Anjouan, Comoros Islands
Sprinkled like emeralds off the East African coast, the untouristed Comoros are among the prettiest islands on earth. Sandy beaches, luxuriant foliage, picturesque towns and coral reefs--all the ingredients for bliss are here, minus the crowds. The island of Anjouan will charm you, with the Arab architecture of its main village Mutsamudu and the tranquility of the beaches at the isle's southern tip.

Moroni, Comoros Islands
The old town is typical of Swahili trading towns, with narrow streets lined with elaborately carved and studded doors. In the town museum, see collections of Islamic pottery, old Korans and furniture, as well as a coelacanth--the primitive fish species discovered here. Visit a vanilla plantation for an aromatic treat.

Lamu, Kenya
Lamu is one of the few remaining Swahili trading ports that once dotted the East African coast. Traditional wooden dhows are built here, and you may see some in the harbor. Ashore, resorts take advantage of the beautiful beaches, while the elaborately carved doors in the old town reflect the Swahilis' Arabic sensibilities.

Mombasa, Kenya
East Africa's history is on view in Mombasa. The old Dhow Harbor was a center of trade among the old Swahili towns of the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese Fort Jesus looms above, surveying Old Town's Arab-style craft bazaars. Herds of elephant, giraffe and other game are to be found just inland, in game reserves like Taita Hills and Shimba Hills.

Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is the staging ground for one of travel's most exciting and rewarding experiences: an East African game safari in the elegant style that still survives. Only 100 years ago, Nairobi was just a watering hole for the Masai. Located at an elevation of 5,500 feet in the Kenyan highlands, the site was quickly appreciated for its sunny days and cool nights by British colonialists. Many fine examples of colonial architecture exist, including Karen Blixen's "Out of Africa" estate.

Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Be, the largest island off Madagascar is known as "the perfumed isle" for its profusion of ylang-ylang, patchouli, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and saffron. It is also a holiday resort with a colonial French atmosphere. Here you will have the chance of visiting Nosy Komba, set aside to protect the small, endearing primates known as lemurs, which are indigenous here.

Walvis Bay, Namibia
Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

Mahe, Seychelles
The Seychelles have a singular magic, whether you are lazing in the sun or paddling around with a snorkel or scuba gear. Uninhabited until modern times, these East African islands are known for exquisite beaches and pristine coral reefs.

Praslin, Seychelles
One of the most beautiful of the Seychelles islands, Praslin has a coastline of granite bluffs, carved by wave erosion into fluted columns and fantastic forms like abstract sculpture. In the national park, visit a grove of huge, ancient Coco-de-Mer palms, found nowhere else on earth. A single frond can roof an entire house.

Cape Town, South Africa
One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

Durban, South Africa
African and Oriental cultures merge harmoniously in the cosmopolitan city of Durban. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban's Marine Parade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the Oriental Arcades. In addition to golden beaches, Durban offers a fascinating history. It is also gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus. A visit to Shakaland is an experience of tribal customs.

Zanzibar, Tanzania
For many centuries, traders from Europe, India, the Orient and Arabia were lured to these shores. It was from here that explorer David Livingstone set off on his last expedition into the heart of the continent. Today, as you walk along the winding streets of the old Stone Town, lined with whitewashed coral rag houses, you can see reminders of this rich history all around you. Visit the Palace museum, former residence of the Omani Sultans, and the cathedral that now stands on the site of the notorious slave market.