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
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is situated on top of Sasakwa Hill with panoramic views of the vast Plains below; this Serengeti National Park lodge is built in the style of an East African ranch house.
If it's solitude you seek, then Grumeti Reserves is the place to be, game drive safaris near the Grumeti River are fantastic year round.
Siwandu Camp
Siwandu Camp in the Selous Game Reserve is spread along the lake shore, and is designed to blend in with the spectacular natural Selous scenery in what is one of the most photogenic areas, each of the nine safari tents sits atop its own raised timber platform.
Perfectly positioned close to the Rufiji River system for spectacular wildlife and game drive options when on safari in the Selous.
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.
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp is the only Lake Victoria accommodation establishment found in the Rubondo Island National Park, an island and forest that is a haven for wild chimpanzee, sitatunga antelope, elephant and giraffe.
Rubondo Island Camp offers guests in exclusivity and privacy when on safari here at the edge of Lake Victoria.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Radiating simplistic elegance in the middle of the Serengeti plains, Singita Sabora Tented Camp, with her nine tented suites, evokes a romantic "Out of Africa" adventure with vintage safari tents dressed in classic Edwardian safari accommodation style.
located in the heart of the Grumeti Reserve, a private concession bordering the famed Serengeti.
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Astride the path of the Elephant Migration, Treetops sits alone in a private game reserve bordering the Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe amid rolling, baobab-studded hills with views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley wall.
Game drives in the Tarangire can compete with the best in Africa; one will certainly not be disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.
Ngorongoro Farm House
Ngorongoro Farm House with 52 cottages is a fantastic base from which to explore all the surrounding attractions of Tanzania's "Northern Circuit" whilst offering good value for money to-boot.
The lodge is situated halfway between Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara whilst offering activities locally that include mountain biking, hiking and cultural visits.
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is set overlooking dense forest that fringes the bordering Ikuka escarpment in the wildlife and birdlife-rich Ruaha National Park.
This Ruaha Private House is the perfect accommodation option in Ruaha for a small group of family or friends that are seeking out a more private safari option.