Continent Africa is huge. The entire United States, Canada, and China can fit inside, but there is still room for more! A total of 38 coastal and island states make up the coastline, which stretches for about 30 500 kilometers (18 950 miles) and boasts some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches on the planet. However, how do we find the best beach destinations in Africa?
As the continent’s longest coastline, Madagascar boasts hundreds of beautiful and often remote beaches and offshore islands such as île Saint-Marie, where life moves slowly, and the scenery is spectacular.
In South Africa and Mozambique, you can find the third and fourth longest coastlines on the African continent, and a wide variety of dreamy beaches with incredible backdrops – Camps Bay in Cape Town is one of the most important scenic and charming spots in the world.
Several offshore islands are also home to Mozambique, including the Bazaruto Archipelago, which boasts clear turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. The best beaches in Kenya and Tanzania can also be found farther north on island paradises like Zanzibar in Tanzania and Lamu Island in Kenya, where some of the best beaches can also be found.
Whenever it comes to beaches, it can be very difficult to choose among so many stunning stretches of sand spread across so many different countries. We believe the ones we have listed here are the most breathtaking on the continent. Seychelles beaches are kissed by the wind; Namibia’s coast is dotted with seals; and everywhere in between, the continent’s sandy edge offers a unique experience. Here is the list of the best beach destinations in Africa.
The Best Beach Destinations in Africa
A relaxing beach vacation is an ideal way to unwind following a safari. Some of the world’s most beautiful beach resorts can be found in Africa.
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the country’s most beloved beaches, with views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Locals enjoy sunbathing on the white-sand beach, despite the water being too cold for most swimmers.
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
It’s not unusual to see large crowds of people congregating here on the weekends during the summer, whether they’re here for a game of beach volleyball or simply relaxing and enjoying the weather. Take a brief dip in the Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise and emerald-tinted waters if you start to feel too overheated. You’re not the only one if you’re surprised by how cold it is despite the tropical setting. The current here originates in Antarctica and travels up from there.
South Beach Camps Bay is our favorite area to stay in a while visiting this beach. There are white-on-white studios with full kitchens and private balconies where you can enjoy the fiery nightly sunsets and are packed with original modern South African art at the boutique hotel.
Only one of Cape Town’s best beaches can be reached within a 30-minute drive. At the bottom of a steep set of stairs that lead down from the main road, the Clifton Beaches are just as well-known and popular.
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
It is a magical experience to visit Zanzibar Island off the coast of Tanzania. There are many beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, including Nungwi, and the island has a rich cultural heritage as well. Aside from its turquoise waters and stately wooden dhows, Zanzibar’s Stone Town, a Swahili coastal trading center, is one of Africa’s most photogenic destinations.
Nungwi Beach , Zanzibar
When an already beautiful place is simply transformed, it can transform into something even more beautiful. In this context, Nungwi beach stands true to the last word. Tanzania’s island beach is the perfect getaway spot for those seeking peace, and it surely lives up to its reputation. As well as numerous attractions, the beach also holds many tortoises and fishes.
You can see the daily lives of fishers who brave the waves to make their living; it is inspiring and beautiful at the same time. African beaches have a great deal of cultural significance, to be sure. Their land and culture should be respected, and their lives should be dedicated to serving the people. Also, it is regarded as an excellent location for photographers who want to capture compelling images.
Beautiful Nungwi Beach is located on the island’s northern tip and has palm trees and turquoise water in a stunning display of white sand and palm trees. It has since grown into a major tourist destination as a little fishing community. Offshore, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world.
Trou aux Biches, Mauritius
The west coast of Mauritius is the finest place to go for a great beach vacation. In the rainy season (January to March), the west coast of this jewel in the Indian Ocean is mainly shielded from the elements and fringed with some of the nicest beaches in Africa, stretching from Trou aux Biches in the extreme north to Le Morne Peninsula on the island’s southernmost tip.
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Trou-aux-Biche , Mauritius
Trou aux Biches’ clear waters and safe swimming conditions are a big draw for families. Kids will have fun playing in the water and exploring the coral reef just a few feet from the shore. Authentic international fare may be found at many of the city’s eateries.
A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Madagascar, is called Mauritius. It is in the same general area as Seychelles. Mauritius has more white sand beaches and clear blue water than Seychelles, yet it’s still more expensive than Seychelles.
There is a small village on the main island called Trou-aux-Biches and a beautiful beach called Trou-aux-Biches, rated as one of the best beaches in the country. One mile of pristine white sand is all that separates this beach from the rest. It’s a great place to swim because the water is tranquil. There are a wide variety of watercraft activities to choose from, from jet skiing to kayaking.
This beach is surrounded by a variety of lodging options, including options for families and restaurants serving both island and international cuisine.
Shela Beach, Lamu Island, Kenya
In the southeast of Lamu Island, Shela Beach takes center stage and could be the Kenya Coast beach getaway you’ve always wanted. Lamu Island, a little island north of Mombasa, is the place to go if you’re looking for crystal-clear aquamarine and turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, palm palms, and superb snorkeling and diving.
Mombasa, Kenya
It’s a beautiful beach located in Shela Village, a little community that’s known for its laidback vibe. Observing the dhows sail across the Indian Ocean in front of you is a peaceful pastime that can last for hours here.
Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kenya’s oldest communities, dates back 700 years. For a dose of culture, visit Lamu Town. Wander through its small streets for a while. A traditional dhow can sail you across the archipelago and introduce you to secluded beaches, or you can organize an island-hopping excursion.
Mnemba Island, Tanzania
Mnemba lies off the north coast of Tanzania and forms part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with dolphins are all possible on the island’s warm, clear waters, and visitors can even encounter whale sharks there.
Mnemba Island, Tanzania
The island is also a wonderful destination for a honeymoon or an anniversary celebration. There is only one lodging option on the island, Mnemba Island Lodge, an exclusive collection of 12 private beach bands owned by the luxury travel company and Beyond. Each cottage has its veranda and sits beneath the shade of the lush tropical forest on the island.
Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
The Quirimbas Archipelago is a significant milestone in Portugal’s long empire-building history. Ibo Island in particular, along with Mombasa in Kenya, served as an important stopover point for East Indian and European commerce routes. Many of the communities, landmarks, and structures still bear traces of their Arabic heritage, as the region was conquered by the Arabs as early as 600 AD.
Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
The Quirimbas Archipelago is located near Pemba, the provincial seat of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique. The archipelago comprises around 32 islands that run parallel to the northern coast of Mozambique. When the islands were known as Ilhas de Sao Lazaro, they were home to fishing communities that developed up around Arab trading facilities (Islands of St. Lazarus). 11 of the world’s most southerly islands are part of the 7,500-square-kilometer Quirimbas National Park. Many of the islands are still deserted today, but others are home to lovely island resorts that tourists flock to.
To truly appreciate the area’s natural beauty, you’ll need to dive or snorkel in the area’s vibrant reefs, which are home to Napoleon wrasses, dolphins, whitetip reef sharks, and a wide variety of tropical fish. The remnants of the country’s Portuguese colonial past can be found on Ibo Island, while native food can be found in eateries all across the archipelago.
The islands are the ideal location for a wide range of recreational pursuits. Many resorts provide scuba diving and snorkeling excursions on the beautiful coral reefs. Kayaking or sailing on a traditional dhow sailboat is also a great way to appreciate the ocean’s gentle currents. The northern section of Mozambique has some of the best game fishing in the world, and charters may be easily arranged. Cultural tours are also available on many of the islands for people who want to learn more about the local culture, history, and traditions.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
There really isn’t much to beat the stunning islands of the Seychelles Archipelago if you are looking to enjoy the most luxurious African beach vacation. Seychelles offers the chance to live out your tropical island fantasy in sheer luxury, framed by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, dotted with granite boulders or clusters of palm trees.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
You may have wondered where those stunning images of Seychelles were taken, and chances are, it was on the island of La Digue. Anse Source D’Argent can be found on La Digue and is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches on the continent, if not the world! A breathtaking white sand beach with dramatic boulders, turquoise waters, and undulating palm trees is the perfect place to soak up the sun and snorkel.
Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Madagascar, Africa’s most distinctive country, has yet to be discovered. Iconic creatures and flora can be found here and awe-inspiring scenery. Island Sainte-Marie is one of Madagascar’s most popular beach destinations, located just off the island’s east coast.The island of Île Sainte-Marie, off the coast of eastern Madagascar, used to be serviced by a little airstrip with a wheelbarrow to convey guests’ luggage to their hotel. There is never a cloud in the sky in this tropical paradise, and the beaches are lined with palm trees. A pirate cemetery is located near the island’s main town since it was once a favorite hideout for buccaneers in the 17th century. During the humpback whale season (July to September), you can see these majestic creatures up close and dive among stunning coral reefs.
Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Praia Tofo, Mozambique
You won’t find Mozambique on the typical backpacker’s itinerary. Few solo travelers venture here because of the area’s reputation as difficult and dangerous. In Tofo, whale sharks can be spotted in great numbers. Visit Tofo, Mozambique, and you might also see humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and other marine life. Why not? Tofo in Mozambique offers an eight-kilometer sand beach with crystal-clear water. In addition to beach bums and sand frolickers, it’s a great place for scuba divers and fishers to explore their passions.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Skeleton Coast in Namibia is a must-see for thrill-seekers who enjoy extreme activities. There is a 300-mile/500-kilometer stretch of coastline north of Swakopmund that is untamed. Due to its rugged terrain and the frigid Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the world’s last true wildernesses, despite its lack of sunbathing or socializing opportunities. Cape fur seals, desert elephants, and hyenas can be seen in abundance by nature-lovers. Shipwrecks like the Eduard Bohlen make for intriguing photographic subjects. This part of Skeleton Coast is only reachable via licensed fly-in safaris.
Ready to Start Planning Your African Beach Vacation?
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Are you searching for a dream beach to visit on your next holiday? Africa and its tropical islands are filled with seemingly endless beaches, making it hard for tourists and beach lovers to choose where to spend their time. If you’re looking for a private sandy stretch or the perfect combination of sun, sea, and satisfaction, Africa has perfect beaches for everyone. Relax on the fine sand of Africa’s best beaches in Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, and Madagascar but also Senegal, Mozambique, and Morocco are awaiting you. Here is our selection of some of the best beach destinations in Africa.
