Exotic Dream Destinations

A diverse paradise in the Indian Ocean awaits on Mauritius. In the heart of the island, be inspired by lush rainforests, spectacular waterfalls and a colourful plant and animal kingdom. Meanwhile, breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters will tempt you back to the coast – it's often just a short car journey from the white sandy beach to the thick jungle. The capital city Port Louis is busy all day long, while the neighbouring Creole villages exude nostalgic charm and tranquillity. The varied history of Mauritius has resulted in a mix of ethnicities and religions, all living together in harmony today. You can even taste the variety: the local cuisine combines elements of French, Indian, Chinese and Creole cooking.

Mauritius’ largest city, Port Louis is a vibrant and exciting place whose culture is a mix of African, Chinese and Indian influences. There are activities and sights to keep you busy and explore the different aspects of the city.

Mauritius’ largest city, Port Louis is a vibrant and exciting place whose culture is a mix of African, Chinese and Indian influences. There are activities and sights to keep you busy and explore the different aspects of the city.

The island of Reunion is shaped by an impressive chain of volcanoes, the highest of which, Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise, stretch high up into the blue sky. The diverse landscape is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Thanks to its fascinating biodiversity on the land and underwater and the natural beauty of its scenery, the island has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. A visit to Reunion will be rounded off with a tasting of Creole cuisine, with its impressive variety and intense flavours.

With around 380,000 inhabitants, Toamasina is the second largest city in Madagascar – and by far the most important port city in the country with its unique natural harbour on the east coast. A city walk will take you past historical churches from the colonial era and the busy Bazary Be market. Not far from Toamasina is the Parc Ivoloina: this nature reserve offers visitors the opportunity to see unique animal species such as lemurs and chameleons in their natural environment.

Nosy Nato is an island paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This small island, also known as Ile aux Nattes, is enchanting thanks to its lush vegetation, picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters with dazzling colours. Once a year, the island becomes the scene of a natural spectacle as humpback whales swim off the coastline – a breathtaking sight. Since there are no cars or roads, Nosy Nato is best explored on foot or from a traditional canoe. Visitors can enjoy an authentic experience of the special Madagascan hospitality in the island’s local restaurants. Here you can really enjoy the beauty of nature in all its tranquillity.

Heavenly beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs await visitors to Zanzibar, a fascinating archipelago in the Indian Ocean. On the main island of Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island, and its smaller sister island of Pemba, you will find idyllic beaches to relax on, while the legendary spice plantations fill the air with the scent of vanilla, cloves and cinnamon. Darajani market in Stone Town, the old part of Zanzibar City, is an inviting place for a stroll with its fresh local produce like fish and meat. Impressive buildings such as the House of Wonders, the former Sultan’s palace, and the old Arabic Fort Ngome Kongwe reflect the eventful history of the island and bring times gone by back to life.

Zanzibar and its namesake archipelago are located off the coast of Tanzania. A beacon of Swahili culture, its history is marked by Persian settlers, Omani sultans and a pivotal role in the ivory and spice trades. The island’s geography features the central ridge of Masingini and indigenous forests, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Zanzibar also is heavily invested in the Blue Economy, a holistic initiative encompassing a range of activities that balance economic development with the conservation of marine biodiversity.

Zanzibar and its namesake archipelago are located off the coast of Tanzania. A beacon of Swahili culture, its history is marked by Persian settlers, Omani sultans and a pivotal role in the ivory and spice trades. The island’s geography features the central ridge of Masingini and indigenous forests, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Zanzibar also is heavily invested in the Blue Economy, a holistic initiative encompassing a range of activities that balance economic development with the conservation of marine biodiversity.

On the coast of Kenya, a city full of cultural treasures awaits visitors: Mombasa is the beating heart of the region and at the same time an important port. Mosques, temples and churches stand as testament to the Indian, Arabic and African influences that have shaped the city. The local cuisine is also a heady mix of all these cultures – aromatic and surprising. The iconic Mombasa Tusks mark the entrance to the city. A walk through the old town takes you past traditional Swahili houses and lively markets. The impressive 16th century Fort Jesus provides deep insights into the city's history, while the idyllic Diani and Nyali beaches provide opportunities for relaxation and adventure with sunshine and water sports.

You may well find yourself in Mombasa for a few hours or an overnight stop. The city (which is actually an island linked to the mainland by a ferry) is the second oldest trade center with Arabia and the Far East. Today it still plays an important role as the main port for Kenya. Although it lacks the beautiful beaches of the north and south, it has a rich, fascinating history. Visit the Old Town with its narrow streets lined with tiny shops and souks (markets). The Old Harbour, frequented by numerous dhows, is an ideal place to arrange a short cruise on one of these local boats that have plied the oceans for centuries. Fort Jesus, designed by an Italian and built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, is a major visitor draw and well worth a visit. In summer there's an impressive sound-and-light show.

White sandy beaches lined with palm forests, including Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, are idyllic picture-perfect spots on Praslin, the second largest island in the Inner Seychelles. Anse Lazio in particular, surrounded by impressive granite cliffs, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The island’s interior is home to Praslin’s national park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallee de Mai. This is where the ancient Seychelles coco de mer palm trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, grow. Together with around 43 other species of plant and rare animals like the black parrot, they form a unique natural paradise.

Forty kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Mahé, Praslin is just a 15-minute flight or 45-minute ferry ride away. Praslin, at 11 km (7 miles) long and 4 km (2.5 miles) wide, is the second-largest island in the Seychelles. First settled as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, the island's original name, Isle de Palmes, bears testament to its reputation as home of the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site: the only place in the world where the famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. Praslin's endemic palm forests shelter many rare species, and the island is a major bird-watching destination. Surrounded by a coral reef, majestic bays, and gorgeous beaches, Praslin is much quieter and less developed than Mahé. With few real "sights," the pleasures of Praslin largely involve relaxing in or exploring its stunning beaches and fantastical forests.

La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles, is legendary for its relaxed atmosphere and imposing granite cliffs: the colossal rounded rocks are particularly impressive at the idyllic Anse Source d’Argent, which is perfect for bathing thanks to its shallow turquoise waters. There are hardly any cars on La Digue and most people use bicycles to get around. It's a great way to explore the island and its hidden wild beaches in the north. In the south of the island is the L’Union Estate, a former plantation estate, which provides insights into the traditional trades of the island and is home to two extremely rare species of terrapin.

Forty kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Mahé, Praslin is just a 15-minute flight or 45-minute ferry ride away. Praslin, at 11 km (7 miles) long and 4 km (2.5 miles) wide, is the second-largest island in the Seychelles. First settled as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, the island's original name, Isle de Palmes, bears testament to its reputation as home of the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site: the only place in the world where the famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. Praslin's endemic palm forests shelter many rare species, and the island is a major bird-watching destination. Surrounded by a coral reef, majestic bays, and gorgeous beaches, Praslin is much quieter and less developed than Mahé. With few real "sights," the pleasures of Praslin largely involve relaxing in or exploring its stunning beaches and fantastical forests.

Victoria, the capital and largest city of the Seychelles archipelago, sits on the island of Mahé in the western Indian Ocean. Originally settled by French colonists and called L’Établissement, it was renamed after Queen Victoria during the early 19th century when it became a British colony. Exuding tropical charm, its landmarks include the Clock Tower, an iconic structure erected in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, bustling with vibrant colors and flavors, showcases the island’s abundance of spices, fruits and fish.

Victoria, the capital and largest city of the Seychelles archipelago, sits on the island of Mahé in the western Indian Ocean. Originally settled by French colonists and called L’Établissement, it was renamed after Queen Victoria during the early 19th century when it became a British colony. Exuding tropical charm, its landmarks include the Clock Tower, an iconic structure erected in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, bustling with vibrant colors and flavors, showcases the island’s abundance of spices, fruits and fish.