Underrated Islands to Visit in Africa

Africa is home to some of the world’s most spectacular islands, yet many travelers only know famous destinations such as Zanzibar, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Beyond these popular names are lesser-known islands offering beautiful beaches, fascinating cultures, wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and unforgettable adventures.

If you’re looking for an African island escape away from large crowds and heavily commercialized resorts, these underrated islands deserve a place on your travel list.

1. São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe

Located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé Island is one of Africa’s best-kept travel secrets. The island combines lush rainforests, volcanic mountains, tropical beaches, and historic Portuguese colonial architecture.

Visitors can explore old cocoa plantations, hike through dense forests, swim in secluded natural pools, and discover quiet beaches surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Why Visit?

• Beautiful tropical landscapes
• Quiet beaches with relatively few tourists
• Historic cocoa plantations
• Excellent hiking opportunities
• Rich Portuguese and African cultural influences

2. Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe

Príncipe is even quieter than São Tomé and is ideal for travelers searching for an authentic tropical escape. Much of the island is covered by protected rainforest, making it particularly appealing to nature lovers.

The island is known for dramatic volcanic formations, pristine beaches, colorful birdlife, and traditional communities.

For travelers who enjoy slow tourism, Príncipe offers the chance to disconnect from busy cities and experience nature at a relaxed pace.

3. Ibo Island, Mozambique

Ibo Island sits within the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique. Once an important trading center, the island has a fascinating history influenced by African, Arab, Portuguese, and Indian cultures.

Its old stone buildings, quiet streets, mangrove forests, and surrounding turquoise waters create an atmosphere that feels far removed from modern tourist destinations.

Things to Experience

• Explore historic architecture
• Take a traditional dhow trip
• Visit local communities
• Explore mangrove ecosystems
• Enjoy peaceful beaches and ocean views

4. Ilha de Moçambique, Mozambique

Ilha de Moçambique is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history and culture. The island was once a major trading hub and contains centuries-old Portuguese and Swahili influences.

Walking through its historic streets reveals old forts, mosques, churches, colonial buildings, and traditional homes.

Unlike a conventional beach holiday, visiting Ilha de Moçambique feels like stepping into a living history book.

5. Nosy Be, Madagascar

Although Nosy Be is one of Madagascar’s better-known islands, it remains relatively underrated compared with major international beach destinations.

The island offers tropical beaches, coral reefs, fragrant plantations, marine life, and access to smaller islands nearby.

Travelers can combine relaxation with snorkeling, diving, boat trips, wildlife encounters, and exploration of local markets.

6. Nosy Komba, Madagascar

For an even quieter experience, head to Nosy Komba. This small volcanic island is surrounded by clear waters and is known for its lush vegetation and traditional villages.

Nosy Komba is particularly attractive to travelers who want a slower island experience without large resort developments.

What Makes It Special?

• Traditional Malagasy villages
• Beautiful beaches
• Snorkeling and diving
• Lush volcanic scenery
• Opportunities to see lemurs

7. Mafia Island, Tanzania

Mafia Island is often overshadowed by Zanzibar, but that is exactly what makes it appealing. Located off Tanzania’s mainland coast, the island offers a much quieter atmosphere and excellent opportunities for marine adventures.

The surrounding waters are home to coral reefs and diverse marine life, making Mafia Island an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving.

Visitors may also encounter whale sharks during the appropriate season, although sightings are naturally never guaranteed.

8. Pemba Island, Tanzania

Pemba Island is another Tanzanian island that receives far fewer visitors than Zanzibar. Its lush landscapes, spice farms, fishing communities, and clear coastal waters make it an excellent choice for adventurous travelers.

The island is especially appealing to divers because of its underwater walls, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.

9. Lamu Island, Kenya

Lamu Island offers a completely different island experience. Instead of focusing purely on resorts and beaches, Lamu combines coastal scenery with centuries of Swahili history.

The narrow streets of Lamu Old Town are best explored on foot, while traditional dhow boats remain an important part of island life.

Top Experiences

• Explore Lamu Old Town
• Take a dhow sailing trip
• Relax on quiet beaches
• Experience Swahili cuisine
• Discover traditional architecture and culture

10. Likoma Island, Malawi

Located in Lake Malawi, Likoma Island proves that you don’t need an ocean to enjoy a spectacular island getaway. The island is surrounded by freshwater beaches and clear lake waters.

Its relaxed atmosphere, friendly communities, and scenic surroundings make it ideal for travelers who want something different from a traditional seaside holiday.

Swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring local villages are among the activities visitors can enjoy.

11. Chizumulu Island, Malawi

Chizumulu is the smaller of the two inhabited islands in Lake Malawi. It offers a peaceful alternative to the country’s busier lakeside destinations.

The island is surrounded by freshwater and has a strong connection to traditional Malawian life. Visitors can explore villages, walk along the shoreline, and enjoy the spectacular views across Lake Malawi.

12. Bijagós Islands, Guinea-Bissau

The Bijagós Archipelago is one of West Africa’s most intriguing island destinations. Made up of numerous islands, the archipelago features mangroves, tidal channels, forests, beaches, and rich wildlife.

The islands are also home to the Bijagós people, whose traditions and relationship with the natural environment are an important part of the region’s identity.

Why Adventurers Should Visit

• Remote island landscapes
• Exceptional wildlife experiences
• Mangrove ecosystems
• Traditional island communities
• Excellent opportunities for nature-focused travel

13. Gorée Island, Senegal

Located just off the coast of Dakar, Gorée Island is small but historically significant. Its colorful colonial buildings and narrow streets contrast sharply with its difficult history connected to the transatlantic slave trade.

A visit here is less about a conventional beach vacation and more about understanding West African history, heritage, and memory.

14. Kunta Kinteh Island, The Gambia

Kunta Kinteh Island lies in the Gambia River and is another destination for travelers interested in African history. The island contains the remains of a former European fort and forms part of an important historical landscape connected to the transatlantic slave trade.

It can be visited as part of a river excursion, offering travelers an opportunity to combine sightseeing with historical education.

15. Ascension Island

Ascension Island is one of the most remote destinations associated with Africa. Located in the South Atlantic, this volcanic island is known for rugged landscapes, unusual wildlife, and dramatic scenery.

It is particularly suited to adventurous travelers who enjoy remote destinations and want to experience an environment far removed from conventional tourism.

16. Saint Helena

Saint Helena is another remote South Atlantic island with a fascinating history and extraordinary landscapes. The island is famous for its connection to Napoleon Bonaparte, but its attractions go far beyond historical sites.

Visitors can explore volcanic scenery, hike through valleys and mountains, discover coastal landscapes, and experience the island’s distinctive culture.

17. Fogo Island, Cabo Verde

Fogo Island is dominated by Pico do Fogo, an impressive volcanic peak that rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape.

The island offers a different side of Cabo Verde, with volcanic terrain, black-sand landscapes, traditional villages, and vineyards growing in remarkably fertile volcanic soil.

Best For

• Hiking
• Volcano adventures
• Photography
• Local food and wine experiences
• Unique landscapes

18. Brava Island, Cabo Verde

Known as the “Island of Flowers,” Brava is one of Cabo Verde’s quieter islands. Green valleys, mountain villages, and colorful vegetation make it particularly attractive to hikers and travelers searching for a peaceful escape.

Brava is a great choice for those who prefer small communities and dramatic natural scenery over busy tourist resorts.

19. Mohéli, Comoros

Mohéli is the smallest of the three main islands of the Comoros and offers an extraordinary combination of tropical forests, beaches, coral reefs, and marine wildlife.

The island is especially interesting for nature lovers, with protected areas supporting turtles, dolphins, and other marine species.

20. Anjouan, Comoros

Anjouan is sometimes described as one of the most scenic islands in the Comoros. Its steep mountains, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and traditional villages create an atmosphere that feels far removed from mainstream tourism.

Travelers willing to explore beyond Africa’s most famous destinations can discover an island with a strong cultural identity and dramatic natural beauty.

How to Choose the Right African Island

The best island for you depends on the type of experience you want. For history and culture, consider Lamu, Ilha de Moçambique, Gorée, or Kunta Kinteh. For wildlife and nature, São Tomé, Príncipe, Mohéli, and the Bijagós Islands are excellent options.

If hiking and dramatic landscapes are your priority, Fogo, Brava, and Anjouan should be high on your list. For diving and marine adventures, Mafia, Pemba, and Nosy Komba are worth considering.

Final Thoughts

Africa’s islands offer much more than postcard beaches. From volcanic mountains and ancient trading towns to protected forests and traditional fishing communities, these destinations provide experiences that are often more memorable precisely because they are less visited.

If you’re planning your next African adventure, consider looking beyond the famous islands. Some of the continent’s most rewarding experiences can be found in places that haven’t yet become household names.