Full of diversity and distraction, South Africa is truly one of the most exciting places you will visit in an entire lifetime of travel. However, it’s important not to stick too closely to the mainland or you might just miss out on some of the spectacular sights that surround the country – also known as, the islands around South Africa.

Robben Island

In the past, South Africa’s Robben Island has been known to many as a variety of things including a hospital for those suffering from leprosy and mental illness; a training and defence station for soldiers; and most infamously, an island of imprisonment housing many famous prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Today however, the island, which is accessible via ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, is best known as a world heritage site with a fantastic museum. Tours of the prison are conducted by former residents of the prison, providing a fascinating insight into what life would have been like on the island in years gone by. There is also a wonderful variety of birdlife, wildlife and vegetation to be enjoyed on the island, providing visitors with the perfect combination of cultural and natural activities.

Dassen Island

Declared as a nature reserve and renowned for being home to some of the most impressive wildlife South Africa has to offer, Dassen Island can be found to the north of Cape Town. With almost 70,000 African penguins inhabiting the island, as well as other species of bird such as white pelicans, cormorants, terns and gulls, it really is a twitcher’s paradise. However those preferring mammals or reptiles will not be disappointed as there are plenty of those to enjoy as well! The island is relatively small, as well as being low-lying and flat, which allows plenty of wildlife spotting and photo opportunities galore. The best way to visit Dassen Island is by boat, however if you really want to make it a special visit, you could always fly in by helicopter.

Seal Island

One of the smaller islands that surround South Africa, Seal Island’s name does all the talking for itself. A rocky island that looks more like one gigantic stone protruding from the sea than an island, you could easily fail to spot it. However, not to visit would really be to miss out on something quite extraordinary. Not only is the island’s surface area almost completely covered with Cape Fur seals, but the waters around the island are full to the brim with maritime marvels including whales, dolphins and jellyfish. If you visit Seal Island at the right time of year you may be lucky enough to catch one of South Africa’s best sights – breaching great white sharks. Cruises around Seal Island will allow you to watch the sharks as they leap out of the water to tremendous heights, almost as if they know you’re watching. Shark breaching is one of the most phenomenal sights you’ll see in the waters around South Africa and Seal Island is a popular island to visit.

So, enjoy yourself as you tour South Africa’s mainland, but don’t forget about those smaller land masses surrounding it, as these are often home to both cultural and natural phenomenon well worth seeing.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: South Africa