Nowhere on earth epitomises tropical island bliss like Zanzibar. Yet there’s so much more to this sun-soaked refuge than sailboat spotting and drinking tall cocktails. Venture away from its glistening beaches into Stone Town and you’ll hear the stories that shaped the island’s history as an East African trading hub and helped it become the ethnic melting pot it is today. Zanzibar is a laidback, culturally rewarding destination that offers barefoot-luxury living with plenty of fun-filled activities for the whole family.

For warm, lazuline waters and soft-sand beaches, you can’t do better than the enchanting Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles. Once just a dreamy destination for romantics and honeymooners, it’s now where families can also live out their tropical island fantasies. Tempting as it may be in Seychelles to shuffle between hotel bed, beach and bar, it’s worthwhile to get around and see its many other attractions. With watersports, championship-quality golf courses and extraordinary terrestrial and marine wildlife, look no further than these African islands for your next piece of paradise.

Often eclipsed by Zanzibar Island—its larger and more developed southern neighbor—Pemba Island is the Zanzibar Archipelago’s greenest isle, which remains relatively unexplored. Here you can fall in step with the daily life of locals, observing farmers and fishermen carrying out their little-changed traditions. Supplement days sunbathing on pristine beaches with warm-water diving among untouched coral reefs thriving with exotic marine life.

Mauritius hasn’t become Africa’s favourite island getaway by accident. With impossibly blue waters, powder-white beaches and travel packages to suit every budget, coming on safari here is an easy decision for many. Whether your idea of relaxation is spending balmy days sunbathing or jumping from one thrilling watersport to the next, in Mauritius you’re invited to set your own pace. With all-inclusive options and children’s facilities, this African island is a top beach destination for families seeking a good dose of seaside R&R.

While the Serengeti—home to the Great Wildebeest Migration—often gets all the attention, Tanzania has a wealth of other travel experiences to offer. With excellent national and private parks from corner to corner, few destinations can rival its wildlife density. Tanzania is also a favourite among families looking to diversify their safari by including a tropical beach break on its laidback east coast.

Prized for its mountain gorillas, Rwanda is an extremely biodiverse destination with three national parks, a vibrant capital city and some of the most charismatic people. While many choose Rwanda for the sole purpose of meeting their closest animal relatives face to face, beyond these misty rainforests, they are surprised to discover a once despairing country now hopeful and brimming with prosperity.

Home to splendid wildlife and a myriad of cultures, Kenya is a timeless safari destination. Popularised in films like Born Free and Out of Africa, Kenya epitomises the beauty of the African wilderness. Most touted for its Masai Mara National Reserve — the dramatic setting of the Great Wildebeest Migration — Kenya’s humbler reserves and tranquil coast are equally magnificent but often overlooked.

With more World Heritage Sites than anywhere in Africa, Ethiopia is also home to the hottest place on Earth and is widely considered the cradle of civilisation. It is a peaceful and ethnically diverse country with a remarkable history, other-worldly volcanic landscapes, ancient architecture and fascinating wildlife. Visit Ethiopia for something altogether magical, beautiful and culturally enriching.

After decades of political unrest and economic uncertainty, Zimbabwe is safe and highly recommended to visit. The majestic Victoria Falls might be the jewel in her crown but superb game viewing, walking safaris and ancient cultural sites make Zimbabwe a favourite safari destination for families with diverse interests.

Off the radar for many wildlife enthusiasts, Zambia has some superb safari camps with lower visitor numbers than its Southern African neighbours. Guest families are rewarded with wildlife, raw beauty, and rare levels of intimacy at Zambia’s small, authentic bush camps. Where walking safaris were born, there is no better place to track animals on foot than in Zambia. And with night drives also permitted in all national parks, guests are treated to rare encounters with nocturnal animals like a genet, bush babies, and the elusive leopard

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After years of civil war that ended 25 years ago, Mozambique has emerged as a favourite off-the-beaten-track destination for outdoor adventurers. What lures many here is the slow pace of life on its sun-drenched archipelagos with white-sand beaches. Another pull is Mozambique’s reputation as a top diving destination with rare and exquisite marine life. Yet the game-viewing in its pristine wilderness reserves such as Gorongosa makes Mozambique an auspicious safari hotspot.

Lauded for its massive elephant herds, Botswana is one of Africa’s best destinations for spotting big game. From the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta to the legendary Chobe National Park and semi-desert grasslands of the Kalahari, this not-to-be-missed destination is a firm favourite for family safaris.

Big Five safaris. Food. Wine. Adventure. Perhaps the best reason to visit Africa’s most diverse destination is to experience them all. From cosmopolitan Cape Town and its regal Winelands to the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, your family will be spoilt for choice. If you can take just one trip in this life, South Africa should be it. It’s the ultimate bush, city and beach break your whole family can enjoy.