South Africa: South Africa & Madagascar

Located along the Southern Cape, Mossel Bay is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Sink your toes into the sands of Santos Beach. Hike up the trail to the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse where the 19th century structure provides stunning views of the surrounding area. Learn about the earliest humans at the Point of Human Origins archaeological site. Then explore the more recent cultural heritage at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum.

Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is one of South Africa’s major municipalities and bears the nickname "The Friendly City." Relax on beautiful King’s Beach. Spot some big game at the Kragga Kamma Game Park nature reserve. Explore the rich history of South Africa’s Eastern Cape at the Donkin Reserve. Try local dishes like potjiekos, an indigenous stew cooked outdoors in a cast-iron pot.

Situated on the deepest natural harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, Richards Bay will thrill both nature and culture seekers. Spend the day walking through the Umlalazi Nature Reserve where you might see one of the rarest birds of pray in South Africa, the Palm-Nut vulture. Catch some sun or some waves at Aklantstrand Beach or learn about South African history and art at the Empangeni Museum.

Immerse yourself in Madasgascar’s largest and most popular destination, Nosy Be. This “Big Island” off the northwest coast is famous for its natural splendor and Ylang Ylang trees that make up a major part of the local economy. Spend the day hanging out with lemurs and chameleons at the Lokobe Reserve. Indulge in local cuisine like the diverse and delectable variations of Laoka. Then brave the highest peak on the island at Mont Lokobe or relax on the beaches of Befotaka Bay.

A gateway to Northern Madagascar, Antisiranana, once Diego Suarez, is at once a buzzing city and a sleepy one. Most residents nap from noon to 3pm and so normally bustling shops and restaurants are closed for a few hours around this time. But even when shops are shut, there’s plenty of architecture and natural beauty to wander through. Ravaged by several cyclones over the centuries, you’ll find several ruins of once-gorgeous French-style architecture. Outside the city, there are beaches to relax on and forests to explore. Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse places in Africa. See what animals you can spot!

With its lush rainforests and beaches bordering coral reefs, Pointe des Galets, Réunion will dazzle you with its natural splendor. This island in the Indian Ocean is a French department and is known for Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano that rises to 8,635 ft. When you’re not hiking through the Bélouve Forest or laying back on l’Hermitage beach, you can visit the Aquarium of Réunion or stop by the Jardin de l’Etat, a botanical garden opened in 1773.

Lose yourself in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. Named after a former French emperor, this port city was a major point of passage for ships sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the famous Champs de Mars race track. Learn about the local history and culture at the Blue Penny Museum. Walk through the gorgeous foliage in Les Jardins De La Compagnie. Then stroll along the Caudan Waterfront to check out the shops, restaurants and famous Chinese Pagoda.