What to See and Do in the African Indian Ocean

Comoros

Nature-Adventure

Culture

Relaxation-Holidays

Madagascar

Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-Holidays ★.

"The Red Island", as Madagascar is nicknamed due to its unique and grand nature, is one of those destinations you dream of visiting but which, in a way, also "earns" its place since independent travel isn’t always easy—at least if you want to step off the beaten path...

Traditionally, Madagascar has its share of devoted fans, and its proximity to Réunion, Mayotte, and to some extent South Africa also brings in a certain clientele. However, beyond the lack of infrastructure, the island’s recurring socio-political tensions in recent years have significantly reduced its tourism potential. In 2013, the "Great Island" welcomed 196,000 visitors (around 140,000 of whom were French), whereas in 2006, there were 312,000 tourists.

Nature-Adventure

If there’s one destination synonymous with nature, it’s Madagascar! The country is incredibly rich in exceptional natural areas, home to 18 national parks and around thirty terrestrial or marine reserves. Add to that a diverse fauna that includes whales and the famous lemurs that have made the island renowned, and nature lovers should find plenty to enjoy. As for "adventure," even a journey through the country off the beaten path counts as one...

Culture

The history and local cultures are rich in traditions and, occasionally, in testimonies—not always easily accessible to the vahaza. Meeting the local people, ideally "guided" by locals, remains the best way to discover Malagasy society.

Relaxation-Holidays

Madagascar has beautiful—even stunning—beaches, but very few seaside resorts given its hundreds of kilometers of coastline, which, admittedly, aren’t always easily accessible. It’s mainly in the north, particularly in Nosy Be and on the island of Saint Mary's Island, that you can enjoy the sea and its activities. Still, "the Red Island" isn’t Mauritius, and it may not be the ideal choice if you’re only looking for a relaxation-focused holiday.

Mauritius

Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation-Holidays ★★★★.

For several decades, Mauritius has been the top tourist destination in the Indian Ocean, with around a million visitors each year (993,000 in 2013), mostly fans of all-inclusive packages. In contrast, independent travelers are relatively few, even fewer in the "backpacker" category, which authorities don’t particularly appreciate.

In terms of visitors, the French—mostly from Réunion—are the most numerous (262,000 in 2012), followed by the British, Germans, South Africans, and Italians. Mauritius sees the most visitors at the end of the year and in August.

Nature-Adventure

Much of the coastline and the southern region of Mauritius offer quite beautiful nature and pleasant landscapes. However, Mauritius is by no means an adventure destination.

Culture

Mauritius is a country where different races and religions blend. This is what creates the Mauritian identity, which can be discovered in everyday life or during festivals. Beyond meeting the local people, the island also has several interesting religious sites, foremost among them Ganga Talao, an important Hindu pilgrimage center, as well as a few small museums.

Relaxation-Holidays

This is the destination’s (very) strong point...

Mayotte

Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation-Holidays ★★.

This small piece of France between Madagascar and the Comoros is off the traditional tourist trail, though it has some definite attractions and offers guaranteed exoticism.

A little over 50,000 people visit Mayotte each year (52,400 in 2013), with over 90% being French from mainland France (52.5%) or Réunion (40%). Their visits are generally linked to professional activities on the island (20% of cases) or to visiting friends or family living there (55%), which means visitors often stay for quite a while—2 to 3 weeks for many.

Nature-Adventure

Though the island is small, it holds a certain richness, both along the coastline and inland, in terms of landscapes, nature, and marine life. However, the island isn’t quite an adventure destination.

Culture

There’s a very present Mahoran culture and traditions on the island that guarantee a certain "exoticism" when arriving, for example, from mainland France. However, this discovery comes mainly—almost exclusively—through meeting the people and everyday life, rather than through any material heritage, which can be said to be nonexistent.

Relaxation-Holidays

Beaches and the lagoon with its diving opportunities and occasional boat trips. So, a setting for relaxation-holidays, though not fully exploited or requiring a certain budget, which makes other places—like Mauritius—preferred for this type of stay.

Réunion

Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-Holidays ★★.

Nature-Adventure

"The Intense Island", Réunion lives up to its name. Whether in terms of landscapes, their richness and variety, or the "nature-sports" activities the destination offers, you’ll be more than satisfied! For all tastes and levels, though it’s true that over time, it can also require a certain budget if you want to multiply the experiences.

Culture

The island has long been a place where different races and religions mix. This is what creates the Réunionese identity, which can be discovered in everyday life or during festivals, rather than through monuments, museums, or material testimonies of history, which are almost nonexistent in the department.

Relaxation-Holidays

Réunion isn’t Mauritius when it comes to beaches, relaxation, and seaside resorts, which are limited here to the west coast. Nevertheless, if you also enjoy the mountains and a slightly "active" relaxation holiday, you should find what you’re looking for.

Seychelles

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★; Relaxation-Holidays ★★★★.

With its paradise beaches, temperate tropical climate, aquatic attractions and activities, coral reefs, unique wildlife, and culinary delights, the Seychelles archipelago is a secure destination ideal for discovery and relaxation. However, rather than mass tourism, the islands have always favored luxury and honeymoon tourism aimed at a high-spending audience.

Nature-Adventure

When it comes to postcard-perfect sea and beaches, the Seychelles may be as close as it gets to what you imagine. Stunning and unique landscapes, plus underwater wildlife and giant tortoises that have become one of the archipelago’s attractions. However, the Seychelles are more of a "relaxation destination" than an "adventure" one.

Culture

The Seychelles aren’t really a destination for cultural trips. Apart from the capital, Victoria, there’s little trace of the past.

Relaxation-Holidays

This is the destination’s very strong point, with the added bonus of being a sought-after setting for honeymoon trips.