “Africa’s Eden,” São Tomé is the larger of the two islands making up this West African nation. With its misty volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, and colonial coffee estates, it feels more like a storybook than a real destination.
Things to do: Hike through Obô Natural Park, visit sustainable chocolate plantations, explore waterfalls like São Nicolau, and enjoy Afro-Portuguese cuisine in the capital city. The island’s Afro-Lusophone culture is as rich as its biodiversity.
South African passport holders need a visa to enter São Tomé.
Quick tips for island hopping
- Check flight routes: Many of these islands are remote, requiring connecting flights or boats, but that’s part of the adventure.
- Travel light: Infrastructure is minimal on many of these islands, so pack for simplicity and flexibility.
- Support local: Choose locally owned lodges, buy from markets, and travel with respect for island communities.
- Go off-season: You’ll dodge the (small) crowds and enjoy lower prices and more authentic interactions.
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