Zanzibar 

Zanzibar’s location off the coast of Tanzania made it a strategic port, heavily influenced by Persian, Arab, and Portuguese merchants who, along with the Swahili people, produced and traded nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves there for centuries.

 

The island’s complex blend of cultures is preserved in the ancient streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—an excellent place to discover the commerce and human history of this Indian Ocean outpost. Visit a dormitory turned interpretive museum where slaves were once housed before being shipped off, where you will learn too about the devastating ivory trade.

Accommodations range from private barefoot luxury islands to boutique properties to traditional beach resorts. White sand beaches, fresh seafood and three million clove trees make Zanzibar a relaxing, sensual, and culture-rich end to your East African safari.

 

 

Lamu

 

On the eastern shore of Kenya lies Lamu—one of the oldest coastal Swahili settlements in existence. A once-prominent Arabian trade post, it is now a place where time appears to stand still. The primary mode of transportation remains the steadfast donkey or the traditional dhow boat. The tune of life on the island’s powdery beaches and narrow stone streets is punctuated by the call to prayer emanating from 23 mosques. A favorite of the bohemian jet set, visitors enjoy staying in whitewashed villas and congregating at one of the few family-owned hotels. A sizable artisan community exists on Lamu, with carpenters creating ornate doors and furniture—fear not: shipping can be arranged should that Lamu bed not quite fold neatly into your suitcase

 

Mozambique

 

Starting at the top of South Africa, Mozambique stretches north along the east coast of the continent, with miles and miles of Indian Ocean beaches. Discover coral islands with ruins from the country’s era of Portuguese colonial rule, or snorkel and scuba dive in pristine marine sanctuaries. Capping your South African safari with a few days to on barefoot luxury on a private island is just what we recommend. 

Seychelles 

The Seychelles Islands are composed of 115 granite islands far off the coast of Kenya and are spread like jewels over one million square kilometers of crystal blue ocean waters. Most of these islands are uninhabited and remain sanctuaries for rare plant and animal life and as remote escapes for those seeking privacy in nature without crowds. Originally known only to pirates and Arab seafarers, the islands are now influenced more by French and British culture. Many tales speak of hidden treasures on these islands. In fact, Anne's father, John Kent, led an expedition to the Seychelles to search for buried pirate treasures. In his journal, he records that the only treasure he discovered was that of the islands’ stunning beauty.