When we think of island getaways near Africa, places like Mauritius, Zanzibar, and the Seychelles usually take centre stage.
Rowen Smith / Unsplash
But the continent is surrounded by dozens of lesser-known gems, places where crystal-clear shallows, volcanic landscapes, and slow island living remain blissfully unspoiled. If you’re dreaming of a summer escape that feels both remote and refreshing, these underrated islands are worth adding to your travel list.
1. Mohéli, Comoros
Tiny, lush, and untouched by mass tourism, Mohéli is the quietest of the Comoros islands and arguably the most beautiful. Its emerald forests spill into coral-fringed bays, and its villages still move to the rhythms of traditional island life.
Mohéli Marine Park is a standout attraction, home to one of the Indian Ocean’s richest reef systems. It’s one of the few places where you can swim alongside sea turtles, humpback whales (in season), and colourful shoals of reef fish, often without another tourist in sight. Add in black-sand beaches, markets filled with ylang-ylang and cloves, and warm, welcoming locals, and you get an island escape that feels truly authentic.
Best for: Nature lovers, divers, and travellers craving a slower pace.
2. Rodrigues Island, Mauritius
Rodrigues is Mauritius’s wild little sister, smaller, quieter, and far less commercial. This volcanic island is surrounded by a massive turquoise lagoon and over a dozen smaller islets, making it a paradise for snorkellers, kitesurfers, and beach loungers who prefer seclusion to crowds.
Hiking is one of Rodrigues’s biggest draws: trails take you past giant tortoises, dramatic cliffs, and rural farming villages where life hasn’t changed much in decades. The capital, Port Mathurin, is charming and colourful, and the island’s Creole cuisine—think octopus curry, fresh lime juice, and papaya salads—is simple but delicious.
Best for: Adventurous travellers, those who love small-island culture, and eco-conscious holidaymakers.
3. São Tomé, São Tomé & Príncipe
Often called “Africa’s Eden,” São Tomé is one of the continent’s most underrated destinations. With dramatic volcanic peaks, thick tropical rainforest, cocoa plantations, and empty palm-lined beaches, the island feels like a cinematic backdrop.
Visitors can explore old Portuguese colonial towns, hike to waterfalls hidden in the jungle, or kayak along pristine marine reserves. The island’s cocoa and coffee culture runs deep, don’t leave without tasting locally grown chocolate, considered among the best in the world.
Best for: Eco-travellers, chocolate enthusiasts, and photographers.
4. Príncipe, São Tomé & Príncipe
If São Tomé is underrated, then Príncipe is practically mythical. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with just a few thousand residents, this island is covered in thick rainforest and ringed by dramatic coastlines and ancient volcanic spires.
Príncipe is still incredibly raw, with only a handful of eco-lodges and sustainable resorts. Think empty beaches, bioluminescent waters at night, and guided hikes where you might not see another person all day. The conservation efforts here are fantastic, and the island offers world-class birdwatching, turtle nesting experiences, and rainforest trekking.
Best for: Luxury eco-travel, honeymooners seeking quiet exclusivity, and anyone craving a digital detox.
5. Lamu Island, Kenya
While not exactly unknown, Lamu is still majorly underrated when compared to the mainstream Indian Ocean islands. This Swahili island off Kenya’s northern coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending centuries of Arab, East African, and European trade histories.
Lamu Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and bustling markets. Life moves slowly here, motorized vehicles are almost nonexistent, and donkeys remain the main form of transport. Spend days sailing on a traditional dhow, lounging on Shela Beach, or exploring coral-stone ruins scattered across the island.
Best for: Culture lovers, history buffs, and travellers who prefer character over glitz.
6. Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
If you’re looking for an island chain that still feels untouched, the Quirimbas is one of Africa’s best-kept tropical secrets. Stretching along Mozambique’s northern coast, the archipelago consists of 32 islands, many of which remain uninhabited.
Ibo Island is the cultural heart, an atmospheric place of crumbling Portuguese forts, silversmith workshops, and mangrove-lined waterways begging for exploration. Meanwhile, the outer islands boast powdery beaches and waters ideal for kayaking, diving, and stargazing.
Best for: Off-grid travellers, couples, and anyone wanting a remote beach escape.
7. Nosy Komba, Madagascar
Madagascar’s islands are famously unique, and Nosy Komba is one of its most charming. Located between the larger islands of Nosy Be and the Malagasy mainland, Nosy Komba is a volcanic haven with warm waters, green hills, and beaches dotted with pirogue boats.
The island is known for its small, friendly villages and resident black lemurs that you can spot while hiking through the forest. Snorkelling is excellent, expect to find turtles, coral gardens, and bright tropical fish just metres from shore.
Best for: Wildlife lovers, snorkellers, and those seeking a laid-back stay.
Find your Island Zen this summer
These underrated islands offer some of the Indian Ocean’s most rewarding summer escapes, minus the overwhelming crowds. Whether you’re after pristine reefs, lush volcanic landscapes, or rich cultural heritage, Africa’s surrounding islands deliver world-class beauty with a refreshing sense of discovery.
