Africa & Indian Ocean Travel Guide
A former Portuguese colony set beside the Arabian Sea, Goa is and exotic blend of East and West with some stupendous golden beaches, pretty churches, bright green paddy fields and perhaps the friendliest people in India. North Goa is the most lively with its markets, shops, restaurants and bars, whereas South Goa is quieter with the hotels more secluded. Goan cuisine is delicately spiced and the fresh seafood is a delight – all at very affordable prices.
Sri Lanka, the tropical teardrop island at the toe of Indi, is a destination of mystical ancient cities, thick jungles, cool hill stations and miles of palm fringed sandy beaches. One of the most beautiful and scenically interesting islands in the world.
The fabulous beaches, spectacular coral reefs and warm waters of the Indian Ocean make Kenya and ideal place to relax. You can easily combine a stay on the coast with a safari to see the amazing wildlife of East Africa or just relax at the coast and enjoy exploring the underwater marine world of the reefs that lie off its shores.
Mauritius is bound by a coastline of glittering golden sand beaches which are protected by a virtually unbroken coral reef and wooded mountain peaks. Mauritius offers good water sport facilities, varied countryside and good quality hotels. An excellent destination for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday in spectacular settings.
Scattered across the Indian Ocean, due West of southern India, is a group of tiny coral atolls called the Maldives. Each resort has its own island surrounded by pure white sand beaches and warm, crystal clear, blue waters. Perfect for a whole variety of water sports it is one of the world's top dive destinations. The Maldives are a superb holiday choice for a relaxing and secluded beach holiday, where you can indulge your Robinson Crusoe castaway fantasies to the full.
Gambia is a land of exotic birds and beaches, sunshine and smiles. It's a perfect retreat, where you'll soon be relaxing on the palm fringed beaches of Cape Point or Kotu, spotting monkeys and crocodiles at Abuko Nature Reserve and soaking up subtropical sunshine. The golden beaches are all yours for peaceful strolls to craft markets or refreshing dips in the ocean, or unwind by the hotel pool, watching the colourful birds that perch in the palm trees.
Time
- India - GMT + 5 Hours 30 Minutes
- Sri Lanka - GMT + 6 Hours
- Kenya - GMT + 3 Hours
- Mauritius - GMT + 4 Hours
- Gambia - GMT + 0 Hours
Flying Time
- Approximately 6 - 12 Hours
Passport Validity
- 6 Months left on passport from date of return
Visas
- India - Visa required
- Sri Lanka - Visa not required for stays less than 30 days
- Kenya - Visa required
- Mauritius - Visa not required
- Maldives - Visa not required for stays less than 30 days
- Gambia - Visa not required
