Mahe, in the remote Seychelles 1,500 km east of Mombasa, is the largest of 115 islands and a showcase of natural beauty: 68 beaches, lush jungle, and the towering Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers over 20% of the island and shelters rare endemic wildlife like the Seychelles scops-owl. Its clear waters are ideal for diving. Historically, Mahe was mapped by the French in 1742 and settled from 1770; today Seychelles has about 80,000 people.

Mauritius, just off Madagascar's east coast, is a volcanic island about 10 million years old, with lakes, extinct craters, and a vast coral reef system. Uninhabited until the late 1500s, it was visited by the Portuguese, settled by the Dutch in 1598, then ruled by France from 1715 and Britain from 1810. Its history brought sugar plantations and the loss of ebony forests and the dodo. Today it's a multicultural island known for mountains, lagoons, and beaches.

Réunion, the largest of the Mascarene Islands, lies east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius. Settled by the French in 1642, it became Colbert Bourbon in 1649, later regained its original name, and has been a French Overseas Department since 1946. Capital: St. Denis. Known for its rugged interior, active volcano Piton de la Fournaise, cirques, and Piton des Neiges. Main income comes from sugarcane, vanilla, and geranium oil.

Richards Bay is the gateway to Zululand: a former fishing village turned major harbour town on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast. Its 30 km2 lagoon is the region's main port and Africa's deepest, fueled by mineral wealth, wetlands, beaches, and game reserves. Founded in 1879 and named for Rear Admiral Sir Frederick William Richards, it still has fewer than 60,000 residents. Nearby are Zulu arts, Dumazulu village, rare white rhino, the Big Five, and the "Dolphin Coast" for divers and beach lovers.

Durban, South Africa's third most popular city, draws people with its waterfront, street performers, multicultural mix, laid-back "Durbs" vibe, landscape, and climate. A major boost came from 2010 World Cup investment, which upgraded the promenade and eateries serving bunny chow, bobotie, and other Asian-influenced food. It has the largest Indian population outside India and a rich Euro-African history.

Port Elizabeth (PE), also known as Nelson Mandela Bay, is a "friendly city" that blends unspoiled beaches, sand dunes and the warm Indian Ocean with a rich post-industrial heritage. Loved as a holiday spot, it's seeing urban renewal, with creative projects, galleries, fusion restaurants, museums and restored Victorian terraces. Route 67 honors Mandela with 67 artworks. Nearby Addo and Lalibela parks offer Big Five safaris; Addo even has the Big Seven.

Langebaan, the Ornithological Capital of South Africa and Jewel of the West Coast, is famous for its sunshine, flower season, and striking natural beauty. White beaches line the azure lagoon, where warm shallow waters contrast with the cold ocean. Mudflats and salt marshes support rich wildlife, including 300+ bird species. Winds draw kite surfers and kayakers, and sunsets glow over the lagoon. Nearby West Coast National Park bursts with daisies and wildflowers in spring.

Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities, where Table Mountain, coastline, vineyards, urban culture, and relaxed ocean charm meet. Ride the cable car or hike Lion's Head for sweeping views. Visit Boulders Beach for African penguins, the Cape of Good Hope, and Robben Island, where Mandela's prison story brings the city's history to life.