When the travel bug hits, it’s hard to go wrong when visiting an island. And, when it comes to this, we have a list of top Islands to visit East Africa.

East Africa has some of the best islands in the world. Their pristine white sand beaches, clear aquamarine water, and unique sea life make it a bucket list destination for anyone. The cuisines are also to die for, plus a rich history for history nerds.

Read more on travel destinations in Africa.

Here are top 5 Islands to visit in East Africa:

Lamu Island, Kenya

This World Heritage site is the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa and has been preserved for its cultural importance. There are no roads on the island and travel through the narrow Lamu streets is by donkey.

Take it slow and enjoy the pole pole life on the island; like long walks on the secluded sandy beaches and lazy explorations of Lamu town. Go on a dhow ride and experience a magical sunset on the Indian ocean. Visit the Shela village and discover the beauty of the Swahili culture and food.

Lamu also has a rich storytelling culture. Talk to the locals or get a translator, and learn a thing or two about their culture.

Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Also known as the Spice Island. Zanzibar is also famous for its white sandy beaches, tropical weather, and rich history. The port city of Stone Town is a World Heritage site with many of the original streets and grand townhouses remaining unchanged to this day. Visitors to the island get to enjoy the sand and surf, as well as visits to local parks to see an endangered sea turtle species and the rare Red Columbus monkeys.

Mauritius Island, Mauritius

With palm-fringed beaches and lagoons all over the island, there are few places in the world as breathtaking as Mauritius, and it shows. It is a world-leading tourist destination and offers a wide range of attractions, including ocean tours, dolphin and whale cruises, skydiving, horse riding on the beach, and many more. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try walking with lions

The Seychelles Islands

These remote cluster of islands are very popular with lovers who mostly come for the pristine beaches, beautiful landscape and clear waters. Visitors can stay at any of the island’s world-class resorts and experience incredible seafood as they lounge on the nearly empty beaches under the native takamaka trees.

Alternatively, you can go hiking in the jungle and try to catch a glimpse of the Seychelles black parrot which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

The Comoros Islands

These collections of islands are as remote as you can get without literally dropping off the face of the earth. Most of them are wild and you’ll find very few people here.

The lack of modern technology on the islands is no match to the natural beauty that exists, with lush forests, indigenous wildlife and solidified lava rocks everywhere. The clove trees on the islands produce one of the most magnificent scents.

If you are planning a trip in East Africa, consider adding one of these Islands, if not all, to your bucket list. Have you been to any of these Islands or any other in East Africa? Share the experience with us.