Also known as Fort Dauphin, Taolagnaro has miles of beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming and surfing, while the surrounding nature sanctuaries protect the astonishing biodiversity of exotic flora and fauna unique to Madagascar. Just minutes from town in the lush forests of Nahampoana Reserve, you’ll find the island’s most famous residents, diverse species of lemurs such as ring-tailed and sifaka.

The city of Cape Town and its environs truly have something for everyone. Naturalists should take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain for extraordinary views and then explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Cape of Good Hope, including baboons, ostriches and a colony of African penguins. History buffs will be moved by poignant stories of apartheid told in the District Six Museum and in the prison on Robben Island that once confined Nelson Mandela. Epicures might venture to nearby Stellenbosch to taste award-winning wines at vineyards nestled in lush valleys embraced by mountains.