Africa & Indian Ocean

Dubai, The Pride of the United Arab Emirates, is situated on the southern Arabian Gulf. The subtropical climate sees blue skies, temperatures reaching the mid-40s, and little annual rain. The city is all about contemporary shopping with more than 70 shopping malls in the city and indoor entertainment. Read more about Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fujairah, considered one of the safest cities of the United Arab Emirates, is situated on the Gulf of Oman in the country’s east. While the weather is warm for most of the year, the months of October to March enjoy temperatures averaging around 25°C. The clean beaches and the numerous water sports such as water surfing, yachting, swimming and deep sea fishing, draw tourists all round the year. Read more about Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Muscat, lying on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman, is the capital and largest city in the Sultanate of Oman. The climate is very hot, with annual average temperatures ranging from 24C. to 33C., but it can get as high as 49C in the summer. Read more about Muscat, Oman

Mumbai, with its natural deep harbour on India's west coast, is its most populous city as well as the richest. Comprising seven islands that once were home to communities of fishing colonies, over time, joined to form the city earlier known as Bombay. It is now the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Read more about Mumbai, India

Mumbai, with its natural deep harbour on India's west coast, is its most populous city as well as the richest. Comprising seven islands that once were home to communities of fishing colonies, over time, joined to form the city earlier known as Bombay. It is now the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Read more about Mumbai, India

The small Indian state of Goa, with a 100 km coastline and extending 50 km inland, is situated at the centre of the western shores of India, facing the Arabian Sea. For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese province, until annexed by India in 1961. As India’s smallest and richest state, it offers the best quality of life in the country. Read more about Goa, India

Colombo is the largest city, and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Despite its frenetic traffic and the general hustle and bustle of being where you can see some of the tallest buildings in Asia, it does offer some interesting attractions. In the northern part of the city you can find the British fort, dating from the 19th C, as well as the gracious old buildings of previous colonial eras. Read more about Colombo, Sri Lanka

Male, pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of the island nation the Republic of the Maldives. This is the smallest country of Asia. The delightful skyline of candy-coloured skyscrapers and historic sites indicate that Male is both a city and an island. Read more about Male, Maldives

Mahe is the largest and most important island of the Seychelles archipelago. While this spectacular island is only 27 km long it is dominated by a mountain range with its tallest peak Morne Seychellois, at 930 m in height, being central to a wonderful national park. There are also some delightful marine national parks off the island. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Mahe is the largest and most important island of the Seychelles archipelago. While this spectacular island is only 27 km long it is dominated by a mountain range with its tallest peak Morne Seychellois, at 930 m in height, being central to a wonderful national park. There are also some delightful marine national parks off the island. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Mahe is the largest and most important island of the Seychelles archipelago. While this spectacular island is only 27 km long it is dominated by a mountain range with its tallest peak Morne Seychellois, at 930 m in height, being central to a wonderful national park. There are also some delightful marine national parks off the island. Read more about Mahe Island, Seychelles

Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, lying 44 km NE of Mahe. Once used as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants, it is now known as a tourist destination as it is home to beautiful turquoise water and white sand beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. There are also several very rare birds such as the endemic Seychelles Bulbub and the Seychelles Black Parrot, as well as being the only place on earth that is home to the unique Coco de Mer, a fruit from an extraordinary palm tree. Read more about Praslin, Seychelles

La Digue is the third largest inhabited island of the Seychelles, lying east of Praslin and west of Felicite Island. La Digue also boasts the friendliest people and most tranquil, serene and relaxing atmosphere in Seychelles. Where cars are shunned in favour of bicycles and ox-carts, the pace of life is necessarily slower. Read more about La Digue, Seychelles

The capital of Zanzibar (which can refer to the island Unguja, as well as the whole Archipelago) is Zanzibar City. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar Archipelago is on the Swahili Coast of the Indian Ocean. Read more about Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Republic of

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya, with a population of almost one million. A regional cultural and economic hub, Mombasa has a prominent port, and is an important regional tourism centre. The fantastic long white sands of Nyali beach offers numerous water sports. Read more about Mombasa, Kenya