East African Islands
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Countries and territories
A small island group in the Mozambique Channel and an historic crossroad of cultures
Expect the unexpected in the land of the lemurs and the so-called eighth continent
An island with a population mainly descended from Indian indentured labourers
Geographically and culturally part of the Comoros and formerly ruled by France as part of the Comoros, it voted to remain part of France when the rest of the Comoros opted for independence
A piece of France all the way in the Indian Ocean
A group of 115 islands northeast of Madagascar and the smallest country in Africa by both area and population
Réunion, Mauritius and Rodrigues are collectively known as the Mascarene Islands.
The region also has some small islands administered by France, without regular transportation or hospitality venues.
- — a small atoll with an unpaved airstrip.
- — are all part of a small atoll with one airstrip and some anchorages.
- — is a small uninhabited island claimed by Mauritius.
The islands along Africa's coast, such as Socotra, Zanzibar, Mafia Island, the Bazaruto Archipelago and Ilha de Mozambique, have natural and cultural similarities to these islands. They are described as part of their respective country.
Cities
- — also known as Tana, is the capital of Madagascar
- — the largest town in Mayotte
- — capital and largest city of the Comoros
- — the capital of Mauritius
- — the largest town in Réunion
- — the capital of the Seychelles and one of the smallest capitals in the world
Other destinations
- — the home of the indri lemurs
- — one of the most biologically diverse areas in all of Madagascar
- — a national park in the mountains of Mauritius
- — the smallest and perhaps the most beautiful of the Comoro Islands
- — a volcano on Réunion
- — "Mauritius 25 years ago"
Understand
Both the natural and human history of the East African islands differs from the history of continental Africa. 90% of the wildlife of Madagascar is found nowhere else on the planet. The first inhabitants of Madagascar arrived from Southeast Asia, while the locals of India origin form the majority in Mauritius and substantial minorities in Réunion and Seychelles.
Arab trade and exploration flourished in the region between the 10th and 16th centuries. The Arabs also brought Islam to the lands, and it took in a big way in the Comoros and Mayotte. European influence and colonialism began in the 15th century, as Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama found the Cape Route from Europe to India. The Portuguese, Dutch and English set up trading posts in the region for the East Indian Companies. By the 19th century, France became the major colonial power on the islands, and still possesses some of them.
Arab trade and exploration flourished in the region between the 10th and 16th centuries. The Arabs also brought Islam to the lands, and it took in a big way in the Comoros and Mayotte. European influence and colonialism began in the 15th century, as Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama found the Cape Route from Europe to India. The Portuguese, Dutch and English set up trading posts in the region for the East Indian Companies. By the 19th century, France became the major colonial power on the islands, and still possesses some of them.
Get in
As most of these islands have been part of the French Empire or are still governed from Paris in some form, many intercontinental flights arrive from France; especially Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). The more touristed islands receive flights from hubs in Europe and Asia.
Flying is also the most practical way to travel between the islands, since cruise ships and ferries are few and far between.
Flying is also the most practical way to travel between the islands, since cruise ships and ferries are few and far between.
Get around
By plane
There are some domestic flights within Madagascar and you can "island hop" to some extent but some connections are awkward and it may sometimes be easier to fly back to the mainland or even to France for some trips.By boat
You CAN get between different countries/territories on boats, but they are slow and expensive.See
The wildlife of these islands differs greatly from mainland African wildlife. Lemurs on Madagascar are among the biggest drawcards.
Do
Obviously, these islands are great for water sport. Even the smaller islands have great inland sceneries for outdoor life.
Stay safe
The East African Islands are generally much safer than most of mainland Africa, although safety varies from island to island. Réunion and Mayotte have comparable safety to metropolitan France.