Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of the most populous cities in the world. This bustling city offers a seemingly endless array of sights and cultural activities, and is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Mumbai is home to India's Hindi film and television industry, known as "Bollywood." Mumbai is also one of the few cities that accommodates a national park, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, within its city limits.

Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles, was named for Mahé de Labourdonnais, a governor of Mauritius. It is the location of Port Victoria, the capital city. Ringed by steep and magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The nearby reefs and pristine marine national parks are a snorkeler's paradise

Zanzibar, part of the "Spice Islands," has long been a crossroads of African, Indian, and Arab influences, visible in its food and bazaars. Its main attraction is Stone Town, with whitewashed coral-rag houses, shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards, and squares, while its pristine white-sand beaches offer a quiet escape.

Mayotte, in the Northern Mozambique Channel off Southeast Africa, is geographically part of the Comoros but is an overseas department of France and thus in the EU. Its capital, Mamoudzou, is on Grande-Terre (Mahore). Known for scuba diving, it offers centers for world-class corals and reefs. Hike Mount Choungui for views or take a ferry to Petite Terre to visit Plage de Moya, a volcanic crater beach.

Discover Nosy Be, scented with native spices and flowers, and nearby Nosy Komba, home to lemurs found only in this region. Start with a stroll through Hellville's city center and open market. Then hire a driver for an island tour to see bright blue volcanic lakes, or take a boat to Nosy Komba for the lemurs. Back in Nosy Be, shop for local perfume, distilled rum, fine linens, and hand-carved wooden art. Enjoy fresh seafood seasoned with local spices in this colorful, aromatic destination.

Durban, a bustling subtropical city and Africa's busiest port, was named Natal by Vasco da Gama in 1497, then renamed Durban in 1843 for Sir Benjamin D'Urban. Today it offers a colorful mix of ethnic neighborhoods and excursions to game reserves and Zulu culture. Explore Old Market Square, the Golden Mile beachfront, the Botanic Gardens, and Gray Street Mosque, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Located at the endpoint of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed "The Friendly City." While regarded as one of the country's most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area's beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Located at the endpoint of South Africa's picturesque Garden Route, Port Elizabeth is nicknamed "The Friendly City." While regarded as one of the country's most important seaports, Port Elizabeth is also considered the water sports capital of South Africa. Visitors enjoy the area's beaches, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing and whale watching.

Called "the fairest cape in the whole circumference of the earth" and one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town offers museums, parks and shops, plus mountains, beaches and wineries. Ride a cable car up Table Mountain for views of valleys and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. A historical highlight is Robben Island, once home to anti-apartheid leaders including Nelson Mandela.