Africa holidays
Turquoise lagoons, spice-scented old towns and some of the greatest wildlife on Earth. Here is where Picolo has been in Africa so far.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Indian Ocean coast of Zanzibar is known for white sand, warm water and tides that reveal sandbanks and coral at low tide.
Africa holidays: where to begin
Africa is a continent of 54 countries, and an Africa holiday can mean almost anything: a week of barefoot luxury on an Indian Ocean island, a safari across the savannah or a city break in Marrakech or Cape Town. The trick is to pick one region and do it well rather than trying to see everything at once.
So far, Picolo has explored the island nation of Mauritius and Tanzania, home to both the Serengeti and the spice island of Zanzibar. Both are classic choices for a first trip to Africa, and both combine beautifully with a few days on the beach.
Mauritius
Mauritius is one of the Indian Ocean's best-loved island escapes, with luxury resorts, calm lagoons and a food scene shaped by India, Africa, China and France.
Mauritius: beaches, lagoons and island cooking
Mauritius lies in the southwestern Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is surrounded by coral reefs, which keep most of its lagoons calm and clear, and it has a green, mountainous interior with waterfalls and hiking trails. The island is easy to travel around, English and French are widely spoken, and the mix of cultures shows up on every plate.
Read our introduction to Mauritius, Africa's island paradise, find out why it works so well for a babymoon in Mauritius, or check in at the adults-only Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel on the island's north coast.
Surf and sea in Zanzibar
Beyond lazy beach days, Zanzibar offers kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling and boat trips out to the reefs.
Tanzania: safari, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Tanzania is one of the best countries in Africa for a safari. The Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are home to lions, elephants, giraffes and the vast herds of the Great Migration, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, rises in the north of the country.
Many travellers end their safari with a few days on Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast with a historic capital, Stone Town, and long white beaches. Meet the Italian hotelier who opened her own hotel on the beach in Zanzibar and never looked back.
A melting pot of flavours
Curries, seafood, street snacks and tropical fruit: Mauritian food borrows from every culture that has settled on the island.
When is the best time for a holiday in Africa?
It depends on where you are going. For Mauritius, the drier and slightly cooler months from May to November are ideal for most visitors, while December to April is hot, humid and the season for tropical storms.
In Tanzania, the long dry season from roughly June to October is the classic safari season, with wildlife gathering around water sources. Zanzibar is at its best in the same months and again from December to February. The long rains usually fall around April and May.
Africa holidays: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place in Africa for a first holiday?
For a relaxed first trip, an Indian Ocean island such as Mauritius or Zanzibar is hard to beat: easy to reach, safe for most travellers and built for holidays. If wildlife is the priority, Tanzania and Kenya are classic safari countries, and many people combine a safari with a beach stay afterwards.
Can you combine a safari with a beach holiday?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular ways to see Africa. In Tanzania, a few days in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro is easily followed by a short flight to Zanzibar. Mauritius also works well after a safari in southern or eastern Africa, with regular flights from Johannesburg and Nairobi.
Do I need a visa for Africa?
Entry rules vary from country to country and change regularly. Some countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival, while others require an e-visa in advance. Always check the current entry requirements and your government's travel advice before you book.
Is Mauritius in Africa?
Yes. Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, around 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of mainland Africa, and is considered part of the African continent. It is a member of the African Union.