It is no surprise that Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is one of the most widely published books in history. Island life has occupied the daydreams of young and old since it was first released in 1719... and the remote locations of the Indian Ocean are the perfect antidote to this island fantasy. What better destination for a year-end escape?
Zanzibar; Even the name rings the romance of Africa's spice island. Cloves and coconuts are still the major export; though increasing numbers of tourists are returning each year to soak in balmy blue waters, miles of coral sand and underwater wonderlands begging to be explored. Stone Town is an ancient sultanate, a mystifying maze of alleyways, colourful bazaars, tropical aromas and traditional dhows moored in the bay. The Island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, is also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury!
Seychelles; A fantasy archipelago of over 100 islands lying 1,500 kilometres off the East Coast of Africa. Most of the islands are idyllic private paradise settings with impossibly turquoise waters washing some of the earth's most beautiful settings. This is one unspoiled island paradise not to miss, particularly since the threat of sea-level rise could spell the end of most of these wondrous (but low lying) locations one day.
Mauritius; This fertile island offers every attraction for the perfect island getaway. Capital, Port Lois is the commercial hub and bustling port to this island community of just over 1 million inhabitants: a glorious mix of African, Indian, Chinese and European cultures. Apart from luxurious holiday resorts on breathtakingly beautiful beaches promising superb water sports, there are plenty of other distractions, from day trips into the lush interior and duty-free shopping, to an enchanting mix of cuisines to sample.
Speak to our Uyaphi consultants for an unforgettable Island break on one of these idyllic locations.\
Castaway: African Island Escapes by Uyaphi.com
Mount Meru Hotel
Mount Meru Hotel is nestled against one of the most majestic backdrops in Africa, Mount Meru, the sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro a few kilometres away from Arusha.
Mount Meru Hotel in the city of Arusha is surrounded by 9 acres of tropical landscape and breathe taking views out over the slopes of the mountain.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar brings that touch of luxury and class that Stone Town has been missing for so long. One of the island's top hotels and lodge options for honeymooners and romantics alike.
The Park Hyatt offers a superb position from which to explore all that is a UNESCO World Heritage site - Stone Town.
The Highlands Ngorongoro
The Highlands Ngorongoro with 8 domed tented suites redefines that classic Ngorongoro crater experience striking that balance between a wilderness experience and a contemporary luxurious escape.
The Highlands offers an exclusive private safari to one of Africa's most wildlife rich destinations, The Ngorongoro Crater.
Kilindi Zanzibar
The absolute in 5-star luxury on the island of Zanzibar, the Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar Lodge offers up unique architectural design that embraces a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout all the while offering up the ultimate in privacy and romance.
An exceptional beach lodges and resort with views out over a white sand beach area and waters of the Indian Ocean,
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island, an Arabic word meaning octopus head, is a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16-foot flat-bottomed boat from the Island of Zanzibar, just 1 mile in circumference, a pristine island beach surrounded by a tropical forest.
Without question, Mnemba Island Lodge, one of the most luxurious lodges in Tanzania, perfect for honeymooners and families.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is themed after the original safari camps of the 1930's, located in the central Serengeti National Park region within an area called the Moru Kopjes.
An exceptional camp by any stretch of the imagination, perfect for small families and couples alike.
Sand Rivers Selous
Sand Rivers Selous on the banks of the Rufiji River in one of Africa's largest reserves offers a blend of classic safari elegance and that rugged bush adventure feel.
A small and intimate Selous camp with just eight rooms and suites and more activities that one can shake a stick at.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for couples, families or honeymooners looking for a wonderfully romantic hideaway in the heart of Zanzibar's historic and culturally rich Stone Town.
Zanzibar Palace hotels nine amazing rooms and suites all decorated with the influences of Zanzibar's rich history.