Indian Ocean Beaches

The Indian Ocean islands have plenty on offer for snorkellers, swimmers, sports nuts and even sun-lounge lizards.

Overview

Indian Ocean Beach holiday destinations and resorts in the Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique & Madagascar.

The Seychelles

If your idea of paradise is a really pretty beach, then you’re in good company. It’s a widely held belief that Praslin in the Seychelles was the original ‘Garden of Eden’. The almost impossibly photogenic beaches of nearby La Digue island are often on those 'best beaches in the world' lists that the glossy magazines love. Given that the Seychelles is composed of 115 tiny islands, there are probably more beaches in this country than most. And the country certainly boasts way more than its fair share of  natural beauty.

Mauritius

Mauritius makes for a great Indian ocean beach holiday, especially for energetic people who relish lot of activities. Kite-surfing, water skiing, kayaking, deep sea fishing are all on offer. It also boats a range of family-friendly hotels with organised kids clubs and babysitters so that parents can grab some time for themselves.

The hard part is deciding which side of the island is right for you. Just a four hour flight from South Africa, its also easy to combine with a South Africa or Botswana safari.

Indian Ocean Beach Holidays

Madagascar

You might not hit upon Madagascar as the obvious choice for an Indian Ocean beach holiday. Though the beaches are glorious, white and clean, there are other destinations which present fewer travel challenges. But it's perfect for divers looking for somewhere different. Other visitors want to combine a beach holiday with exploring the natural beauty, culture and unique wildlife. The other-wordly island of Madagascar can be a fascinating beach holiday destination for the adventurous.

Indian Ocean Beach Holidays

Mozambique islands

In the south the Bazaruto Archipelago offers fantastic beaches with direct flights from Kruger Park to the local airport at Vilanculos. In the far north is the remote Quirimbas Archipelago, idyllic tropical islands with powdery coral shores.

Indian Ocean Beach Holidays

Best time of year for an Indian Ocean beach holiday?

The islands of Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar are generally year-round beach holiday destinations in terms of temperature. But sun-worshippers should take note that cyclones and downpours often hit from mid-January to mid-March. So this time is best avoided.

However, the risk of cyclones is less with the Seychelles, as it is further north.  The Seychelles has a more even, warm temperature throughout the year, as does the Madagascar coast.

The further south in Africa you travel, the more you see the seasonal changes. So southern Mozambique has hot summer days, up to 38 degrees. But mid-winter temperatures (June-July) will tend to hover around 24-26 degrees, dropping  at night.

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Highlights

  • Perfect combination of white sand, lush vegetation, uncrowded beaches and hot weather
  • Sea temperatures stay warm through-out the year
  • Some islands are easy to combine with a safari on the mainland.

Special memories

"I would like to thank you for the very full and comprehensive travel documents you put together for us – it made our trip so easy! The organisation was perfect and it was so helpful to have contact names for our hosts along the way! Our trip has certainly wetted our appetite for more holidays farther from home and other parts is SA. I have no doubt we’ll be returning one day! My overriding memory though is of the friendly people !” " Mr Mo Hemsley, UK

1st class

"We have had Sonja with Cedarberg plan our trips for years and they have all been excellent. The properties she has chosen for us have all been 1st class and exactly what we wanted. Many were a giant puzzle of flights, drivers and lodging reservations and they all fit together perfectly. " Mrs Marianna Willis

Seamless and amazing

"Thank you so much, we have returned and we had the best, best, best time! Thank you so much it was seamless and amazing, I would use Cedarberg again. Thank you Maddy! " Mr Ben Cunningham, USA
 

Natasha Jantjies

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Natasha, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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"We had a wonderful trip largely thanks Cedarberg Travel. THANK YOU!! Thank you again Mari. We had a trip packed with fun, laughter, wildlife and bucket showers, all at a relaxed pace which made us all believe we had a real holiday, even if it started at 5.am every morning! I believe that you gave us 3 wonderful lodges ( arguably best we have visited in the African continent all with their special touch and ambiance, thank you.) Once again, another “Mari masterpiece”. You delivered us a near perfect experience, thank you again Mari. " Mr Dennis Lee

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