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PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 03:00 PM

The Mascarenes Destination Guide

The islands of Mauritius, La Réunion and Rodrigues form the Mascarene archipelago, the remains of an ancient land mass which once united Asia and Africa. This volcanic, mountainous archipelago remained undiscovered until the end of the 14th century, when it's thought Arab seamen, blown off their trading route, stumbled across the islands.

However, it wasn't until the Dutch established a settlement here in the 17th century that the islands finally became inhabited. These many centuries of isolation resulted in a remarkable flora and fauna unique to the Mascarenes and, although many species, including the Dodo, have since become extinct, some indigenous birds and reptiles can still be found here, while the surrounding waters are home to the Blue, Black and Striped Marlin, the most powerful fish in the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius

Mark Twain was once moved to exclaim that God modelled heaven on Mauritius. Uninhabited until the 17th century, it is today a thriving island of diverse cultures - African, Indian, Chinese and European - a unique racial harmony. The island's ever changing scenery belies its small area. Lofty forested mountain peaks overlook undulating fields of sugar cane, all encompassed by fantastic coastal scenery of powdery white sand beaches and spectacular blue lagoons, rich in marine life. In Port Louis the Pamplemousse Royal Botanical Gardens are noted for 60 different types of palms, including the enormous Talipot Palm, which flowers only once in 100 years and then dies.

La Réunion

Largest of the Mascarenes, La Réunion is an island of dense vegetation with many ancient forest species and environments surviving to the present day. Although it has a number of superb beaches, it is the island's exotic interior that most fascinates the visitor. Dramatic mountains, wide craters, deep gorges and a still active volcano together create an awe-inspiring vista.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 03:02 PM

Zanzibar

The Spice Island of Zanzibar is blessed with glorious beaches, coral reefs and fragrant clove plantations and steeped in reminders of a former wealth and splendour. Here you can stroll through the winding streets of the capital, Stone Town, where Arabic buildings are graced with intricately carved doors and admire the ruins of the Sultan's Palace built with the riches of the spice, ivory and slave trades. You may like to head out of town to see a little more of this scenic island or perhaps spend time at a spice plantation.

Mesali

The palm-fringed slopes and glorious white sand beaches of the tiny Mesali atoll rise from the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean evoking images of Robinson Crusoe's desert island. Exclusive to African Safari Club, this really is the epitome of a tropical island paradise. A quiet place, far away from everyday life, where you can walk barefoot through the sands, enjoy the delights of a beach barbecue, swim or paddle in the warm shallows or spend time snorkelling around the beautiful coral formations. Dolphins, tuna, sailfish, giant Napoleon wrasse and mantas are all frequent visitors here and you may well be lucky enough to spot a few. If you prefer, you can simply relax in the sun, soaking up the unique island atmosphere.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 03:03 PM

The Comoros Islands

With a rich and varied vegetation, they are the major producer of the world's perfume essences, processed from the blossoms of ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange, hence the name "Les Iles Parfumées".

The Comoros are also famous for the prehistoric deep sea fish known as the coelacanthe, thought to be long extinct, but discovered earlier this century in these waters.

Mayotte

The French island of Mayotte is the oldest and most southerly of the Comoros. Encircled by a coral reef forming the world's largest lagoon, with a spectacular and exotic underwater world, its glorious interior is of volcanic peaks, thundering waterfalls, dense jungle and lush plantations. The colonial atmosphere of the capital, Mamoudzou, is distinctly French and here you can sample delicious fresh seafood at a local restaurant or admire the superb crafts of the Comorean artisans.

Anjouan

Anjouan, the OScented Isle¹ is the most densely populated island in the archipelago. In the capital, Moutsamoudou, you can see 17th century houses with intricately carved doors, twisting alleyways, mosques and a citadel. From the point of view of the landscape and culture it is probably the most interesting of the islands. Not only is the Arab influence most in evidence here, its deep valleys, waterfalls, profusion of lakes, lovingly-tended plantations and beautiful beaches make the island unforgettable.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 03:04 PM

Madagascar

Many species of lemur, mongoose and civets, and 23 species of tenrec are found on the island, along with a similarly unique variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Nosy Bé

This 'Perfumed Isle' is home to vanilla, sugar and pepper plantations and fringed by miles of white sand beaches. Very much a holiday island, it's little capital, Hellville, has many boutiques and interesting tourist shops. From here you can head into the countryside, enjoying magnificent views of the island's deep-blue crater lakes from the peak of Mt. Passot or take a trip to the nearby island of Nosy Komba. This lovely island plays host to a colony of black lemur which will eat right out of your hand. Here too, you can shop for local handicrafts in the friendly fishing village and spend some time swimming and snorkelling around the rocky promontory.

PagodaSwan · 11-12-2005, 03:05 PM

Mozambique

Maputo

Maputo (formerly Lourenco Marques) is located near the very southern tip of the country. Renowned for its colonial Portuguese architecture, it has wide avenues, colourful markets and a wide variety of bars and restaurants. Visit the old Portuguese fortress which was built in 1787, the impressive Central Railway Station (designed and built by the same Eiffel who gave us the famous tower), the Botanical Gardens and the National Art Museum.